“I’m ready for all of it!” You can hear the excitement in his voice. Jacob James is Mr. Ramrod 2023 and he is ready for the most important week of his reign: representing the Ramrod at International Mr. Leather (IML) in Chicago.

But before he goes, James is holding a massive sendoff party to raise some money and feel the love from his friends inside and outside of the leather community. This Sunday, May 21, from 9 p.m. to midnight, Ramrod is hosting his IML sendoff party with an Enforced Dress Code Night.

Boots, plus two pieces of leather, or fetish wear are required to enter the back patio area for Enforced Dress Code. Inside, a raffle and silent auction will be inside the bar in the pool room. Items include gift baskets from places like Apt 9F, Leatherwerks, Pride Factory, Alibi, and more.

Support from inside the leather community is a given, it’s the support he’s receiving from the broader community that truly movies him.

“It's so overwhelming,” he said. “I cannot believe the support I have as a South Florida leather leader. It’s been so heartwarming.”

James has competed in IML before and is originally from Chicago, so he has an inside track on many of the contestants. But he says he’s not competing against them, he’s only competing against himself.

“I’m going to have a fun time, bond and create friendships that are unbreakable with the other 55 men competing with me.”

As for his reign as Mr. Ramrod 2023, his goals are building the community, creating inclusivity, and inspiring others to want to do better in the community.

“One thing that melts my heart the most is seeing others succeed in their best abilities. That’s what makes me the happiest.”