Midwest Leather Kink Alliance

Connect with your community before the weekend even begins by joining the official MWLKA Discord server.

Whether you are looking to coordinate hotel room-shares, plan ride-shares from the airport, or discuss which education tracks you are most excited about (more information coming soon), our Discord space is open and active. This is the best place to meet fellow attendees, chat with organizers, and get real-time updates as we count down to the event.

Jump into the conversation today and join the server at https://discord.gg/pSRczWG2m6

We are making an intentional change to our venue structure this year. MWLKA will move away from a traditional hotel‑based event to prioritize the safety, comfort, and direct support of our LGBTQIA+ community.

All educational sessions, contests, and major activities will take place at Our Spot, located at 2810 E. 80th St., Kansas City, MO 64132. This dedicated community center provides crucial resources, including transitional housing, a food pantry, and a clothing closet for the Kansas City q***r community. A significant portion of your ticket sales will go directly toward supporting this vital organization. You can explore their mission at www.ourspotkc.org

While we do not have an official hotel room block this year, you have several excellent nearby lodging options depending on your travel preferences.

Options within 5 miles (Approximately an 8‑minute drive to the venue):
* Hampton Inn Kansas City Southeast (Approx. 3.5 miles away): 9484 Marion Ridge Dr., Kansas City, MO 64137
Reliable mid-range option with free breakfast and easy highway access.
* Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City South (Approx. 3.8 miles away): 8601 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, MO 64138
Budget-friendly option located very close to the venue.
* Sonesta Select Kansas City South (Approx. 4.5 miles away): 500 E. 105th St., Kansas City, MO 64131
Modern, clean, and a slightly higher-end choice.

Westport Area Options (15–20 minutes away, ideal for walkable food and LGBTQIA+ nightlife):
* Hilton (Formerly 816 Hotel): 801 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111
Located in the heart of Westport and close to prominent late-night community spots like Missie B’s, Woody’s, Sidekicks, and Side Street.
* AC Hotel by Marriott Kansas City Plaza: 560 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111
A stylish, modern hotel situated close to Westport entertainment.

North of the River Options (20–25 minute drive):
* American Inn: 1211 Armour Rd., N. Kansas City, MO 64116
An accessible, budget-friendly alternative.
* Holiday Inn Express: 1995 Macon St., N. Kansas City, MO 64116
A reliable chain hotel offering free breakfast and on-site parking.

We recommend checking your preferred online booking platforms and Airbnb, as they frequently offer competitive rates and additional neighborhood options. Secure your lodging early to plan your weekend smoothly.

The heart of our contest weekend lies in the courage, vulnerability, and leadership of the individuals who step onto our stage. Today, we are proud to officially introduce the exceptional contestants competing for a title at the 4th Annual Midwest Leather Kink Alliance event. These individuals represent the future of our regional communities, each bringing a unique vision for advocacy, education, and growth.

Meet the 2026 MWLKA Contestants (posted in the order that their applications were received):

slave Ashe: Ashe is a polyamorous pansexual human and the 2026 Indiana Leather Pride Person of Leather who explores darker kink dynamics and communities across Ohio.

Malka: Malka is the 2026 Wisconsin Person of Leather, a genderfluid sadomasochistic switch, and a specialized needle nerd who promotes body-neutral, inclusive spaces for extreme play styles.

Cade Raven: Cade Raven is a transgender leatherboy, disability and trans activist, and writer from Minnesota who has shared a twenty-year power exchange dynamic with his partner, Shay.

Tiger ONYX: Tiger ONYX is a genderq***r Butch Queen Leatherboy from Michigan who focuses his radical community advocacy on positive BIPOC representation, HIV/AIDS care, and q***r-focused support for abuse survivors.

Stepping up to run for a title requires immense dedication and a profound commitment to service. We look forward to watching each of them share their journeys, values, and passions with us throughout the weekend. Come out to support these fantastic individuals as they compete!

Get your tickets today and join us in cheering them on at https://mwlka.fun

Have you seen the start of the newest mural in Westport? We are honoring the long history of drag in KC and can not wait to see the finished product.

We are thrilled to introduce the incredible panel of judges who will be evaluating our contestants at this year's event. This year's bench brings together a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and decades of leadership from across the leather, kink, and pet play communities. From international titleholders to grassroots organizers, our judges are dedicated to fairness, integrity, and uplifting our community.

Meet the 2026 MWLKA Judging Panel:

Head Judge TC: TC is a Master, founder of House Cyclone, and former regional titleholder who brings extensive experience as a contest producer, educator, and organizational leader across Texas.

Judge Liza: Liza is a long-time International Master, educator, and co-founder of Long Term Hierarchical Relationships who has spent decades training humans and animals alike from her base in Portland.

Judge Cheshire Onyx: Cheshire Onyx is a Chicago-based member of Onyx, a bo***ge model, and the first Leather Bear of Color 2026 who aims to compete for North American Bear 2027.

Judge Jett Forte: Jett Forte is a nonbinary, polyamorous bear and former Midwest Person of Leather who is highly active across multiple leather, pet, and kink organizations throughout Missouri.

Judge Beauty: Beauty is the current Missouri Ms. Leather 2023-2024, a diverse switch, and an inclusive community advocate who hosts public education events and serves on committees for Rudis Leather Society.

Judge Hunter: Hunter is a q***r, transmasc pet, leatherboy, and slave holding the title of Inaugural Route 66 Pet for 2024 who focuses on education and creating safe spaces for neurospicy individuals.

Judge Princess Radiance: Princess Radiance is a bratty Black kitten, Co-Founder of the Felines of Color Collective, and regional titleholder with extensive experience judging prominent pet and leather contests.

We are honored to have these seven remarkable individuals guiding our contest this year. Take a moment to read through their backgrounds and prepare to welcome them to the judge's table this August!

Secure your place at the weekend event by grabbing your tickets early at https://mwlka.fun

Celebrating Our Midwest Master/slave 2025: Master Lucian and His slave Celina Raven

As their title year draws to a close, we want to honor and celebrate Lucian and Celina Raven, Midwest Master/slave 2025, for their dedicated service, profound vulnerability, and steady leadership across the region.

In reflecting on their time representing the Midwest, they shared:

"Throughout O/our time as Midwest Master and slave 2025, we have heard from so many members of our community what seeing open disability representation has meant to them. We have felt seen, heard, and opened up in ways we couldn't have imagined when we started this journey. The Midwest has had an incredibly difficult year. We've been called upon time and again, quietly, for an ear, for guidance, and for gentle reminders and those conversations have touched both of us in ways we will continue to carry with us always. Thank you for trusting us as leaders in this community."

Lucian and Celina, thank you for providing a safe harbor for so many, for your vital representation, and for leading our community with your hearts. Your legacy of care and guidance will carry forward.

Keep your eyes on our page... we will be announcing the MWLKA 2026 contestants very soon!

Celebrating Our Midwest Person of Leather 2025: Shay Raven

As we look toward the upcoming Midwest Leather Kink Alliance weekend, we want to take a moment to celebrate our phenomenal step-down titleholder, Shay Raven, Midwest Person of Leather 2025. Shay has represented our community with incredible grace, visibility, and power over the past year.

Reflecting on this transformative journey, Shay shared:

"My year as Midwest Person of Leather has been filled with unforgettable moments, from attending Women of Drummer as the new Midwest POL to preparing for and competing in International Person of Leather alongside Lucian and Celina, who were competing for International M/s. But the moments that have meant the most were the quiet conversations with people who told me my words, my visibility, and seeing someone my age in a title mattered to them. At 56, this journey has reminded me that being brave, showing up, and celebrating who you are never gets old."

Thank you, Shay, for your bravery, your inspiring leadership, and for showing our community what it means to show up fully as yourself. You have left an indelible mark on the Midwest Leather family.

Stay tuned, everyone... announcements for our MWLKA 2026 contestants are coming very soon!

🎉Today’s the DAAAAAY!🎉 Applications are due tonight! 🎉

Applications for Midwest Person of Leather and Midwest Master/slave are due today - May 31st! If you are interested in running, be sure to submit the application ASAP! 

- The Master/slave Contest is open to couples aged 21 and older. Master/slave applicants must have been in a dynamic for over one year. Apply now for the Master/slave Contest here: https://mwlka.fun/midwest-ms-documents
- The Person of Leather Contest is open to any individual aged 21 and older who represents the leather lifestyle. Apply now for the Person of Leather Contest here: https://mwlka.fun/midwest-pol-documents

🚨Applications due TOMORROW🚨

Applications for Midwest Person of Leather and Midwest Master/slave are due 🚨TOMORROW - May 31st🚨

- The Master/slave Contest is open to couples aged 21 and older. Master/slave applicants must have been in a dynamic for over one year. Apply now for the Master/slave Contest here: https://mwlka.fun/midwest-ms-documents
- The Person of Leather Contest is open to any individual aged 21 and older who represents the leather lifestyle. Apply now for the Person of Leather Contest here: https://mwlka.fun/midwest-pol-documents

Friendly reminder. Contest applications are open until 5/31. Could you be Midwests next Person of Leather or Master/slave. Find all our applications at MWLKA.fun.