Bri Burning - 2

My International Person of Leather Title Vest – a Symbol, a Shift, a Legacy

In the final days of January 2020, I stood on a stage in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was named International Person of Leather. I had no way of knowing that the world would soon pause. That just weeks later, a global pandemic would shift everything—our communities, our connections, our expressions of leather, and our means to survival. My title year turned into four: a journey through virtual spaces, digital panels, fundraisers, education sessions, protests, and even leather visibility in unexpected places like Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

My vest was born in that strange moment between celebration and uncertainty. Crafted by Abraided Leather, it became more than just my title vest—it became a comfort, a shield, and a mirror. As a fat-bodied person, finding leather that fits and affirms is an act of resistance and love. Shane didn’t just create something that fit me—he reminded me that I deserved to take up space, to feel powerful, and to be seen exactly as I am.

This vest is personal to the very threads. The left front panel proudly displays the ageplay flag, honoring my identity as a little as a core part of me as a leather person. The right panel holds the leather umbrella, designed by my leather brother, The Facilitator, representing our chosen leather family and the symbol that means there is enough room for all of us. Shane recreated that design in leather and stitched it to my vest so they'd always be close.

The back carries the weight and pride of my International Person of Leather 2020 patch, marking a title that forever changed me. The front bears my pronouns, a binky holder, and a mix of personal and shared pins—tokens from loved ones, reminders of support, growth, and kinship. One side is dedicated to event pins from my home events, both at Northwest Leather Celebration and South Plains Leatherfest. They grounded me in the events that shaped my path and the communities that raised me.

This vest became more than just my title vest—it became a living testament to the moments I’ve experienced, the work, and the people who have impacted me and many others around them. It’s been worn through virtual education, deep heart-to-hearts, moments of grief and celebration, at protests, and fierce acts of community care. It has held me during loss and kept me grounded through triumph. Over these four years, it supported me in advocating alongside countless others protesting for justice, equality, and freedom, and coming together to fight for our rights, learn, and unlearn from unjust systems. This vest carried the weight of those actions and the love of those who continue to fight.

It is, at times, a symbol. At times, a target. But always, it is a responsibility—a call to serve with integrity, love, and truth. It holds the legacy of my title siblings who came before me and the promise to those who will follow. It reminds me that there is no one true way to be leather—this path is deeply personal, infinitely adjustable, and always evolving. It is my armor, my passion, and my service to my community and my relationships. I wear it proudly and it feels like a hug when the world is too heavy.

This vest doesn’t just represent a title year. It represents survival. Connection. Protest. Growth. Play. Family. It reminds me that I do not have to be anything other than myself to be leather enough. And that… is everything.