Women of Leather Interview - Jenniffer Allen

The latest entry in our series of women of leather interviews is here. This entry is with the very first Ms Iowa Leather (2014), Jenniffer Allen. I met her a few years ago when my Sir ran for Iowa Bear. She was introduced to me as Mama Jen, someone who cared deeply for her community.

1. What titles have you held?

Ms Iowa Leather 2014

2. What were you able to accomplish while holding your titles?

Nothing that I wasn't already doing. I was on the Titans of the Midwest board as well as part of the pansexual group in central Iowa before I was a title holder. I don’t feel being a title holder allowed me to do anything that I couldn’t or hadn’t already done.

3. What are the top three experiences you have had as a person of leather?

Being part of the IMsLBB class of 2014 was the best experience ever, getting to know people from all over the world and going through that journey with them was the absolute best thing ever.

Walking across the stage at MAL when not long before that year they didn’t let female title holders on stage. Traveling and having instant street cred because I had a sash, was interesting as I often felt like an imposter. As a seemingly heteronormative person married to a cis-gendered male, we were often questioned. Being a bi-sexual seems to be less than in most spaces except the Women’s Leather Community.

My trip to Alaska was the best experience ever and I know that I wouldn’t have been asked if it wasn’t for who I was, teaching at Northern Exposure will forever be my favorite core memory.

4. What are the bottom three experiences you have had as a person of leather?

Not being able to attend events because I am a cis-gendered female was the worst part of the entire experience.

Not being able to go in the back room of Touche in Chicago during Mr Chicago Leather contest.

Not being able to go to the Play Parties or dances at MAL for the same reason. Being part of the “cool kids” club wasn’t always a fun time often it came with unwanted scrutiny and attention.

5. Who are your top three people who have impacted your life?

a.My Husband is the top person as we went on this journey together, he was often the baggage handler and the chauffer and he never complained he just did what I needed him to do because I needed him to do it.

b.Sarha Shaubach International Ms Leather 2013 was my 2nd as she bucked social norms, she is and was unapologetically herself. She traveled from coast to coast on pennies and touched many hearts and souls. She continues to serve the community far and wide. I am thankful for all of her work in making spaces more cis-gendered female-friendly.

c.Patty Patty and Dara as even though they won the title the year I competed they never acted like they were better than any of us that competed they continued to be kind and welcoming to all of the siblings of the class of 2014. I am forever grateful for their friendships.

6. What are three things you see have improved?

1. Women are more accepted in spaces we weren’t previously.

2. More women teachers and judges at male events.

3. The number of contestants for genderless titles has increased.

7. What are three things you see have gotten worse?

1. The amount of money needing to be spent during the title year, its expensive to compete at the next level and if a producer has too many titles the funds are slim.

2. Too many titles in a concentrated area. Sometimes we need to pool resources to have a better amount of contestants and money to help with travel.

3. Women still feel less than. I don’t know if it's worse but it could be better.

8. What organizations are you a part of?

1. Capital City Bears

2. Titans of the Midwest

Although I need to make sure my dues are paid for both. I forget as I am not out and about as much.

9. What challenges do you see for the future?

Too many titles, the conversation needs to be had if titles serve the purpose they once did.

10. What projects or events are you currently working on?

I have moved my focus to family and helping my husband in the path he wants to take in our vanilla lives. I will continue to help with ILW and IMsLBB and teach when I can but for the most part, we are stepping away.

After meeting Mama Jen in person, I was honored to know a person who cared and loved her community and her chosen family. When I competed for Iowa Pet a couple of years ago, I and other competitors got to know her on a level only a competitor could. I am honored to know her and be part of the community where she is. That is because I know that she will stand up for that community. After all her friends and family, both blood and chosen, are loved by her. Her love for them knows no bounds.