"I am thankful for those who encouraged me to run for Mr. Gladaman's Den which to my surprise I won. I would have never guessed that I'd be here today this year competing with my new friends for MLT." says Devin Thompson.

He's just been elected Mr. Gladaman's Den II (2010) and as such will go on to be a contestant in the annual Mr Leather Toronto contest occuring in late November. We wish him luck and are confident he will be more than up for the challenge!

An only child of parents who separated when he was a baby Devin says growing up without siblings made him a 'natural alpha'. Probably a good thing because he and his mother moved alot and he frequently had to make new friends and adjust to new surroundings.

"But, I wasn't spoiled, my mother always said if I wanted something I should work for it." And so Devin did beginning at age 13 to work on a farm and moving on to a diverse range of mainstream jobs in restaurants, hospitality, retail, finance as well as turning to not so mainstream work as a male stripper and exotic masseuse. These experiences allowed Devin to hone up his leadership skills, people skills and his sexual talents and permitted him to follow his passions -- creativity, working with his hands and helping people.

A longtime Toronto resident, Devin was born and grew up in neighbouring Peel Region. Being a country boy oiutdoor physical activity was a favourite pastime while at school he played physciallly demanding sports like hockey and lacrosse. Later he pursued his artistic bent by enrolling in an arts school majoring in music where he took voice trainnig and performing in five theatrical musicals.

Devin got involved with the leather community afew years ago first by being a leather fashion model for a RECON leather party at 'Folsom North'. Soon afterwards he modelled leatherwear for a photographer using his model fee to purchase his first piece of leather -- a pair of knee high boots and a leather singlet.

"Since then I have attended many leather social events and contributed to their charities, I've also invested in building up a nice leather wardrobe."

Devin appreciates the many people he's met in the leather community and the mentoring he has received in the ways of the 'Old Guard' and it's teachings. He vows to support, educate and preserve (or "guard") the way for future Leathermen.

Perhaps Devin is being modest when he says he's surprised about being elected Mr Gladaman Den II. His force of personality, his talents and skills and his commitment to the leather community in particular as well as to the broader gay community makes him a winner!