Safety | Int'l Mr. Leather

Event Guidelines

When registering for IML, each attendee will be asked to sign a copy of these event guidelines so they are fully informed regarding the culture and high-level guidelines for the event.

I understand that IML is an adult gay leather/kink space catering to a community with its own non-mainstream cultural norms which may not be suitable for all.

I understand IML is dedicated to safety including unwanted physical interactions. While a ‘No,’ frown, or brushing a hand away are ways to do this, IML has an Incident Response Team in place to handle those who receive a clear verbal or non-verbal signal to stop and don’t. If an incident requires official IML intervention, you can contact our Incident Response Team at 773-901-9339. We also recommend every attendee read the Travel and Safety Tips.

Code of Conduct and Consent Policy

IML expects all attendees, staff, and volunteers to behave ethically and responsibly. We desire to provide a safe space for learning, socializing, and healthy play. If you are unable or unwilling to honor and respect other attendees, IML is not the event for you at this time.

All IML attendees are expected to recognize and respect an individual’s body autonomy. The spaces that IML strives to create encompass a variety of levels of physical intimacy between consenting adults. No matter which of these spaces you are in, no matter what gear you are wearing, it is entirely your choice regarding what is done to your body, and you are expected to extend the same respect to others.

No means no. Nonconsensual predatory behavior, abuse, or intimidation, be it physical, emotional, visual or verbal, in person or online, is not welcome at this event. While negotiations about consent can be both verbal and non-verbal, a clear expression of “no” or “stop” must always be respected and honored. No is always no.

Deliberate and aggressive violations of consent will result in being ejected from the event. Above all, IML strives to create an environment that feels safe and comfortable for all attendees. Those who disrespect the rights, comfort, and safety of other attendees will not be tolerated and offending parties will be removed.

The Incident Response Team (IRT) is here to assist, support, and help handle consent issues in the way most comfortable to you. They can be contacted at 773-901-9339. The IRT has been trained in conflict resolution and will be available should you need initial counseling, mediation with an offending attendee, referrals, or the involvement of law enforcement. How the situation is handled is entirely up to you.

Travel and Safety Tips

Most of the safety material provided by the nonprofit safety organization, SafetyBlows. If you want to see all their safety tips, visit their site’s Safety page.

IML Wants You Safe!

IML is dedicated to your safety. Along with our Event Guidelines AND Code of Conduct and Consent Policy, we’re providing additional travel and safety tips.

At Registration, you may be provided safety whistles and instruction cards on how to use them. Please DO NOT blow the whistles unless there is an emergency safety situation. If you don’t receive a whistle, visit the SafetyBlows table in the Vendor Market.

Chicago is considered one of the safest cities in the US for LGBTQ people per this “The Safest US Cities for LGBTQ+ Travelers in 2025” article from MisterB&B. That said, one can never be too safe. We suggest every IML attendee review the travel and safety tips.

Safety Traveling to the Event

These travel guidelines are high-level, general suggestions based on the current cultural climate in the United States at the time they were written. The IML organization can’t ensure all safety aspects are covered or if the rules or climate will change. We strongly recommend visitors to the US do research ahead of their trip to ensure they’re abiding by the best safety and security suggestions just prior to the event. The tips aren’t intended to make you unduly afraid but rather help reduce risk.

As always, consult the latest prohibited and restricted items per the U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP) before packing.

When crossing the border by land or entering by air, realize travelers to the US have few rights. You can refuse to answer questions from CBP, but that can result in heightened suspicion and possibly your screening being extended or even being denied entry.

CBP can search your electronic devices, and it’s not just phones and laptops. They can search digital cameras, smartwatches, tablets, external hard drives, or any other electronic devices. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) suggests the extremely conservative mindset is to assume that your devices may be searched.

Leave devices you won’t need during IML at home. Consider whether you can function at IML with just a phone.

If CBP wants to search your device, such as your phone, you may be asked for your password or to unlock the device yourself. If you agree to your device being searched, the ideal situation is to unlock it yourself and not share your password. You can decide to consent to your device being searched or not but declining comes with its own risks. EFF says: “This presents a no-win dilemma. If a traveler complies, then the agents can scrutinize and copy their sensitive digital information. If a traveler declines, then the agents can seize their devices and subject the traveler to additional questioning and detention.” Worst case scenario if you refuse to comply, CBP can confiscate your device. If they do, make sure to get a property receipt.

Don’t wipe your phone. Instead, delete any data, texts, photos, images, or social media you’d rather CBP not see selectively rather than wiping your whole device.

If you bring your phone or laptop to IML, considering uploading sensitive information to a cloud storage service that uses end-to-end encryption, then delete originals from your device.

Disable facial recognition and fingerprint access to your devices and make sure you have a strong password for access.

Log out of all social media.

For a comprehensive guide to digital privacy for travelers to the US, we recommend you consult the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Safety while Inside & Outside the Host Hotel

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings when walking, driving, or hanging out.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation & find a place where you feel safer.

If possible, don’t go places alone. Take a friend with you. Identify a support network of friends you can count on during IML.

Communicate your location and plans with others. Check in with them when you arrive or leave & when you plan on returning.

When arriving someplace, scan and decide on an exit plan or escape route if needed.

If you see something, say something. Alert a volunteer or staff member if you notice something or someone suspicious.

Calmly defuse potentially volatile situations without confrontation, or if you can remove yourself entirely from the situation.

Stay calm and focused during emergencies so you can respond effectively.

Be aware of potential threats and report suspicious activity to an IML volunteer or staff member. Concerning situations could include seeing unattended items, people acting nervously or suspiciously, unexplained odors, or vehicles moving in abnormal patterns or appearing to circle areas.

Avoid places, situations, or people that make you uncomfortable.

Coordinate with a trusted friend to watch out for each other, especially in large gatherings or unfamiliar environments. Agree on a code word or signal to discreetly signal discomfort or danger.

Regularly check in with friends throughout a party or social gathering to ensure everyone is accounted for and safe.

Don’t leave with someone you don’t know well. If leaving with someone you don’t know, consider snapping a selfie with the person and sending it to a friend along with your destination address.

If you’re hooking up, follow the “buddy up, hook up, follow up” way to stay safe. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence explain that in their Safety Program.

If leaving a party or gathering, inform a friend or your group if you’re heading home or elsewhere.

Avoid tagging your location in real-time. You can post those details after leaving the area.

Avoid excessive intoxication that impairs judgment or reaction time.

Don’t be afraid to say no or disengage from a conversation. If a stranger is asking for help with something and you feel uncomfortable, politely tell them you can’t help right now and keep moving.

Do not engage with anyone who appears hostile in any way. Remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. If someone yells a slur or hate speech, don’t engage. Immediately get yourself to a place you feel safe. If someone appears a risk to IML attendees, report that immediately to a volunteer or staff member.

Learn to say no and set boundaries with others without feeling badly. Be assertive in situations that make you uncomfortable. If your safety might be at risk, have the confidence to leave.

You do not have to engage in conversation or argue with someone. It is your choice to walk away.

Prearrange transportation with a designated driver or rideshare app before going out, or utilize the transportation provided by IML to and from the Friday and Saturday contest events.

In the event of a shooting, remember Run-Hide-Fight. Escape the situation by finding the nearest safe exit and encourage others to follow. Hide in a safe location until help arrives, choosing locations that provide concealment and barriers (for example, behind heavy furniture). Make sure to silence your phone. If fighting back, use improvised weapons (for example, chairs, fire extinguishers) to incapacitate the shooter, aiming for vulnerable areas.

When ordering or receiving a drink, ensure you see it being prepared to avoid tampering. Order your own drink or be extremely careful about who you might accept a drink from.

Don’t leave your drink unattended or unwatched to reduce the potential for being drugged.

If you’re not sober, don’t drive.

If you use recreational drugs, let someone in your social group know what you are using in case something goes wrong and medical professionals need to get involved.

If you choose to drink or use substances, set clear personal limits and avoid mixing different types.

You can never be fully certain of what is in a drug. Use fentanyl and xylazine testing strips to make sure these drugs are not present in the substances you are using.

If overdosing on an opioid, using Narcan/Naloxone nasal spray will stop the effects of the drug and can save your life.

If you are sober, there are recovery meetings during IML you can attend. Check the event schedule for meetings or ask a volunteer or staff member for information. Please respect the sobriety and anonymity of sober IML attendees.

If possible, don’t walk alone. Ask a friend or someone else around you to walk to your car or another location.

Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention. Don’t be distracted by your phone or wear headphones in both ears.

Stay in well-lit public areas. Avoid cutting through parks, open fields, alleys, or other shortcuts.

When possible, approach corners or building edges at a distance to avoid surprise confrontations.

If you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs, ask for assistance in getting to where you need to go.

Walk with confidence and purpose while scanning your environment regularly to show you are alert and aware of your surroundings. Be aware of body language showing vulnerability which can include looking around nervously.

Listen for footsteps behind you and be aware of other experiences like smelling cigarette smoke that could signal someone close that you might not see.

Utilize reflective surfaces like windows or mirrors to discreetly observe if someone is following you.

Carry a personal alarm (physical or phone app), whistle (such as the IML SafetyBlows whistles), or other safety equipment such as pepper spray, stun gun, or taser to draw attention to your situation to get assistance or discourage attackers. Make sure your equipment is easily accessible.

Don’t walk with your phone in your hand. It’s a temptation for a snatch and grab.

If you feel like you are being followed by someone on foot or in a car, turn around and check, then cross the street or change directions. Go to a public place to seek assistance or call the police.

Identify nearby safe places, such as police stations, well-lit stores, or populated areas where you can seek help if needed.

Walk on the side of the sidewalk facing oncoming traffic to prevent vehicles from easily pulling up beside you.

Code of Conduct and Consent Policy

Event Guidelines

Travel and Safty Tips

INTERNATIONAL MR. LEATHER®

Event Guidelines

Code of Conduct and Consent Policy

Travel and Safety Tips

Safety Traveling to the Event

Safety while Inside & Outside the Host Hotel

IML

4422 N. Ravenswood Ave

Current Titleholder

International Mr. Leather 2024
Jamal Herrera-O'Malley

Join the IML mailing list

Event Guidelines

Code of Conduct and Consent Policy

Travel and Safety Tips

Safety Traveling to the Event

​Safety while Inside & Outside the Host Hotel

IML

4422 N. Ravenswood Ave

Current Titleholder​​​​

International Mr. Leather 2024 Jamal Herrera-O'Malley

Join the IML mailing list

Safety while Inside & Outside the Host Hotel

Current Titleholder

International Mr. Leather 2024
Jamal Herrera-O'Malley