Meet Richard ‘Cubby’ Colin, Mr. Leather Colorado 2022

16th May 2022 Sam Gomez

This year, the Leather Colorado Foundation produced five Leather title contests during the Colorado Leather Fest, from May 6th to May 8th 2022: Mr Leather Colorado, Colorado Bootblack, Ms Leather Colorado, Miss Leather Colorado, and Mr Colorado Rubber. The winner of the the 2022 Mr Leather Colorado title is none other than Richard ‘Cubby’ Colin.

Here we learn a little bit more about Richard, his background and work in the LGBTQ community, and how he continues to fight against hate.

Both Parents Lost to COVID-19

The pandemic started in early 2020 with Richard ‘Cubby’ Colin being furloughed from his day job, but he wasn’t terribly upset because that allowed him time to take care of his father, who was recovering from a stroke.

But while receiving care, his father contracted coronavirus – and then brought it home to Richard’s mother. By Memorial Day 2020, Cubby had lost both parents to COVID-19. (He was not able to bury them until August 2021.)

Rather than wallow in grief, Cubby, who was Mr. Leather Colorado 2019 at the time, did what he could for the community despite the lockdown. The social distancing continued, and his title was continued throughout the pandemic. Due to logistics, he has been asked to again continue to serve as Mr. Leather Colorado 2022.

Mr. Leather Colorado 2019. And 2020. And 2021. And 2022

“I am honored to be doing this again,” he told me in between gigs.

A trained sous chef, Cubby volunteers for many LQBTQIA++ organizations throughout Colorado and nationwide, doing whatever needs to be done. For example, he has volunteered for numerous fundraisers and events for many leather organizations throughout the country.

“He worked very hard during his title years [and] continues to work with many groups within the Leather Community,” says Michael Hobbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Leather Foundation, which produces the Mr., Ms., Miss and other contests. “He has reached out to unite other communities within the Colorado Leather Community.” A Big fundraising event is held at Build-A-Bear every holiday season.

He also works closely with the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire, helping raise funds for all who need assistance. He has attended pageants and fundraisers at Courts throughout the United States, and in honor of his hard work, the courts have often bestowed numerous coveted titles upon him.

“Cubby’s love and nonstop commitment to the LGBTQ community is second to none,” says Ken Maglasang, who, along with his partner Randy Minten, owns Denver Sweet, one of the top Bear / Gay bars in Denver, which has often hosted many of Cubby’s fundraisers and events.

It is not unreasonable to think that over his decades-plus of service that he has helped raise more than $100,000 for a variety of non-profits and people in need of help. Counting the man-hours would be a monumental task in and of itself.

Fighting Back Against Hate

Perhaps one volunteer effort than really makes his heart proud (and his blood boil) is when he is asked to help defend youth attending Drag Queen Story Hours. Hate protesters show up to bully children and parents at these events, and Cubby has been there to protect, serve, keep the peace – and keep a cool head.

“Every child deserves to be safe,” he told me. “No exceptions.”