Howdy y'all, welcome to the Thirty Fifth episode of the Kink Kloset.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce our next guest of the Kink Kloset, riding in from Houston Texas, we have the sensational Austin Abernathy! Before interviewing Austin, I would not have imagined the rollercoaster journey that he has been through. Upon graduating high school, moving to the big city, and getting ready for college, most young adults would be enjoying their new found freedom, Austin was reminded of his mortality. It was this time when Austin received his HIV diagnosis, which shifted his world for life, and felt isolated especially with the remorselessness of the person who passed on the virus to him. I had to hold back my tears when Austin recounted his depression talking about how he felt he "Didn't aspire to much" and "Stopped dreaming big and stopped smiling". Thankfully Austin received treatment early to help repair physically, yet it took many years and the support of his cherished friends to rebuild himself mentally to regain his self-worth. The biggest learning for Austin was how to be comfortable to safely play with others now that he is living with HIV, which is something we have not discussed on the Kink Kloset. For Austin, being transparent and honest with his status was non-negotiable with how he navigated play, to ensure everyone had agency and all avenues were able to be discussed respectfully. It is a reminder for all of us about safe and consensual play practices for which I applaud Austin for employing to help him reconnect with his kink side. Austin recollects from this period of his journey and says "going through darkness to become a champion", which is a strong premonition for what is yet to come.

Upon coming out the other side of his personal darkness, Austin started to reconnect with leather and the queer community through working at his local leather bars. Leather was always required, and a few simple pieces kickstarted his hunger for more. It was during this time he was introduced to leather contests and studied with deep fascination to learn the fabric of a community representative. The Mr Firedancer title resonated with Austin as it is an intentional 2 year leather title with strong values tied to the native lands for which it is founded on, resulting in a dedicated focus on community growth/projects. Already in Austin's first year he has smashed his community fundraising goals being a real force for good both locally, statewide, and in the online sphere. What has been a humbling moment for this community leader, is when helping out the Trans community with legal barriers, he was told by folx "You might not remember my face after today, yet I will remember yours and will not forget the kindness you showed me here in my time of need", which was the light he was given during his HIV treatment to help him become a champion.

It is time to soar into the Thirty Fourth episode of the Kink Kloset!

Charging into the Kink Kloset riding on the Welsh Dragon is none other than Pendragon Nic! Pendragon Nic grew up in Wales and had his earliest memories of leather from the satchel given to him as a gift where the smell of it permeated throughout his room feeding his curiosity. Leaving Wales as an early adult, Nic ventured down under to Australia where he started a family. It was for many years Nic focused on his family and any development of his kink journey was left just in thought, not to be acted on. One day, Nic finally gave himself the freedom to explore kink and started to embrace what was bubbling deep inside. Since embarking on his kink journey, Nic has become a staple within the Australian kink and fetish community, especially being an active participant at Sydney events. In 2023, Nic felt it was time to step within the community and was successful in becoming the 2023 Pride of The Hide and has took the title in his stride.

Pendragon Nic's kink journey has not always been smooth sailing. Unfortunately Nic has been through tough experiences which he wishes no other kinksters to go through (TW: abuse). To his strength, Nic has shown outstanding resilience by channeling his community work into charities and community programs to help combat abuse and help with sex education. Beyond his community work, Nic has been one of the most visible titleholders of his cohort, with one of the highest event attendance and ability to show visibility in alternative kink events which has fostered greater collaboration within the community. Nic has been a fantastic advocate for The Hide as the 2023 Pride of The Hide, and looks forward to representing The Hide on the international stage this coming May in Chicago for the 47th International Mr Leather competition.

Get your wheels shined up and your dash detailed as it is the Thirty Third episode of the Kink Kloset!

Pull up into the Kink Kloset in style is none other than the fabulous Awksity! Awksity joins us from Boorloo/ Perth in Western Australia, where they are a steward of the fetish and bear communities. Being a kinkster in Booroloo/ Perth felt isolating for Awksity as there was no prominent community to allow for them to freely express their fetishes. Instead, Awksity connected with other kinksters online and was fortunate enough to be mentored and travel around Australia to develop their passion for kink and fetish. It didn't take long for Awksity to become driven to create spaces for kinksters in Booroloo/ Perth and was welcomed in by the Perth Bears community to join in their kink nights. Come 2020, Awksity took the plunge and was successful in becoming Mr Bear Perth 2020 promoting their message of body positivity and challenging the assumptions of the bear community. It didn't stop there as they went on to become Mr Australasia Bear 2021 wherein they served the community post COVID travelling across the nation and helping bridge the gaps between the bear and kink communities.

Body positivity hits differently with Awksity as they experienced the shallow side of those who only noticed them after a weightless journey and appealing to the traditionally attractive body shape. This did not sit right with Awksity and further encouraged them to work on accepting themselves and work towards the visibility of those who get overlooked. Transformation, growth, and acceptance, are all strong themes which resonate with Awksity and we discuss these in detail throughout this episode. Each stage of their kink journey has not been without their own challenges, yet often at times there have been special people which have helped them overcome any barriers. :)