Often overlooked in the leather community, there are many women who have been a part of it from the very beginning. During the AIDS crisis, many lesbians worked side-by-side with their leather brothers to raise money, care for the dying, and protest and speak up for AIDS funding.
Here in Palm Springs leather women were involved in the early founding of the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD), as well as others who were involved in their local leather communities, eventually moving here from other cities. This program will interview five women who have been involved with the leather community and they will share their stories and insights. Some have been influential for decades, while others have more recently become involved in the Leather Community.
Participant Bios:
Cindy Bookout, Ms. Oklahoma Leather 1993 & International Ms. Leather 1994* In1993, Cindy Bookout became the first Ms Oklahoma Leather, and the following year, she brought home the International Ms. Leather title. After decades of queer political activism, she settled down in the California desert and married a school teacher. A practicing medicine woman, she continues to build community via Queer Salon every May & October at the Joshua Tree Music Festival.
Shann Carr, Ms. Portland Leather Woman 1987 & International Ms. Leather 1988* Shann Carr, originally from Portland, Oregon, has lived in Palm Springs since 1998. Not only is she a titleholder, but she has emceed, judged, and contributed to more than 100 leather events for nearly 40 years. Among them National Leather Association, Mid Atlantic Mr Leather, Pantheon Of Leather Awards, International Mr. Leather, International Ms. Leather, and many others. She continues to be a prolific community organizer and fundraiser in Palm Springs with her most recent event being Art in the Park in the Dark.
Jessica Collins, Ms. Indulgence Spirit of Leather 2025* Jessica Collins is the first Ms. Indulgence Spirit of Leather 2025. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she has lived in the Coachella Valley since 2018. She has volunteered her time and worked with organizations such as Boo2Bullying, Palm Springs Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Greater Palm Springs Pride, Rainbow Youth Summit and more. At the Pride Center at the College of the Desert (Palm Desert, CA), she is the Sexuality and Gender Alliance Club (GSA) President and Pride Center Worker. Newer to the leather community, she loves expanding her knowledge and empathy to better help everyone no matter what identity they are!
Sarge, Ms. San Diego 2014 & International Ms. Leather 2015* Sarge (they/them) has been an active member of the Leather community since 2010, dedicated to mentorship, advocacy, and community-building. They proudly held the titles of Ms. San Diego Leather 2014 and International Ms. Leather 2015, using their platforms to uplift and empower women and gender-diverse individuals in the Leather and kink spaces. A disabled Army veteran, Sarge is deeply committed to helping women and gender-diverse vets navigate the VA system and access the benefits they deserve. Currently, Sarge is the co-owner of Desire Unchained (formerly Desire Leather), a weekend event in Palm Springs that fosters education, connection, and empowerment for women and gender-diverse individuals in the Leather community.
Victoria Rendall, also known as DJ Mixie, has been an active figure in the leather and music communities since the early 1980s. Her journey began with managing an all-female punk rock band, which introduced her to the leather scene and led to her deep involvement in the women’s leather community. In 1989, she expanded her influence by becoming a DJ for leather events and fetish clubs, a role she continues today at The Tool Shed, a renowned local leather club. Beyond her contributions as a DJ, Victoria has also served as Secretary and Vice President of Palm Springs Leather of the Desert, demonstrating her commitment to leadership and advocacy within the community.
Moderator
Lex Ortega, Board Member, LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert & Program Coordinator – Palm Springs, The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert*
Lex Ortega (they/them/elle) was born and raised in Palm Springs and was the first from their family to go to college where they graduated from Stanford University. Returning to the Coachella Valley, Lex worked as a marketing professional at DAP Health for six years before joining The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, where they currently serve as the Director of Programs, Palm Springs. A queer mixed-generation Mexican American person of color, Lex is excited to share local queer history, as well as how it has impacted queer, trans, and people of color in the Coachella Valley, whose stories have often not been documented.
This program is organized by LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2025, presented by One Institute.
LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert’s mission is to collect, preserve and make accessible the LGBTQ+ History of the Greater Palm Springs Area and the Coachella Valley.