Finn Gerhardt is a non-binary leatherperson, drag performer and vintage leather enthusiast hailing from the backwoods of Charles County, Maryland. Finn is the current Run Captain of COMMAND MC, a member of Clifton Pleasure Club, and served as Mx. Maryland Leather 2023. Finn most enjoys educating; teaching classes in Electro-Play, Sanitation and Disinfection of Kink Tools, Leather Restoration, Erotic Makeup Application, Trans Allyship, Public Speaking and more. Finn is the founder of the Leather in Action Initiative; a collective of activists dedicated to fighting discriminatory legislation in Maryland and beyond. Finn collects vintage clothing, including vintage leather, and enjoys giving new life to old pieces through the art and science of bootblacking. Finn is a licensed esthetician and makeup artist in both Maryland and Virginia, so whether its people or pelts, if its skin, Finn is all in.
Calendar
Dates coming soon....
March 2025
Thoughts From the Bootblack Bench
Even as I write this with the patch sitting on the table nearby (its vest is still in the mail), a full two weeks after the contest, it still feels kind of surreal to be the newest Northeast Person of Leather. I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to once again take up a mantle for the region I adore so deeply, and to follow in the bootsteps of the phenomenal individuals that held this position before me. We’ve hit the ground running, so let’s dive in, shall we?
Where Have I Been?
- Northeast Person of Leather
- Violet’s Bake Sale
- Levi & Leather: Mx. Maryland Valentine Edition
- Potomac Happy Hour at The District Eagle
Northeast Person of Leather
Earning this title was a team effort, and there are so many people I need to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to.
Forever first, my spouse Justin. When I told him I wanted to take up a visible platform again, I thought for sure he'd think I lost it. He might think that still, but what comes out in his words and actions is nothing but unconditional love and support. This guy is my home base, my protector, my partner. I wouldn't be able to do the things I do the way I do them without you.
Next, the boy of all boys, Matt. My scene partner, my handler, my sounding board, my Swiss Army Service Boy. Through the countless obstacles I've faced, you constantly reminded me of who I am and why I'm here. You've been as present for my challenges as you have my victories, and your relentless support drowned out any fear or doubt I may have had. It was your organized calm and anticipatory service that allowed me to put all my focus into bringing my best self to the stage. You honor me with every step you take, and I'm so proud to be your Thaddy.
My club siblings in COMMAND MC. Whether it was cheering me on or distracting me from the chaos, each one of you have had my back through everything. I'm so proud to wear this patch and to be doing the work with you crazy sluts.
To my auction basket sponsors: Smut Slam Baltimore/ Rebecca Rose Vassy, Wolfstryker Leather/ Todd Wolfstryker and Mason Stryker, Boneafide/ Kaos Drew ThePup and Omen ThePup , Le Chateau Exotique, Keystone Leather Contest, Maryland Leather Weekend/COMMAND MC and Spark Pupper, thanks to your willingness to say "Yes," to this wild adventure, I was able to put together two stacked baskets worth $460 EACH and give my winners products and experiences I fully stand behind. I can't wait to continue to show my love and appreciation for y'all's ventures for years to come. Thank you so much!
To my classmate, Red Buoy: You did an absolutely amazing job presenting your authentic self on stage, and it was a pleasure sharing space with you! I can't wait to see what you continue to do in this community, and I'm looking forward to visiting Provincetown this year.
To my Title Parent Jace The Caveat: Congratulations on an amazing year! You've given me big shoes to fill, and I promise to do right by you and Sir S'ango RoyalHeart in carrying on this title's legacy. Now go kick some ASS at International!
To our Judges, Tally's, Den Team, Producer Jack, Emcee and Staff: Thank you for your time, your energy, your hard work and your discernment. The level of organization and professionalism present in this contest was top tier.
To everyone who cheered me on, in that room and from home, thank you. To everyone who speaks out in support of the trans community in rooms we're not in, thank you.
Violet’s Bake Sale
I was planning on going to this event whether I won the title or not, as its truly one of my favorite events of the year. Helping auction off deliciously deviant desserts with my gorgeous friends to raise money for queer folks and sex workers in the DC area? Yes, please! The Potomac cake was an absolute showstopper, and the trans pride rainbow cookies COMMAND donated were a personal favorite. It was also lovely to get to catch up with folks from around the region that I don’t get to see as often.
Heartfelt thanks to Potomac MC, the staff at The Crucible, and everyone involved with Violet’s Bake Sale for letting me help out once again. Together, we collectively raised over $11,000 for HIPS and Rainbow History Project. That’s what community is all about!
Levi & Leather: Mx. Maryland Valentine Edition
My sash sibling, Mx. Maryland Leather 2025 Chris Jay, held their fundraiser at Clifton Pleasure Club. I loved the “Thirst Trap” theme, and it was loads of fun to come up with an outfit idea, even if my look was a bit impractical for the freezing weather. Their merch table was plentiful, and I got to pick up their GORGEOUS title pin to add to my growing collection. They also sold color shifting coffee mugs where penises or vaginas appeared when adding hot liquid. So cute! The house bootblack, Geoffrey, was in full effect. It’s always a pleasure watching him work.
All in all, it was a lovely time of sharing space with good friends. I can’t wait to see Chris absolutely rock it at International Ms. Leather/Bootblack, next month.
Potomac Happy Hour at The District Eagle
I’d been meaning to check out the new District Eagle on U Street in DC since it opened, and when Potomac MC announced they’d be hosting a happy hour there, I knew it was the perfect time to pop in!
In the leather world, the word “Eagle” brings a very specific image to mind. Red lights, chains, porn on the TVs, a dark room, a gear shop. The District Eagle has all the DNA of an Eagle bar packed into a small, speakeasy-style space. I was especially pleased to see the diversity in the staff, who were all every bit as kind as they were professional.
I was thrilled to see old friends and make new ones, and left excited for the future of that space. I could absolutely see myself hosting a bar night or two there, or maybe even signing up to work the bootblack stand. Big props to Potomac MC once again for their kind hospitality. I always feel so embraced in their spaces, and it makes me proud to be an associate member.
What’s Next?
I’ve got plenty of exciting things coming down the pipeline. Here are just a few places you’ll be able to find me:
- March 9th- Mixers Leather Contest: My boy, Matt, has decided to run in his very first title contest, so I’ll be cheering him on and celebrating Furby Smash’s incredible year!
- March 14th- Pennsmen’s Run: This run was one of my favorite events during my Maryland title year, and I’m so excited to have been invited back to teach my Electro-Play class! If you haven’t been to a Pennsmen’s Run, do yourself a favor and go for it!
- March 21-23, 28-30- “The Prom” at College of Southern Maryland: I’m performing in the ensemble of this absolutely adorable musical for a couple weekends in March. Stop by for a heart-warming, toe-tapping good time!
I’ll be keeping this space updated with more events as my calendar is constantly evolving. Until next time, I love you, I’m proud of you and I’m happy you’re here!
June 2025
Coming soon!
August 2025
Coming soon!
November 2025
Coming soon!
February 2026
Coming soon!