The contest is open to all gender identities, sexualities, abilities or disabilities, and bootblack skill levels.

This year we have 3 very skilled bootblacks competing for the title of UK Bootblack 2024

Astrid

Astrid (she/her) is a trans woman and butch leatherdyke who has been bootblacking professionally under the moniker “Bvtch Boots” since January 2023.

She runs regular bootblack stands at London-based dyke events and venues, including her local FLINTA Bar, Goldie Saloon. She was runner-up for the Bootblack Europe 2024 title, and is currently the acting chair of an as-yet-unannounced Leather Club for dykes in London.

One of Astrid’s biggest ambitions is helping to reestablish a diverse and widespread leatherdyke community in London. Through this, she wants to help other communities like it flourish throughout the country. She has felt the camaraderie of leatherdykes first hand and believes it should be a gift available to more than the fortunate few who stumble into smaller, private groups. Equally as much as caring for leathers and the erotic satisfaction that comes from it on both ends, Astrid places immense importance in a bootblack’s role as an oral historian of the leather scene. She not only learns as much as she can about that which came before her but tries her best to share that knowledge with others, and record what she can of what is accomplished in the scene today.

Joshi

Joshi (he/him) has been an active member of the Manchester leather community since joining in 2014. In the early years, he held several roles before stepping back to focus on his side hustle as a fetish, events and portraits photographer. Alongside his photography, he is a dedicated member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, where he promotes awareness and supports local events. After attending events in and outside Manchester, Joshi became intrigued by bootblacking and its role in fostering community spirit. Although he initially attempted bootblacking early on, he lacked the techniques and understanding to pursue it seriously. However, since 2022, Joshi has made his mark in the local leather scene by offering bootblacking services at events or privately. His favourite boots to work on are Wesco, Chippewa, and Dehner boots, which have left a lasting impression on him through various leather artworks. These iconic boots have been central to shaping his journey, fuelling his passion for leather culture and craftsmanship.

Parker

Parker (they/them) is an experienced community and UK KRueL Leather Family bootblack with a love for coloured leather, dress shoes, and technical repair. They arrive at the bootblacking stand equipped for trainers, suede, and nubuck, and enjoy negotiating an erotic scene as much as making chair virgins feel comfortable during their first shine. They co-run the monthly UK Bootblack Munch at the Birmingham Bizarre Bazaar where novices learn the craft hands-on and seasoned bootblacks finesse their expertise and enjoy camaraderie on the stand.

As a disabled, trans activist, Parker is committed to intersectional accessibility and to foster inclusive community in Leather and kink for those who often feel sidelined at mainstream kink events. They are not only a member of Proteus Trans Leather Club (UK & Ireland Chapter) but also one of the admin forces behind the scenes who brought about Proteus’ newsletter and their first play party Eros & Agony. They are a co-founder of Vulpine Events, which centres queer, trans, and POC voices in Leather and kink spaces. As a member of the UK KRueL Leather Family, they are committed to carrying forth the Leather ethos ‘each one – teach one’ through facilitating workshops, immersive experiences and community events.