CONTESTANTS

Interested in competing for Iowa Leather, Iowa Bear, or Iowa Pet at ILW 2026? Application form coming soon!

Our mission is to cultivate a respectful, informed, and inclusive environment where individuals exploring kink/fetish can do so safely, confidently and without judgement. We are committed to promoting enthusiastic, informed consent, supporting personal boundaries, and uplifting the physical and emotional well-being of all participants.
Through education, communication and community accountability, we seek to empower people to engage authentically while reducing harm, preventing abuse, and fostering connection grounded in trust and mutual respect. We believe that kink/fetish can be joyful, affirming and transformative when practiced responsibly, and our purpose is to ensure everyone has access to the knowledge, support and safety necessary to explore with freedom and care.

General Guidelines: Contestants must be age 21 years or older, and be a current resident of the State of Iowa or an adjoining state (NE, MO, IL, MN, SD, WI). Contestants must show proof of identity with a current state or federal government issued Identification card at the time of contestant check-in. A complete contestant handbook will be provided ahead of the contest

Contest Categories
(full contest description provided to contestants in advance of ILW 2026)

1. Bar Wear - In the Bar Wear category, contestants will be judged on their ability to interact with the crowd both on and off the stage, including a pop question on stage.

2. Interview - During the Interview, judges get 10 minutes to ask questions to get to know each contestant better. Criteria includes: application matches the person, community engagement, communication skills, and quality of answers.

3. Fantasy - Contestants will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity by enacting a fantasy of theirs on stage during Saturday night’s contest. Criteria includes: clear vision, preparedness, stage presence, time limit (5 minutes including setup and tear down), and engagement.

4. Image/Speech - Contestants will be given 90 seconds to share a message that is important to them. Whether it's bringing awareness to an issue, telling a meaningful story, or reciting erotic poetry, contestants have the freedom to use their 90 seconds as they choose.