01/27/2026
WELL… IT’S ABOUT TIME YOU ALL KNOW.
Yes—the new 2026 Mid-Atlantic Leather patch
was made by RA INC.
This piece was digitally designed by me, based on the original MAL centaur design, and intentionally reimagined to reflect people of all walks of life and People of Color.
As a POC myself, it was important to me that those who were not always placed in the foreground are still seen, honored, and represented—especially for their actions, labor, care, and leadership during the 1980s–1990s HIV/AIDS epidemic. That history matters. Those people matter.
This patch was created to honor the past while carrying it forward—representing a new generation of leather and a deeper, more inclusive way of understanding our community. What we need right now is growth, connection, and community-building—not division. We need to focus on what connects us and build from there.
From a craft standpoint, this piece is fully handmade—from start to finish:
• Digitally designed
• Laser engraved onto leather
• Hand-painted and sealed
• Backed with veg-tan leather, hand-dyed
• Finished with hand-cut lettering for a unique, tactile presence
This isn’t mass-produced.
This isn’t disposable.
This is intentional work, made with care, history, and purpose.
Seeing it worn by the winner is an honor.
Seeing it carry meaning forward is the point.
Being recognized as an up-and-coming leather maker humbles me—and pushes me to work even harder. It affirms that my instincts, designs, and craftsmanship make an impact in this community.
Thank you to everyone who supports independent makers, q***r artists, and leather rooted in history and care.
RA INC — Feel the rush of custom-made leather.
📩 Contact: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: |
Washington, D.C. — Gage Ryder took home the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026 this past weekend during the iconic Mid-Atlantic Leather (MAL) Weekend, held annually in Washington, D.C. Ryder cu…
