"My name is Holger, I'm nearly 60 and I'm from Leverkusen, near Cologne. 

I first came into contact with fetishism when I was 12. Back in 1978, there was a pop band called the ‘Village People’. At school, everyone was talking about the Worker and the Native American, and it sparked a real craze.

I didn’t have an opinion on the matter, but I secretly admired the leather guy. My thoughts even wandered to the point where I wanted to have this leather guy at home. 

When I was 18, I used my apprentice’s wages to buy my first pair of leather trousers in a small boutique in Cologne, near the Maria im Kapitol church. I was proud of them and wore them as often as I could. 

Then came a difficult period, and above all, my weight started to increase. My heaviest weight was 180 kg. In 2016, I had gastric sleeve surgery; I lost a considerable amount of weight, but it still wasn’t enough. 

About three years ago, I put up pictures of guys in leather all over the flat and in the loft, and it worked – I lost 50kg through discipline and patience, and my leather clothes fit me again.

Thanks to some lovely people I went out with, I became a member of the FLC (Frankfurt Leather Club) and the Spanish ILBS (International Leather and Boots Spain), and following the 2025 CSD in Leverkusen, I also joined Rheinfetisch.

I enjoy the club scene in various languages and get involved. Working behind the bar, manning the cloakroom and acting as an event photographer are tasks I undertake with pleasure and dedication. I believe there is still more potential here, which is why I would like to stand as a candidate for the title of Mr. Fetish NRW 2026.

I’d like to see clubs and associations working even more closely together, with regular exchanges and events to promote visibility and tolerance. I’m not just a fetishist, but also a bear – a combination I really like. 

I also want to be a point of contact for people who, for whatever reason, don’t feel comfortable going public with their fetishes, because I would have liked to have had someone like that myself. I’d be delighted to hear from anyone, either online or at the CFP Boat on 24 May 2026 (Whit Sunday).’

You can find Holger on Instagram as lederchubby>.

My introduction to the fetish community began at a very early age. As you grow up, you explore your feelings and desires, and at some point you sense that there is something that deeply fascinates you – something you want to understand, experience and get to know. Eventually, you pluck up the courage to meet people who will guide you along this path and help you take those first steps.

At MSC Rote Erde Dortmund, I found like-minded people, was able to share experiences and make valuable contacts. Thanks to the dedicated work of the members, I came to know more and more facets of the diverse world of fetishism.

One of my early projects was what later became the Leder-Stammtisch in Düsseldorf – an open meeting place outside the club scene, a space for conversation, exchange and visibility. Back then, social media didn’t exist yet, and the internet was still in its infancy. For many, this Stammtisch was the first step towards revealing their fetish in a public setting at all.

This was followed by several years of active involvement with CSD Düsseldorf. My aim has always been to bring people together, strengthen networks and build a community that stands up for one another. Standing still has never been an option for me – new ideas, new approaches and new projects are what drive me. Through my many years of experience in the media industry, I have learnt to approach people directly and engage in conversations that make a difference.

I currently work in the social sector, in care and support. Perhaps this very work will open up new opportunities in the future to build bridges – between communities, different walks of life and people who have had little contact with one another until now.

I would like to use this title to expand our commitment to inclusion within the queer community, to connect existing networks, and to strengthen valuable relationships in the long term.

For me, bringing fetishism more into the public eye means breaking down the outdated image of it being perverse and sleazy that still clings to it. At numerous Pride events, I have found that openness fosters understanding: when you reach out to people, you are met with curiosity, respect and genuine interest.

Interest in our community is far greater than it might seem at first glance – many do not openly identify as part of it, but follow our issues closely and show solidarity. At the same time, inclusion within the gay community and the fetish scene must be given much greater priority, particularly in times of political cutbacks. People with disabilities and those from marginalised backgrounds need genuine, equal participation – even in areas where barriers have hitherto been invisible but nonetheless effective.

You can find Michael on Instagram as cuirgay>.

"My name is Tim, also known as Aramis. I'm 38 and have been part of our community since 2018. 

My journey took me from my first steps with the Puppy community all the way to member of a club board in 2025. 

I’m bold, cheeky and always have new ideas up my sleeve – shaped by my front-row experience and my keen eye for the scene.

Networking rather than business. For me, the key lies in direct communication between the clubs. I am committed to strengthening non-commercial groups, as they are at the heart of our scene and need our full support.

I would like to launch a new version of the Fetish Network and bring together all the clubs and non-clubs in North Rhine-Westphalia that work on a non-commercial basis for the benefit of us all.

I would like to work with Rheinfetisch and RheinPuppy e.V. to lay the foundations for youth work. My focus will primarily be on North Rhine-Westphalia.

If you’re looking for fresh ideas and an open dialogue, you’ve come to the right place! I look forward to working with you and exploring new avenues together!"

You can find Tim | Ari on Instagram as pup_aramis>.

Mr. Fetish NRW represents our fetish community in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany and abroad. He does all this on a voluntary basis and at his own expense. Rheinfetisch e.V. supports him with an amount of €500. However, this does not cover all costs.

If you would like to support Mr. Fetish NRW, please donate to the Mr. Fetish NRW Travel Fund. Unfortunately we cannot issue a donation receipt for this, but 100% of the donation goes to the Mr. Fetish NRW.

Rheinfetisch e.V.

Sparkasse KölnBonn

DE13 3705 0198 1900 6881 18

BIC COLSDE33XXX

Intended use: Mr. Fetish NRW Travel Fund

We thank you for your support on behalf of Mr. Fetish NRW.