MATT VECANSKI- MR. PROVIDENCE EAGLE LEATHER: INTERVIEW

This interview is part of a larger series dedicated to sharing the diverse stories of leather community members. Through these conversations, the series aims to celebrate unique journeys, inspire connection, and empower diversity within our community. By amplifying voices and experiences, it highlights the strength that comes from inclusion and collaboration.

MEET MATT VECANSKI (HE/HIM), MR. PROVIDENCE EAGLE LEATHER 2022, AND MISS VIVIENNE VAGEMITE. MATT'S JOURNEY INTO THE LEATHER COMMUNITY BEGAN WITH A LEAP OF VULNERABILITY.

After moving to America, his first experience at a Boston fetish night pushed him beyond his comfort zone and introduced him to the welcoming warmth of chosen family. Inspired by the kindness of a titleholder he met later that year, Matt embraced the values of connection, inclusion, and uplifting others that are central to the leather community. As both a leader and a collaborator, Matt brings a unique perspective shaped by his background as a jazz musician and tabletop gamer. His leadership is grounded in creating inclusive spaces where others can explore their identities confidently and safely.

Balancing his multifaceted passions—music, drag, and community involvement—has been a challenge, but Matt has learned the importance of prioritizing time and maintaining health to better serve others. His vision for the leather community is one of solidarity and inclusivity, ensuring safe spaces and opportunities for all, especially the most vulnerable among us. For anyone beginning their journey, Matt’s advice is simple yet profound: leather is not defined by what's in your wardrobe but by the passion in your heart and the strength you bring to building community.

1.WHAT INITIALLY INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN AND BECOME A PART OF THE LEATHER COMMUNITY?

Community -My first steps in any leather community really began after I moved to America. It was my birthday and coincidentally a monthly fetish night at Machine in Boston. I was so unsure of myself and my body, even the idea of being shirtless in public embarrassed me. The bartender there made me feel welcomed, gave me a free drink and encouraged me to be more confident in my own skin. It was that night that introduced me to some of my dearest friends/family and highlighted to me what the community was really about, connection and uplifting one another (as well as all the real hot festish sex). Later that same year I met a title holder whilst I was attending my first Spookybear in Provincetown. His kindness and welcoming personality extending well beyond the event, inviting me into his home during what was to be a very lonely holiday season away from home, and it is his kindness, generosity and openness that pushed me to be a part of the wider community and to follow in his example to welcome others and invite them to the table (literally and figuratively).

2. HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY WITHIN THE LEATHER COMMUNITY SHAPED YOUR PERSONAL IDENTITY OR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

It has pushed me to be more conscious of how our actions/inaction can welcome or alienate the community and how inclusive collaboration begins from inception of an event. Collaboration is such a fundamental value to my ethos coming from a background as a jazz musician and tabletop roleplay gamer, so that is what guides my leadership style. I know I don't have all the answers nor every lived experience, no one should think they do, so i do all in my power and in my agency to create the space; space to invite others into the discussion, offering my voice/support as they need. Space for others to play and explore, and live the best experience they want safely and confidently.

3. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED AS A LEADER IN THIS COMMUNITY, AND HOW HAVE YOU ADDRESSED THEM?

Time is the biggest challenge I struggle with, for others and for myself. When I began to more actively partake in the leather community I was working three/four jobs, pushing for a career in music and in drag… it was too much and time was limited. I let others and myself down by spreading myself too thin, by not being selective in my efforts for fear of letting others down only to not have the bandwidth to follow through as strongly/confidently as I should have whilst damaging my health in the process. It is still a challenge I fight and struggle through, but have learnt how to be more cognizant of my time, and knowing it is okay to redirect someone to other resources, or be upfront with what i can do, if I feel I dont have the ability to offer the full support they need.

4. WHAT GOALS OR CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE LEATHER COMMUNITY IN THE COMING YEARS?

We are going into a scary period, familiar to some and unfathomable to others. It is important that we strive and act in solidarity for our most vulnerable in the wider LGBTQIA+. To fight the fight for all. it's not enough to care only when it affects you because while it’s “not your problem” others are already suffering the brunt of it. To keep taking steps in ensuring inclusive and safe spaces that welcome traditionally disenfranchised subsects in our communities on all levels, from event conception, advertisement, visibility and execution.

5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING THEIR JOURNEY IN THE LEATHER COMMUNITY?

You do not need to be in full cow/protocol to be welcomed into the community, nor to be a leatherperson. Your enthusiasm in leather/fetish, your attitude in creating/strengthening community, those values is what makes someone a leatherperson. Its cheesy but it's what's in your heart, not what's in your wardrobe.

6. HOW CAN FOLX GET INTOUCH WITH YOU

@mattvecan on instagram, @missvagemite (drag)