Jason Elliott – Keynote Speaker
From Charlottesville, Virginia, Jason Elliott (He/Him) is Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2025 and was also Mr. Virginia Leather 2024.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of Out and About, an LGBTQ+ empowerment organization based in Charlottesville. Currently the only local provider of free in-home HIV testing, Out and About dovetails with Jason’s passion for public health and over 15 years in professional HIV prevention and sexual health education. Jason travels extensively, speaking throughout the country sharing his own coming out story and the importance of intentional, safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
As an advocate for expression and emotion, Jason believes kindness to be the heartbeat of leather and warmth to be the glue that keeps us bound together. He loves to be a bridge between generations, an advocate for underappreciated communities, and a warm welcome to anyone stepping into the community for the first time.
In his spare time, Jason is a plant daddy who keeps his passport ready, a bourbon on rocks, and an orange hanky handy.
Ask him for a hug — just be warned, they’re even better when he’s got his hands around your throat.
Jo Arnone – Auctioneer
Philly Leather Pride Night is THRILLED to welcome back none other than Jo Arnone as our Auctioneer!
For over 40 years, Jo has been a powerhouse fundraiser, traveling coast-to-coast to raise money for countless charities. She’s been with Philly Leather Pride Night since Day One—our original and resident auctioneer—and there’s simply no one who can work a room like Jo!
In 2014, Jo was honored with the Leather Heart Foundation’s Million Dollar Heart Award for raising over $1,000,000 for organizations including:
– Brother Help Thyself
– National Coalition on Sexual Freedom
– Heritage of Pride
– The Leather Archives and Museum
– Project HOME
– William Way Community Center
… and so many more!
This year, she’s back to help us raise funds, raise energy, and raise the roof!
Get ready for an auction you won’t forget—because when Jo takes the mic, magic happens.