In March 2011, the Board of Directors of MTTA, Inc. approved the start of a new program to be designated “The Master/slave History Program.” This new program will research and document various aspects of the history of the Master/slave community in the Twentieth century to the present time.

The first stage of “The Master/slave History Program” will be the creation of a modern chronology of what has become known as the Master/slave community since the foundation of MAsT in 1988. This chronology has been researched by MTTA President, Master Taíno, using resources of the Leather and Master/slave communities.

The chronology listed here is just a beginning. MTTA will continue to add more historical information as it is gathered. Anyone with information related to this project is encouraged to submit it to: mtta@cox.net.

Master/slave History Book

This program culminated in 2016 when MTTA published “Our Lives, Our History: Consensual Master/slave relationships from ancient times to the 21st century”.  

This book is a nonfiction anthology edited by Peter Tupper, published by Perfectbound Press and sponsored by MTTA.  The late slave david stein, owner of Perfectbound Press, was the project advisor to MTTA.

Master/slave History Program Timeline

[vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_accordion][vc_accordion_tab title=”1988″][vc_column_text]Fred Vaselenak and his slave michel de la Roche founded the first chapter of Masters And slaves Together (MAsT) in San Francisco. MAsT was founded as a support group for gay men living in Master/slave relationships.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1990″][vc_column_text]The first Master and slave contest was held in San Diego and was created by Luke Owens. The first Southern California Master/slave titleholders were Mark Bowers and Bob Farrell.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1991″][vc_column_text]The Southern California Master/slave Contest was repeated in 1991. Race Bannon and Mike Pierce became the titleholders.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1992″][vc_column_text]

  • Luke Owens held the first International Master and slave Contest as part of Pantheon of Leather weekend in Los Angeles. The first titleholders were K.T. Chase and Susie Shepherd.
  • Butchmanns Academy was founded by Master Steve Sampson in Palm Desert, California with the intention of focusing on the heart and spirit of SM.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1993″][vc_column_text]

  • Guy Baldwin published a collection of his essays in a book entitled Ties that Bind. The book included two essays on Master/slave relationships, which were instrumental to many Leatherfolk in their Master/slave journey.
  • Joseph Bean took over as editor of MAsTHead, the newsletter for MAsT.
  • Tammerlayn von Hohenzollern and slave kit terkel from New York became International Master/slave 1993.
  • John (Jeb) Birch began publication of Metropolitan slave, a magazine for Masters and slaves, based in Chicago.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1994″][vc_column_text]

  • The Master’s Manual, by Jack Rinella, became the first book on Master/slave relationships.
  • MAsT co-founder, slave michel de La Roche, passed away.
  • John (Jeb) Birch and beau lee james from Chicago became International Master/slave 1994.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1995″][vc_column_text]

  • Luke Owens assumed leadership of MAsT.
  • Jack and tom Stice became International Master/slave 1995.
  • Butchmanns SM Academy relocated to Palm Springs, California and produced its first Academy weekend primarily for gay men “to support, promote, encourage, and demystify the leather lifestyle.” Various Southern California leathermen served as instructors for the early Academy weekends. At the third such weekend, SlaveMaster Mike McDade joined the staff as a core instructor.
  • Collars Journal, a newsletter dedicated to exploring “the interfaith between spiritual and religious practices with S/M and leather” began its publication in June on the Butchmanns website.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1996″][vc_column_text]

  • Jack Stice founded Southeast Leather Fest and brought the International Master/slave Contest to Atlanta.
  • Morganna & slave michael became International Master/slave 1996.
  • After several SM Academy weekends for gay men, occasional Academy weekends for primarily lesbian women and for heterosexual men and women were added to the schedule.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1997″][vc_column_text]

  • International Master 1996, Jack Stice, succumbed to AIDS in Atlanta.
  • Master Roger Curtman and slave bill became the International Master/slave 1997 in the contest held in Denver.
  • MAsT Atlanta became the second MAsT chapter, founded in August by Master Roger Curtman and slave bill. Later in November, MAsT Chicago, founded by Master Jack Rinella, became the third chapter.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1998″][vc_column_text]

  • The producer of the International Master/slave Contest, Bob Fifield, cancelled the 1998 event scheduled for November in San Francisco. Control of the contest as well as MAsT International was passed to Master Roger Curtman, International Master 1997.
  • Inspired by Master Doug Harris from Atlanta, Master Dean Walradt created the first training class for boys held in April 1998. Master Dean was assisted by Master Jim from Dallas.
  • MAsT Houston was founded by Master Jeff McDonald. MAsT Cincinnati was founded by Tony Warfield.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1999″][vc_column_text]

  • After a year hiatus and under the leadership of Master Roger Curtman, the Seventh International Master/slave Contest and Weekend was held in March in Atlanta. It has subsequently become known as MAsT 99 or Atlanta 99. Master Roger enlisted author, psychotherapist, and gay leather icon Guy Baldwin, to put together a comprehensive curriculum of classes with the best presenters in the Master/slave community. This event is considered the first gathering devoted solely to those living the Master/slave lifestyle and the first educational event also dedicated solely to M/s.
  • Mistress Khiki and slave samantha became Interntional Master/slave 1999.
  • Viola Johnson published her slave diaries of over twenty years in her book, To Love, To Obey, To Serve: Diary of an Old Guard Slave, the first book ever written about the slave experience by a slave.
  • Butchmanns Academy relocated from Palm Springs to Tucson, Arizona.
  • MAsT NYC was founded by Bill Brennan, MAsT Washington, DC was founded by Master Taíno, MAsT Boston was founded by slave eric karnowski and MAsT Greater San Francisco Bay Area was founded by Lady Ellys Blake.
  • The boy’s Training Camp had international attendance including Canada and England. At the same time, Master Dean and Master Jim held their first Masters Retreat.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2000″][vc_column_text]

  • Master Roger Curtman transferred the ownership of the International Master/slave Contest to Tom Stice, who arranged for the contest to be part of Southeast Leather Fest.
  • Master Steve and slave kirk were selected International Master/slave 2000 and embarked in an educational tour across the country teaching about M/s.
  • In November, Master Alex Keppeler from Michigan and his household took over MAsT International and its seven active chapters. Master Alex incorporated MAsT International as a Michigan not-for-profit organization. Under his leadership, MAsT had a remarkable period of growth and became a pansexual organization accepting new chapters serving any constituency including gay, straight, pansexual, female, males, etc.
  • In December, Lady Catherine Gross held the first prototype for the Servant’s Retreat with the first weekend gathering of slaves, submissives, and servants.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2001″][vc_column_text]

  • Master Jim and slave marsha from Dallas, Texas, became International Master/slave 2001 during Southeast Leather Fest.
  • Inspired by Master Dean Walradt, after attending a Masters Retreat in Atlanta and by Master Steve from Butchmanns, Master Taíno created the Master Taíno’s Training Academy in Washington, DC area. Towards the end of the year, Master Taíno offered his first two slave Training Weekends.
  • The first Butchmanns Academy weekend for men only at the new Tucson, Arizona location took place. Master Skip Chasey joined the staff as a core instructor and Academy attendees soon christened Master Steve, SlaveMaster, and Master Skip as “The Trinity.” Later this year, Butchmanns is granted limited liability corporation (LLC) status by the federal government, and the Academy’s legal name is changed to Butchmanns, Inc.
  • MAsT New York Metro was founded by Mistress Blair.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2002″][vc_column_text]

  • SlaveCraft: Roadmaps for Erotic Servitude was published by a grateful slave with Guy Baldwin.
  • Master Scott Parker and slavette, from North Carolina, became International Master/slave 2002. This was the last year the contest was held as part of SouthEast LeatherFest.
  • Master Taíno’s Training Academy offered its first Training Weekend for Masters.
  • Master Steve and Butchmanns, Inc. produced the first regional feeder contest for the International Master/slave Contest. The Southwest Leather Conference was born.
  • Master Roy from Houston became producer of the Masters Retreat and Master Z from Dallas started producing the boys’ Training Camp.
  • Fifteen people attended in October the first open Servant’s Retreat, a creation of Lady Catherine Gross.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2003″][vc_column_text]

  • After three years as part of SELF, the International Master/slave contest was moved to Dallas as part of South Plains Leatherfest. The move was made by owner, tom stice.
  • Master Bert Cutler and slave Nadine, from Phoenix, Arizona were selected International Master/slave 2003. Master Bert was known for his doctoral thesis on Dominant/submissive relationships.
  • Butchmanns, Inc. entered into an arrangement with APEX to have the Academy weekend take place at the APEX Clubhouse. The name of this merged venture is at first APEX Academy – Butchmanns Tradition, but it soon changed to APEX Academy/ Butchmanns Experience. As a result of this merger there is a significantly greater demand for pansexual Academy Weekend.
  • Ms. Kendra, producer of the Great Lakes Leather Alliance in Indianapolis, Indiana, added the Great Lakes Master/slave Contest to their event as a feeder to the International Contest.
  • Together In Leather, held in Charlotte, North Carolina was founded by Master Scott Parker and slavette to hold the Southeast Master/slave Contest, as a feeder to the International Contest.
  • Master Dean Walradt, the founder of the boys’ Training Camp and the Masters Retreat, passed away in Dallas at the age of 53.
  • Fred Vaselenak, the founder of MAsT, passed away on December 13.
  • Collars Journal, the newsletter, ceased publication.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2004″][vc_column_text]

  • Master Jim, slave marsha, and Mark Frazier acquired the ownership of the International Contest which become an integral part of South Plains Leatherfest.
  • Master Z and slave tony became International Master/slave 2004.
  • Master Taíno founded MTTA, Inc., a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to advancing Master/slave relationships. MTTA, Inc. is based in the Washington DC Metro Area.
  • MTTA, Inc. under the leadership of Master Taíno, created the Master/slave Conference (MsC), the only educational event dedicated solely to Master/slave Relationships. MsC became home of the Northeast Master/slave Contest. Master Taíno founded MsC following the example set by the historic event in Atlanta known as MAsT 99.
  • The Master/slave Conference created the Master Heart Award and the slave Heart Award. The first recipients were Master Steve from Butchmanns, Inc. and slave marsha.
  • MTTA, Inc. incorporated Master Taíno’s Training Academy into its programs.
  • Master Steve (Chairman), Master Bert Cutler (Vice Chairman), slave kirk (Secretary) and Master Skip (Treasurer) agreed to serve as the first Board of Directors for Butchmanns, Inc. Such board appointments are for the life of the organization.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2005″][vc_column_text]

  • The Master/slave Flag was unveiled during MsC 2005. The flag was designed by Master Tallen, then a board member of MTTA, and his then slave andrew.
  • Sir Stephen and slave catherine from New Jersey were the new International Master/slave 2005. For the first time, a M/s couple from a Victorian household held the title.
  • Master Alex Keppeler, from the Keppeler Household, received the Master Heart Award and Vi Johnson received the slave Heart Award for 2005 at the MsC.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2006″][vc_column_text]

  • Mistress Suzan and slave ziggy, from North Carolina, were selected as International Master/slave 2006.
  • Northwest Leather Celebration (NWLC) was created and held the first Northwest Master/slave Contest. NWLC, under the leadership of Ms Margaret, became the fifth and last region for the Master/slave network.
  • Master Z, International Master 2004, was granted the Master Heart Award and slave john from MAsT Washington received the slave Heart Award for 2006 at the MsC.
  • Butchmanns, Inc. is granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status as an educational organization. Master Z and slave ed reis are appointed to the Board of Directors.
  • The Southwest Leather Conference, the Butchmanns Academy weekends and the Leather Quilt Project are all designated as programs of Butchmanns, Inc.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2007″][vc_column_text]

  • Master Larry and slave barb from New Jersey became International Master/ slave 2007.
  • After more than six years leading MAsT International, Master Alex Keppeler transferred the organization to Butchmanns, Inc. MAsT became another program for Butchmanns, Inc. MAsT’s third expansion period began under Butchmanns, Inc.
  • Master Z and Master Bert replaced Master Steve and Master Skip as instructors of Butchmanns Academy.
  • The Southeast Master/slave Contest was transferred to Southeast Leather Fest under the new leadership of Lady Catherine Gross.
  • Master Larry, current International Master, received the Master Heart Award and slave catherine, International slave 2005, received the slave Heart Award for 2007 at the MsC.
  • The plenary sessions for the M/s Development Center began.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2008″][vc_column_text]

  • Master Rick and slave tina were selected International Master/slave 2008.
  • Master Skip Chasey and his slave Rick were granted the Master Heart Award and the slave Heart Award for 2008 at the MsC. They became the first couple to receive the awards simultaneously.
  • The M/s Development Center was officially founded under the leadership of Sir Stephen and Master Jack McGeorge.
  • Lady Catherine Gross held Servant’s Retreat 2, an advanced event for those who already have attended Servant’s Retreat 1.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2009″][vc_column_text]

  • The Master/slave Conference (MsC) in Washington, DC paid tribute to the producers of the Seventh International Master/slave Contest and Weekend 1999 (MAsT 99), the first educational event on Master/slave relationships. All five producers including Master Roger Curtman, Master Doug Harris, Guy Baldwin, Ms Susan Walens, and Wayne Brawner, were in attendance and recognized.
  • MsC created the Guy Baldwin Master/ slave Heritage Award. After Guy Baldwin received the original Award, Master Roger Curtman received the first award for his vision of creating MAsT 99.
  • Master Tip from MAsT NYC was the recipient of the Master Heart Award and slave orja from MAsT Baltimore was granted the slave Heart Award for 2009 at the MsC.
  • Master Jack McGeorge, founder of the Order of Discipline and Service (ODS) who served as Vice-President of MTTA, passed away at age 59 after major heart surgery. He was a leader and educator in the Leather, BDSM, and Master/slave Communities for more than two decades.
  • Master Jack McGeorge’s ODS Handbook was published after his passing.
  • Daddy Ken and slave tim from San Francisco were selected as International Master/slave 2009.
  • Master Steve stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Butchmanns, Inc. and is replaced by Master Z.
  • Lady Catherine Gross created Foundations in Mastery, a weekend for dominants based on years of the collected information from the Servant’s Retreat.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2010″][vc_column_text]

  • South Plains Leatherfest (SPLF) celebrated its tenth anniversary, including eight years as host of the International Master/slave Contest. SPLF has been the longest venue for the International contest.
  • Master Obsidian and slave namaste were selected International Master/slave 2010. From Austin, Texas, they became the first African American couple to hold the International Master/slave title.
  • Master Steve, the founder of Butchmanns, Inc., resigned his position on the Board of Directors and was granted an emeritus position on the board for life.
  • MTTA, Inc. changed the name of Master Taíno’s Training Academy to MTTA Academy. MTTA, Inc. created a new Mentors Service directed by Master David Cook, a veteran Master and psychologist.
  • Master Steve and the Butchmanns Family are awarded the Guy Baldwin Master/slave Heritage Award 2010 for their contributions to the development of the Master/slave Community.
  • Master Alexander (previously known as Tammerlayn von Hohenzollern) and his slave kit, International Master/slave 1993 were the recipients of the Master Heart Award and the slave Heart Award for 2010 at the MsC. They have been together for 40 years.
  • MTTA Academy produced its first MTTA Retreat for Masters in Baltimore, Maryland.
  • “Mama Viola Johnson’s Obsession” became the The Carter/Johnson Leather Library, complete with a logo, a website and a 501c3 corporation.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2011″][vc_column_text]

  • Liza and jody from San Francisco became International Master/slave 2011.
  • MTTA Academy celebrates its tenth anniversary.
  • MTTA Inc. launches the Master/slave History Project.
  • Master Jim and slave marsha, the producers of the International Master/slave Contest and lifetime educators in Master/slave relationships, received the Guy Baldwin Master/slave Heritage Award at MsC 2011.
  • Master Jim and slave marsha, producers of the International Master/slave Contest since 2003, received the Guy Baldwin Master/slave Heritage Award 2011 at the Master/slave Conference.
  • Master David Cook, director of MAsT Baltimore, received the Master Heart Award 2011 and slave ziggy, International slave 2006, received the slave Heart Award 2001 at MsC.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2012″][vc_column_text]

  • South Plains Leather Fest, the event that has been hosting the International Master/slave Contest since 2003, celebrated its tenth anniversary.
  • Master Dan and slave Melissa won the International Master/slave 2012 title at South Plains Leather Fest.
  • Leather Librarian, historian and author Mama Vi Johnson was awarded the Guy Baldwin Master/slave Heritage Awards 2012 at the Master/slave Conference 2012.
  • Lady Lynette and slave llamb, Northeast Master/slave 2007 received the Master and slave Heart Awards for 2012.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”2013″][vc_column_text]

  • Master Morris and slave jonathan from San Francisco became the International Master/slave 2013.
  • The Master/slave Conference celebrates its 10th Anniversary.
  • Master Alex Keppeler received the Guy Baldwin’s Master/slave Heritage Award at MsC 2013
  • MTTA and MsC paid tribute to the 25th Anniversary of the foundation of MAsT
  • Master Bob Blount, current Executive Director of MAsT International, announces at MsC the creation of the Master Alex Keppeler Service Award and granted its first award to Master Alex.
  • Master Bert Cutler and his slave nadine, International Master/slave 2003 titleholders, received the Master Heart Award 2013 and the slave Heart Award 2013 at MsC.