David “Tigger” Ronneberg is proud to have served our leather and kink communities as International Mister Leather 2016. He also has the honor of being the first IML from New Jersey where he served as Mr. New Jersey Leather 2016.

Tigger came out in the leather scene 40 years ago while attending MIT where he graduated with a degree in Management Science. Tigger learned the principles of respect, acceptance, personal accountability and sexual freedom in a time when social activism and rebellion were essential elements in the fight for our rights and our lives – when silence equaled death.

After working in the Virgin Islands for three years during most of Covid (thank you baby Jesus) Tigger is back in Virginia where he recently accepted the position of Executive Director of IML. His goal is to grow the brand forward with diverse voices of experience, integrity, compassion, adaptability, resiliency and courage at the table as IML approaches its 50th year anniversary. Tigger continues to challenge us all to accept and support the authenticity of every individual in our community without judgment, shame or exclusion. The question is not what privilege we have, but how we use it through action to build a net that provides security and safety for us all, especially in a time, once again, where we are fighting for our right to exist.