This week, the community is in mourning following the passing of 2017 Melbourne Rubberman, John Cheshire. Melbourne Rubber and Eagle Leather came together to fly the Rubber Pride flags high on Hoddle Street, “celebrating the life of our amazing friend”.
Trigger Warning: This article contains references to suicide. Please take care while reading.
The news of John Cheshire’s passing spread through the community on Thursday morning after a social media post was made by his family.
More than just a rubber titleholder, John was a funny and vibrant soul who cared greatly and deeply for those around him.
Eagle Leather shared the news with the kink and queer community on social media at John’s family’s request.
Sharing “one of the most gut-wrenching statements we’ve ever had to make,” the news that “John lost his battle with depression over the weekend”.
John Cheshire, SLICK 2026/ Photo by Dean ArcuriJohn lived his life with pride and authenticity
“It is truly an impossible feat to try to put into words the phenomenal person that John was, the epic life that he lived, and the people he touched with his kindness along the way. But we are going to try,” Eagle Leather’s post read.
“John lived his life out loud, with such pride, such authenticity and such a passion to see, do, experience, feel. He was absolutely effervescent, lighting up every room he was in, and he’d always be looking around to see who was on their own or which friend he hadn’t made yet. He was inimitable, a trailblazer, and wherever he was, he was always iconically @johnmilieu”
Melbourne Rubber shared the news in a social media post, honouring “a truly remarkable and much-loved member of our community”.
“John was one of a kind, a caring, gentle and generous soul who had an incredible ability to make everyone around him feel welcome, valued and seen.”
View this post on Instagram
“He could talk to anyone about almost anything, share a story, have a laugh, and somehow leave you feeling a little brighter than before.”
‘John had a special way of making people feel included’
“John was our 2017 Melbourne Rubberman titleholder and first runner-up at MIR21, but his contribution to our community went far beyond titles and achievements,” the post said.
“He gave so much of himself to Melbourne Rubber, to the committee and to the wider community. His dedication, warmth, knowledge and willingness to support others helped shape the spirit of our organisation and the connections we continue to share today.”
“John was a familiar and much-loved presence at events, meetings and gatherings, always bringing his own unique mix of energy, cheekiness, kindness and style. And, as we all know, you couldn’t keep John away from a microphone. Once he had it, you knew you were in for a story… sometimes a very long one… but somehow he would have everyone laughing and hanging on every word.”
“John had a special way of making people feel included, whether they had been part of the community for many years or were walking through the door for the very first time. His stories, humour, guidance and genuine care for others will be deeply missed.”
Melbourne Rubber extended their condolences to John’s family, friends and loved ones.
“He leaves behind a legacy of friendship, laughter and love and a light that will continue to shine through the many people whose lives he touched,” the post continued.
View this post on Instagram
“We are incredibly grateful for everything John gave to our community and for the many memories we were fortunate enough to share with him.”
Rubber Pride flags fly high at Eagle Leather
“At a time like this, we are also reminded of how important it is to look after ourselves and one another,” Melbourne Rubber said.
“Please check in on your friends, fellow kinksters and the people you care about. Listen without judgement, reach out, say hello and remind people that they do not have to face difficult times alone. Sometimes a simple message, phone call or conversation can make more of a difference than we realise.”
As a way of celebrating John, Melbourne Rubber and Eagle Leather came together to fly the Rubber Pride flags high on Hoddle Street on Friday.
This beautiful gesture means so much to so many in the community who are struggling with the news of John’s passing.
While he struggled with his own demons, the space John gave to, and for, others speaks so highly of his character and heart.
Following the news, my social media feed showed posts of weddings that John had officiated for many in the community before the many rubber pics flooded through.
He was a shining beacon for living authentically, but not because of the latex.
I was trying to think back to when we had our first conversation. It turns out it wasn’t face to face, and I didn’t know it had happened.
I hadn’t realised that I had met John many, many times before as a part of the Thorne Harbour Health fundraiser, Northside Bizarre.
John, dressed in his full rubber pup outfit, would collect donations from people throughout the day while bringing the biggest smile to all of our faces.
John Cheshire raising funds at Northside Bizarre/ Photo by Dean Arcuri‘John was not a weekend latex lover’
The ultimate rubber competition, the MIR Contest, celebrated John’s life in a social media post.
“John was a kind soul, always had a great story to tell, and was generous to everyone he met,” the post read.
“John was not a ‘weekend latex lover ‘; he wore latex almost every day as a regular part of his wardrobe. He had a magnetic stage presence, due in part to his years as an actor in various Melbourne community theatres and stage productions. He was also a public servant, working for 30 years in the Victorian social services.”
Vale John Cheshire. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
If you or someone you know is struggling or if you’re finding this news difficult, support is available at:
Rainbow Door 1800 729 367 www.rainbowdoor.org.au
Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14 or at www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue can be reached on 1300 22 4636 or through beyondblue.org.au
In an emergency, call 000, or other services can be found on www.charlee.org.au
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
John. I am sorry I missed you. We made plans but I was four days too late. You, John… You were the best. Genuinely The Best. I was looking forward to going to events with you… You were supposed to introduce me to everyone! Ah, John. Thankyou, for listening to me. For letting me confide in you. I will miss you.
Rest in peace now, friend.