Queer latex lovers have arrived in Melbourne for the annual rubber festival, SLICK. Tonight, three individuals will compete to be the next Melbourne Rubber titleholder. Who will shine through?
The Melbourne Rubber title is celebrating its tenth year as SLICK celebrates our local latex community.
The competition removed gender from the title in 2024 to better reflect the rubber community’s evolution and diversity.
Melbourne’s Elliott Eve was the first person to win the genderless title, and then went on to win the MX International Rubber title last year.
Tonight, at a gender inclusive night at The Laird, each Contestant will showcase the passion, creativity, and diversity of Melbourne’s rubber community across three judged rounds.
All were interviewed by the judges on Thursday night. Kitty Obsidian, the current reigning Melbourne Rubber titleholder, can’t wait to see each contestant step onto the stage.
Kitty Obsidian Melbourne rubber 2025Photo by Matto Lucas
“I’m really excited,” Kitty told QNews after the contestants had been interviewed by the judges. “I see them all volunteering and working hard, and that’s really what this title is about.
This title is all about giving back to the community, and we have really strong contestants this year.”
So, who will win the Melbourne Rubber Competition for 2026?
Related content:
- Latex lovers, Melbourne is set to shine this week thanks to SLICK
- Shining bright worldwide with Mx International Rubber Elliott Eve
- Kitty Obsidian wins Melbourne Rubber 2025
Meet Songbird
Songbird is a passionate latex advocate within Melbourne’s younger kink community, who supports others exploring latex as fashion and kink. She’s also a musician, lyre player and budding latex maker.
For Songbird, latex means confidence, femininity and empowerment, and after her interview with the judges, she was feeling great.
She was encouraged by her community to step up for the Melbourne Rubber title, and admits she’s both excited and terrified.
“It’s anxious excitement,” she said, “Latex for me is about existing confidently, and it feels difficult to exist at all these days. So being able to do so and have a good time is everything.”
Melbourne Rubber 2026Photo by Dean Arcuri
Meet Deviant Devices
Deviant Devices loves making rubber outfits, motorbikes, leather, poetry and activism. For them, latex means authenticity and liberation.
It is a way to express the intimate parts of themselves and embrace euphoria and freedom.
Competing is their chance to give back to the material and community that have brought them so much joy, hope and liberation, and they were relieved after their interview with the judges.
“I was very nervous going into the interview, but I’m very happy to have said my piece, they said. “I think I showed the best version of myself.”
“I’ve been part of the community for quite a long time, and I’ve done a bit of support and volunteering. I’ve always been enamoured by the people who put themselves forward and show the best of what the rubber community can be.”
Melbourne Rubber 2026Photo by Dean Arcuri
“I wanted to put myself forward to do that, to be the embodiment of what I see people expressing themselves. Anyone can be a part of the latex community, and anyone can enjoy latex in the myriad of ways. There are so many designers, beautiful ideas and concepts that exist in the world, and it’s one of the few materials that doesn’t have limitations.
Now that the judging portion is over, Deviant Devices can’t wait to strut their stuff for the crowd during the competition.
Meet Heather Monroe
Heather loves makeup, sewing and lip-syncing. For Heather, latex is a physical metamorphosis, a transformation into an evolved expression of sexuality and style.
She’s also passionate about being the representation she wants to see in our local kink scene.
“I feel extremely confident,” Heather told us after her chat with the judges. “The talent portion of the competition is a performance I’ve done many a time that I feel very confident in. And I feel very confident in the outfits that I’m going to present.”
“Honestly, I feel confident about the whole thing. Latex has never been something that has given me confidence. I am a confident person. I find latex very stylish, and it’s been a way for me to elevate my sense of personal style.”
Melbourne Rubber 2026Photo by Dean Arcuri
“This is something that I’ve talked about with lots of friends. That latex has been a way for me to contribute and participate in fetish without being the fetish. Because as a trans woman, I have been the fetish for many a man. Latex levels the playing field. I’m not a fetish because I am a trans woman. I am a fetishist because I wear latex.”
Three more latex events left for SLICK
Tonight also marks the debut of the annual Slick Awards.
Celebrating excellence in creativity, service, leadership, and community connection, the awards honour those whose contributions create welcoming spaces, foster belonging, and strengthen Melbourne’s rubber scene.
Whether you’re cheering on the contestants, celebrating this year’s award recipients, or simply experiencing the energy of competition night, this is an evening not to be missed.
You can grab your ticket here. The doors to The Laird open at 6:30 pm, and the competition will start at 7:30 pm.
Saturday night, the party kicks on with LATE-XXX, by Melbourne Rubber and Hanky.
Due to circumstances outside of Hanky’s control, there have been some last-minute changes to the venue.
I will now be hosted at New Guernica at 64 Smith St in Collingwood from 5 pm to 10 pm. Then, everyone will receive free entry to E Club from 10 pm till late.
“We’re incredibly grateful to New Guernica for accommodating us at short notice,” the team said on socials, “And we’re excited to introduce you to this incredible queer venue in the heart of Collingwood.”
View this post on Instagram
Then it all rounds out Sunday with one final gathering at Evie’s Disco Diner.
Join Melbourne Rubber for a relaxed Sunday Social celebrating an incredible week of community, connection, and unforgettable memories.
Whether you’ve joined the entire week or are stopping by for one last farewell, everyone is welcome to come together and end the celebrations on a high.
Find out more about Melbourne Rubber and SLICK here.
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.
