courthousephotomain.jpg

Shawna Clausen is suing in hopes of regaining her title of 2014 "Ms. Oregon State Leather." Her suit was filed last week in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

(File photo)

A woman who was named 2014's "Ms. Oregon State Leather" by a Portland gay and lesbian sexual fetish group and later stripped of the title has filed a lawsuit. She is seeking $100,000 and to have the honor restored.

Shawna Clausen claims that Blackout Leather Productions honored her with a yearlong reign in August 2014, but nine months later, wrongfully stripped her of her title as retaliation for breaking up with the person she was dating, a board member. That's all according to Clausen's lawsuit filed last week in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Blackout Leather Productions states its mission as working to stamp out "prejudice" against a community of gays and lesbians who are interested in sadomasochism, sexual fetishes and the erotic fashion of wearing black leather. Blackout Leather Productions is a non-profit organization.

Clausen's suit claims that she fulfilled all duties of "Ms. Oregon State Leather" -- including producing one educational event, choosing "one primary charity for her fundraising" and attending Portland's annual Pride Parade.

But Clausen claims that she is not being allowed to fulfill some of her last duties: Acting as a judge in naming 2015's "Mr. Oregon State Leather" during an August 2015 event and delivering a "step down speech."

Clausen's lawsuit lists Blackout Leather Productions and its six board members -- including Tobin Britton, Clausen's former love interest, according to the suit -- as defendants. Blackout Leather Productions didn't respond to a request for comment for this story.

Clausen seeks $100,000 for emotional distress, and is asking a judge to restore her title. Portland attorney Talia Stoessel is representing Clausen.

Read the lawsuit here.

-- Aimee Green

503-294-5119