About the Master:

Master Taíno is a 75 year-old, white Puerto Rican of mostly Spanish ancestry with strong Mediterranean looks. As a good Puerto Rican, he is mixed including 87% European (Spaniard – 70%, Portuguese 15% and Baque -2%)), 7% Taíno (Caribbean indigenous people), 3% African Black, and 3% Northern Africa (Moorish). He has a salt and pepper mustache and and since 2016 a silver full beard. Master Taíno has an average build, is semi-hairy, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, has a 34 inch waist, and weighs 150 pounds. The Master has brown eyes and black hair. From 2003 to 2019, the Master had his head shaved but since October 2019, he is letting his hair to grow again. His body sports five tattoos.

Master Taino received his cover as Master during a special ceremony in September 2009. The ceremony was presided by the late Master David Cook, His Leather Brother, and many of His closest friends spoke in support of his covering. For Master Taíno, his validation as a Master came from his Mentor, Master Steve from Butchmanns.

Master Taíno was based in the Washington, DC area since late 1983 but since 2021, he has established a new residence in the historic Barrio Amón in the heart of San José, the capital city of Costa Rica where he enjoy his retirement years and is active in the local community.


Philosophy on Mastery:

Master Taíno’s philosophy on Mastery is based on “Dominant and Caring”. To read Master’s philosophy go to the Philosophy page.


Master Taíno in the Leather community:

Master Taíno is very active in the Leather Community in general and in the Master/slave and BDSM communities in particular for more than 35 years . He took leadership roles in several organizations and he traveled nationwide. He has been a member of the Washington, DC Chapter for the Defenders Leather Levi Club since 1993. In 2013, he became an Associate member of ONYX Mid-Atlantic, a Leather Club for Men of Color., and later designated as an Honorary Member of the club.

He founded MAsT Washington in April 1999 and he was the longest serving MAsT director in the country until he retired in September 2022..

To fulfill his commitment on education, Master Taíno founded MTTA, Inc., a non-profit educational organization that includes several programs. He serves as the President of the MTTA Board of Director and was the Executive Director until he retired in 2025. He was the Executive Producer of MsC from 2004 to 2022 and the Director of the MTTA Academy until 2019,

MTTA includes the following programs:

MTTA Academy, an educational program aimed to educate Masters and slaves through weekend events;

The Master/slave Conference, held annually during Labor Day Weekend in the Washington, DC area;

MsC Worldwide, the virtual event of MsC.

The Master/slave History Program.

The Master/slave Legacy Project.

MTTA also has two MAsT chapters under its organization (MAsT Washington and MAsT DC Pan).

Master Taíno has been a judge at the International Master/slave Contest for 2004, 2005 and 2013, for the Southwest Master/slave Contest 2004 and Head Judge for the Southeast Master/slave Contest 2005 and a judge for 2007 and 2009.

In March 2023, Master Taíno announced at South Plains Leather Fest that he will be retiring from traveling and presenting around the country due to him spending most of his time at his second home in Costa Rica. He would consider “special” invitations if they emerged and fit his calendar. He is open to consider invitation for virtual presentations. He still is presenting at MsC and MsC Worldwide. One special invitation emerged in 2025 when he was invited to be a judge for International Mr Leather Contest in Chicago. In 2026 his induction to the Leather Hall of Fame was announced and his induction was scheduled for September 4 at the Master/slave Conference 2026.

Master Taíno is enjoying the “Pura Vida” that the Central American country, Costa Rica, that he now calls home, has to offer. He continues his kink journey working with the local EscenaCR group in San José and mentoring young men and women in their journey. He was given the title of “Leather Grandpa”, by Orc, a member of his Leather Family. And that’s how he identifies himself now… a Leather Grandpa!

Master is available through several social media websites like FetLife, Facebook, Instagram, Recon, all of them under the handle of “Master Taíno”.


Role Model:

“My friend, You deserve to be recognized as a caring and loving man. You always talk about the caring nature of your heart and bring up the loving relationship you believe should exist between Master and slave. I think we both strongly agree with that and I respect you greatly for that. Keep living the good life — it is a positive role model for others.”

Master Steve
International Master 2000
Butchmanns SM Academy