World Bear Day isn’t a day of significance for gay subculture, but it still gave us a chance to find out what the bear community means to some big Aussie advocates.
We want to stress that World Bear Day isn’t actually a reference to the term used in our gay/queer communities.
March 23rd is a global day dedicated to celebrating and protecting all eight bear species.
Polar, brown, American black, Asiatic black, giant panda, sloth, sun, and Andean bears.
The day is about raising awareness about conservation, habitat loss, and threats they face, such as poaching.
Sharing information so that we can ensure the survival of so that we can protect them and ensure their survival.
You can find out more about the real World Bear Day here.
As for the gay and queer communities, the word bear describes someone more rugged.
It was created as a counter culture for those who weren’t smooth or athletic.
Y’know, a hairy man, typically carrying a larger or heavier build, sometimes muscly.
American publication The Advocate wrote about “bears” in their 1979 article Who’s Who at the Zoo.
The piece described them as “usually hunky chunky types reminiscent of railroad engineers and former footballer greats. They have larger chests and bellies than average.”
Richard Bulger and Chris Nelson, who founded Bear Magazine in 1987, popularised the term.
This led to the bear movement we know today, which even created its own flag in 1995.
You can find out more about LGBTQIA+ labels and subcultures here.
Since it is World Bear Day, we spoke to some of Australia’s bear titleholders and found out what the community means to them.
Source: Instagram/X
Photos by Clayton Kieliszewski/ClaytonKJustin – Mr VicBear 2026
“Being a bear for me means being not only comfortable in my own skin, but actively celebrating my bigger body and taking up space in the ‘gay’ landscape that is often focused on ‘conventional’ looks and bodies.”
“The bear community at large is home.” Mr VicBear Justin told QNews.
“It’s a place where I was able to feel comfortable as a bigger guy for the first time in a long time.”
“It’s a place where I can love and be loved for my size and where I can be with those who find sexiness in bigger bodies, whether they are bears themselves or admirers of bears.”
Justin won the Mr VicBear title in January, having previously competed for the title.
“The first time I competed, I wasn’t well, and I didn’t give my best on the stage and behind closed doors for the interviews,” Justin said.
“Then, when we did the All Stars competition for charity, it showed me how much fun I could have had if I didn’t take things as seriously as I did.”
The time away clearly helped because he took the title.
“For years, I’ve supported people across the bear and wider LGBTQIA+ community,” Justin said.
“Helping those who may lack confidence or experience find their place.”
“I want everyone to feel the same sense of home I’ve found with the bears.”
Images: SuppliedJono – Mr Harbour City Bear 2025
When we spoke to Jono last year, he hadn’t been out for two years and won the Mr Harbour City Bear title.
Asking him what a bear means, he said for him it meant being “proud, authentic, generous, friendly and fun.”
“It’s a space where I found acceptance for being my authentic self and found my tribe,” Jono said.
“Bears are the most accepting and welcoming group that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and being associated with.”
Jono told us that the bear community means everything to him.
“They are my pack and my community,” he said.
“All are welcome, no matter what size or shape, big or small, colour, race, or religion. We make a safe place for everyone to be their authentic self’s.
Jono shared how much he loved marching with his best mate, Adam, Mr Harbour City Bear 2019 and AJ, Mr Harbour City Bear 2024, at the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade this year.
“I was so proud to march with them as a celebration of mateship and bearhood,” Jono said,
“We were followed by a sleuth of Harbour City Bears behind us.”
AJ and Jono were wearing their Krisbee swimming costumes by local bear designer Kris Bee Bacon. Every pair sold donates to Jono’s chosen charity, batyr.
The Australian organisation focuses on empowering young people with skills and confidence to look after their mental health before a crisis.
The collection has Speedos, swimming shorts and a T-shirt, with pricing set to ensure meaningful fundraising impact.
Check the collection out here.
Images SuppliedSamson – Mr Bear Queensland 2025
For Mr Bear QLD 2025, Samson, “the Bear community accepted me for who I am.”
“Being a Trans Bear, this community fully welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home.” Samsons shared with QNews.
“I found my people, and the Squishy Bear Hugs were an added bonus. I spent so many years trying to find my community and I did just that within the Bear Community”
“Being a Bear is more than just body shape or size. For me its about making sure others feel accepted and loved just the way they are.
“The Bear community saved me. In a world that can be so cruel, the Bear Community accepted and loved me just for who I am.”
Images : SuppliedSee them all compete for Mr Australasia Bear
In June, they will compete for the title of Mr Australasia Bear during Southern Hibernation.
The annual bear event held in Melbourne will have a pirate theme.
Mikey, Justin, Jono and Samson compete alongside Mr Bear SA, Travis and Mr Bear NZ, Matt.
The titleholders will be joined by bears and their admirers from across the country and the world.
The schedule includes parties, history walks, trivia, food experiences, and more, with tickets going on sale on April 1 – no joke.
Who will be crowned king of the pirates on the night? We bet they will represent their community with swashbuckling pride.
Source: FacebookFor 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.
