#VicBears

[qnewsau]

VicBears don't hibernate over summer as BearFest begins

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VicBears don't hibernate over summer as BearFest begins

Bearfest, VicBears summer spectacular returns with a host of events to enjoy, but who will be sashed Mr VicBear for 2025?

Featuring a range of paid and free events, Victoria’s social group for bears and those who like them start the year with a bang.

Coinciding with the Midsumma Festival, VicBears host a series of events connecting the hirsute community in celebration.

And it all starts Saturday with their Beach Party.

“Bearfest is always exciting and this year the weather looks like it going to help us kick it off.” VicBears President Adam Walton said,

“It’s such a huge way for us to start the year and that’s one of the things that I love about it.

“We did the Beach Day for the first time last year and it instantly became one of my favourites.

“I looked out and saw 80 plus guys all with their shirts off, all different bodies. It was perfect.

“Celebrating body positivity is what we are all about and seeing at the beach was great.

This weekend will also see VicBears host a space at Midsumma Carnival for community to connect.

“We once again have our double-wide tent that provides plenty of shade,” Adam said,

“So you can come and have a bit of a chill space with us as well and meet the Mr VicBear contestants.

They will be applying sunscreen to anyone who needs it from 11 am to 2 pm.

Underbear, Bearaoke & Beach Day, Oh My!

When we asked the competitors for Mr VicBear 2025 what their fav Bearfest events were, they answered straight away.

“Besides the comp, where I can’t wait to show the looks that I’ve been planning, I’d say the Underbear Party,” Brendan told us,

“I love seeing the beautiful bears feeling their oats in sexy underwear.”

“There’s something liberating about mingling with bears in your undies,”

“It’s a great night for celebrating community and body positivity.”

Scott also loves the Underbear party and Bearaoke, a favourite of his competitor Billy.

“I love coming to Sing Stud at the Laird every week. Even though I can’t sing,” Billy laughed,

“It will be a good distraction before the comp on Friday.”

“I’m most excited for the Beach Day,” Brandt told us,

“Nothing will stop me from getting my togs on and showing off the summer tummy I’ve been working on!”

All four go head-to-head for the title of Mr VicBear.

“The bear community in Melbourne has made me feel so welcome moving from Geelong,” Billy told us,

“I want to represent the big boys and for a community where I found my place, friends and more.

“VicBears is where I found myself.”

It’s a community Brandt’s also familiar with.

“I’ve been involved with VicBears for a long time now and seen it grow significantly,” he said,

“I know the club and its people and want to help them achieve their goals.

“I want to share the magic VicBears has to offer!”

As an older member of the community, Scott wants to break down stereotypes.

“Being over 40 doesn’t mean we’re left out to pasture,” he said,

“Older members of the community still have a lot to contribute.”

Photo by Dean Arcuri

Who will be Mr VicBear in 2025?

“Entering the competition’s a way of pushing outside my comfort zone.”

“This community made me feel confident and valued again after re-entering the scene after a long-term relationship break-up.”

“Competing is a great opportunity for me to give back,” Brendan told us,

“They were vital to me getting my spark back.

“Reminding me how to love myself and connecting me with amazing people who are now my closest friends.

“What better way to show that thanks than by putting myself forward to volunteer my time, commitment and passion,

“To advocate as an ambassador for the broader bear and queer community.

With a host of free and ticket events, there are plenty of ways for you to connect with the bear community this summer.

“The bear community means inclusivity no matter your size.” Scott said.

“For the first time in my life, I feel valued, desirable and safe to be myself.” Brendan said,

“I feel very lucky to have found my tribe and to call myself a bear.

“It’s empowered to help others find their sense of belonging and community where they can thrive.

“I’ve grown into who I am today using the bear community as a pillar of guidance and support,” Brandt said,

“I want to continue passing that support onto anyone who needs it.”

Unfortunately, Brandt has had to step away from the competition from when we did the interview last year due to work commitments.

But his passion for the community, as with all the competitors, is going make this years comp very exciting.

Bearfest runs from 18th – 25th January.

Check out all the events and get your tickets here. 

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[hisnamewasjackchapman]

So, tonight this happened...

“Tonight was 2019 VicBears Annual General Meeting and we would love to take the opportunity to introduce your new committee.

Darryn - Treasurer

Mal - Vic President

Kevin - President

Mick - Secretary

Patrick - Committeeman (absent)

Thanks to all the members who attend in person and by Proxy who made tonight’s meeting efficient, effective and enjoyable.

We have a big year ahead for VicBears with more community engagement to help us drive great outcomes for our community!”

[theoverusedjoke]

Southern hibearnation 2017 #selfie #gay #vicbears #beard

[qnewsau]

VicBears cap off the year raising over $3000 for charity

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VicBears cap off the year raising over $3000 for charity

VicBears ended the year by raising over $3,500 for The David Williams Fund and The Positive Living Centre Pantry.

VicBears is much more than a social group for bears and those who like them.

They hosted two events at the end of the year that connected their community and raised funds for worthy charities.

“Fundraising is actually at the core of what we do.” President Adam Walton told us,

“Every event or thing we do is set up in a way that it can give back to the commy as we go.”

They ended the year hosting an XXXMas Underwear Party raising money for the David Williams Fund.

The David Williams Fund provides emergency financial assistance to people living with HIV who are experiencing financial hardship.

The fund relies upon donations.

“Donating a portion of the ticket sales and with support from the committee we were able to raise $1,500,” Justin Howard said,

“The support the David Williams Fund gives is vital, especially with the cost of living crisis at the moment.”

Image: Supplied

A food drive like no other

VicBears also hosted Boxing Day Bears at the Laird raising money for The Pantry at the Positive Living Centre.

The evening saw the committee collecting non-perishable food donations with people also opting to donate for items to be purchased for The Pantry.

“It’s something we do that’s combined with The Laird instead of running our monthly Den Night in December,”

“It’s great to run an event like this focused clearly on fundraising,” Justin said,

“This year was my third year involved and I’m always amazed at the food and donations that come in.

“People bring boot loads of goods and this year we raised even more than last year.

“We tell people they can give goods from their cupboards, but people go all out.

“On Boxing Day some people made multiple trips to the shops to bring in more.

“For most of us on this committee, this is one of our favourite events of the year.”

“We joke that as bears, we just want everyone to have food,” Adam joked,

“Honestly though I’ve been to the Pantry at the Positive Living Centre, and there’s not much there.

“There’s a lot of people that are going without, so it’s an important event.

“These organisations exist to support those that need it at less fortunate times.

“Any opportunities we can create to support that is great.”

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For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

VicBears' Bears Be Walking group gets moving over summer

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VicBears' Bears Be Walking group gets moving over summer

VicBears’ weekly walking group is back for another year, and it’s a free, sober, and social way to get out and about.

Walking around Melbourne’s most popular running route the Tan, President of VicBears Adam Walton had a brain wave.

“It’s actually very selfish on my part,” he told QNews.

“I was doing sporadic walks and wanted to do it more. So, I figured why not have an event with VicBears so that could happen?”

VicBears is a social group for hirsute male-identifying individuals and those who love them.

During daylight saving, they started Bears be Walking last year under their Active Bear banner.

They already have their successful water aerobics AquaBear, and their community has taken to the weekly walks.

“There’s a certain lifestyle that comes with being a bear,” Adam laughed.

“But the community has really responded to active events they can do together to focus on their health. Bears be Walking hasn’t only been successful but social as well.”

The group meet every Tuesday after work at 6:15 pm at Walker Fountain.

You don’t need to be a bear to get walking

“Some weeks, we have had over twenty people join us,” Adam says.

“It is easy for those who can come straight from work, and with daylight savings, it’s nice to be in the sun and walk.”

VicBears is a membership group but that doesn’t stop anyone from participating.

“We’ve had a member bring their mother and a lovely lady who joins us weekly, and everyone walks at their own pace,” he says.

“If some people get too far ahead, we stop and wait for stragglers. We make sure we finish all together, so it doesn’t feel like a race.

“It’s very social, with everyone walking and talking, swapping walkers as we move around the Tan.”

“After all, you are just on a walk, bouncing around between everybody and having a bit of a conversation.”

“It’s great to be able to talk with friends in a space you wouldn’t normally get to.”

“We have our monthly Den nights, but a pub setting can be a bit too intimidating for some.”

“But I want to remind people that no matter what event you come to, we are a social group,” Adam stressed.

“You don’t have to be a member of VicBears to be a part of the community.”

“Whether you identify as a bear or gay or not, Bears be Walking is a great social event during summer to be a part of.”

“Come and walk around the park with us on a Tuesday. It’s fun and simple and something I look forward to every week.”

Meet VicBears for Bears be Walking around the Tan Tuesdays at 6:15 pm at Walker Fountain.

Source: Facebook

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

VicBears launch Arts Grant and applications are open!

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VicBears launch Arts Grant and applications are open!

Calling all creatives, you can bring your artistic vision to life with the 2025 VicBears Arts Grant.

VicBears is a social group for bears and those who like them, but this year they are doing something different.

They have created an Arts Grant to support artists of all backgrounds or stages of their careers.

Launching the 2025 VicBears Arts Grant, they have created a funding stream to help develop and realise artistic ideas.

“This is something we’ve been working on for a while.” VicBears President Adam Walton told us.

“Through our fundraising, we have allocated funds to the Arts Grant on top of our usual charities.

“This allows us to do something that invests in the bear community itself.”

Open to 2024 VicBears members, the annual grant has $3000 allocated towards art forms of any arts practice.

This includes performance arts, visual arts, written works, audio or film.

They’ve called out to the VicBears community for artists to apply.

“Yes, you do need to be a financial member of VicBears,” Adam said,

“But we don’t want to narrow what the art form is or need of the artist.

“This is about supporting art by the community for the community.

“And the chance for us to support many artists in helping with their practice as well.”

Find out about becoming a VicBears member here.

Artists don’t need to start from scratch

“The idea for the grant came to me while we were in Covid lockdown,” Rob Masterson McLean told us,

“I saw artists struggling and thought about how we could give back.

“It’s the grants’ first year and we want to make a space so our members can create or display their work.

“But there’s scope for what that means.”

Being part of the Art Grant subcommittee, Rob wants to make it clear that there’s room for many recipients.

“We are looking for strong applicants to support their practice,” he said,

“Artists don’t need to be starting from scratch.

“You could need money to sort a venue or the tools to help your work come to life.

“It could even be a way of paying a lighting tech for a stand-up show.

“Creating art isn’t easy, but we don’t want people to overthink it.

“Write down your idea and what you want to achieve.

“Give us the information so we can help artists achieve their goals.”

One of the key objectives of the Arts Grant is to help promote the bear community.

But what that looks like is up to the applicants.

Bold and challenging works don’t just happen.

But a small idea can have a big impact, and VicBears want the grant to foster that.

“As an artist myself I know how hard it can be,” Rob said

“Arts is an area that is constantly underfunded, so I’m excited that we’ve gotten this up and running.”

Rob performing at Burlesque. Photo by Matto Lucas

Bring your creative vision to life

The money for the grant has been formed through VicBear’s fundraising.

“It’s something the members have supported through ticket sales and our fundraising efforts,” Adam said

“It’s wonderful to be part of a community that allows us to do this and help build towards bear expression for the future.

“When I stepped into the club, there was no way that financially we’d be able to do anything like this.

“But last year we gave away over $10,000 in charity donations and are on track to do the same this year.”

The Arts Grant was pitched by Rob to the committee four years ago.

At the time, it wasn’t something the organisation could do financially.

But now, it can provide an opportunity for the bear community to help bring their creative vision to life.

Applications close for the VicBears Arts Grant on December 8th.

Find out more about the VicBears Arts Grant here.

Check out the Arts Grant application guidelines here.

Check out the Arts Grant framework and process here.

vicbears.org.au

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Southern Hibearnation brings bears from all over to Melbourne

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Southern Hibearnation brings bears from all over to Melbourne

A highlight in the Australasian bear community calendar, Southern Hibearnation has kicked off in Melbourne with fur, fun and frivolity.

Since 1998, Southern Hibernation has hosted free and ticketed events for the local bear community, as well as interstate and overseas admirers and guests.

The 24th Southern Hibearnation takes place this year (let’s not talk about Covid!). The VicBears committee said they were overwhelmed by the great turnout at their opening party at The Laird Saturday night.

“I’m ecstatic to see so many of our brothers from interstate and New Zealand here right from the start,” Vic President Adam Walton said.

“It’s one of my favourite parts of Hibearnation, meeting so many great and interesting bears and making new friends.”

Not just for the fellas

“We are hosting so many events all over Melbourne and we have four all-inclusive events this year. No matter how you identify, you’re welcome to join the fun,” Adam said.

With Bearaoke, Axe Throwing at Lumberpunks, a history walk with Holi Dae Knight, Meet the Contestants and more, there’s something for everyone. Check out the full list of Southern Hibearnation events here.

“With the bears events taking place in predominantly male spaces, it’s great that if you want, you can bring a friend or even your mum!” Walton said.

At the opening event, VicBears Treasurer Justin Howard shared big news.

“Over Covid, charity and community clubs have struggled. But I’m pleased to announce that VicBears have been able to build up their finances to be able to donate to charities again, as we’ve done for many years,” Justin said.

Their 2024 donations include $5000 to Transgender Victoria and also Black Rainbow. Black Rainbow offers vital mental health support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ communities.

VicBears also donated $1000 to The Shed, a Melbourne-based support group for trans masculine people, as well as The Food Angels, a mutual Aid Group providing home-cooked meals for LGBTQIA folks in crisis in Melbourne.

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But who will win the title?

The highlight of Southern Hibernation is the Mr Australasia Bear Competition this Friday night.

Mr VicBear 2024 Joenas, Mr Bear Queensland Mitch, Mr Bear SA Nic, Mr Bear Perth Stewart, Mr Harbour City Bear Thomas and Mr Bear NZ Tia will take the stage. Each of the contenders will compete for the 2024 national title.

“Kicking Southern Hibernation off last night was a blast!” Mr VicBear 2024 Joenas Galinato said.

“It was great to start the week at the Laird with my fellow sash brothers, Mr Austalasia Bear’s Class of 2024.

“It was also great to warm up the night giving hugs to old and new friends from different cities. I can’t wait for the next big events lined up for the week!”

Southern Hibernation runs from June 8th – 16th. You can check out the full listing of events here. 

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Northern Exposure 2024 a success as Mr Bear Qld crowned

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Northern Exposure 2024 a success as Mr Bear Qld crowned

Brisbears recently hosted their annual event Northern Exposure for a week of fun, fur and frivolity that saw the crowning of Mr Bear Queensland. Their President Graeme Kerr shares how the week went. 

Northern Exposure (NEX) is an annual event that takes place every October with an extensive program of events including the Meet and Greet Dinner, the highly coveted Underbear dance party and the Mr Bear Queensland competition.

Meet and Greet Dinner

NEX kicked off with our Meet and Greet Dinner at The Pineapple Hotel. This event, hosted by drag superstar Shanny T Bone, gives the bears a chance to meet up, enjoy a three-course meal and learn a little bit more about our Mr Bear QLD contestants.

Local performers Abril La Trene, Henny Spaghetti and MOOSE! dazzled the crowd throughout the night. 

Shape

This year saw the program expand with a special screening of the Australian documentary; Shape directed by Roger Ungers. Shape uncovers how being in a tribe can help gay males feel part of a community. This sense of inclusion and belonging can be so valuable, especially for young males whose families may have rejected them after they came out. 

However, this social grouping can lead to unhealthy stereotypes and unrealistic body image ideals. One of the film’s subjects, Aaron, proudly represented the bear community and it was great to see some familiar faces up on the silver screen.

Mr Bear Queensland 2024

Each year we call for representatives from our community to compete for the chance to win the title of Mr Bear Queensland. Mr Bear QLD is the ambassador for Brisbears and gives the titleholder the opportunity to fundraise for their chosen charities and represent Queensland at the Mr Australasia Bear competition hosted by Vicbears during Southern Hibernation. 

This year’s competition took place in The Bunker Bar at The Sportsman Hotel and was hosted by local legends Shanny T Bone and Paul Wheeler (Mr Bear Queensland 2021). 

The comp is very similar to a beauty pageant with contestants participating in interviews and three stage rounds comprising of Bear Casual, Bear Minimum and a Talent round. 

This year we saw four contestants duking it out for the sash. Each contestant did an amazing job wowing the crowd and Wesley emerged victorious.

Damien was awarded the inaugural Mr Congeniality title as voted by his fellow contestants. It takes a bit of nerve to put your hand up to represent our community and I want to thank Demetrio and Thomas for plucking up the courage.

Other events

Saturday night saw the bears take over the entire venue at Sporties for a crowd favourite event; Underbear with the venue pumping until the early hours.

Other events during the week included the Teddy Bears Picnic at Roma Street Parklands, a beach party at South Bank and the recovery session hosted by the Brunswick Hotel. We said our farewell to our out-of-towners as we closed out the jam-packed week.

Thank you to every bear who came out and supported our events. Lastly a massive thank you to the entire Brisbears committee for their tireless efforts in putting on a great event. 

You can follow @Brisbears on Facebook. Check out more photos of Northern Exposure in this month’s edition of QNews Queensland magaazine.

All photos were supplied by Brisbears.

More bears:

Meet your Mr Harbour City Bears 2024!

Pin-up bears from the QLD Camping Bears launch 2025 calendar

How QLD Camping Bears are connecting outdoors

My year of being Mr Bear Queensland

Southern Hibearnation brings bears from all over to Melbourne

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Mr VicBear raises $7,000 in Underwear Auction for Pride Foundation Australia

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/underwear-auction-for-pride-foundation-australia/

Mr VicBear raises $7,000 in Underwear Auction for Pride Foundation Australia

As part of his fundraising for Pride Foundation Australia, Mr VicBear 2024 Joenas Galinato raised $7,000 with an underwear auction.

When Joenas won the title of Mr VicBear in January, he chose to support Pride Foundation Australia because of the way they lift up those further marginalised in our communities.

“I was working with people who were homeless and refugees, many of whom were LGBTQIA+.”

“And their situation was one I empathized with,” Joenas told us.

“Having faced discrimination in their home countries, they carry that trauma with them as they adjust to life in a new country.”

“As an immigrant myself, I understand how hard it is to find your footing in a new country.”

“And it is especially hard for them when they don’t have a home or a sense of security.”

“I was drawn to Pride Foundation Australia’s funding programs that specifically helped refugees and asylum seekers.”

“This helps them settle and navigate everyday challenges that most of us take for granted.”

“Like opening a bank account or getting a driver’s license.”

Pride Foundation Australia provides funding for projects that address the systemic disadvantage of LGBTQIA+ communities and individuals.

“Our funding through a variety of initiatives focuses on groups and individuals that don’t normally get a look in.” Ayan from PFA told us.

“Such as people in rural and regional communities, trans folk, indigenous LGBTQ+ folk, refugees and others.”

“We essentially provide funding at various levels  for a variety of groups and individuals to do what they need to do.”

“So they can build capacity and to build initiatives around their wellbeing and success.”

Supplied

Putting the fun in fundraising

As part of his fundraising efforts for Pride Foundation Australia, Joenas ran a Charity Auction where members of the community auctioned off their undies.

“I chose the underwear auction because it is something that hadn’t been done in a long time.” Joenas said.

“Everyone loves a cheeky way to fundraise and I knew there was still a big demand for this in the community.”

“Lets face it, the kink around sniffing worn underwear is still a thing with some.”

“I’ve had my own underwear sniffed before, so I thought it would be a fun and effective way to raise funds.”

As well as a silent auction the night saw Laird Leatherman Jay and Rogan Richards amongst step up for the bidding.

They wore the underwear during the week and got ready for a fun night of fundraising.

Even audience members got in on the action, with Kurt volunteering the undies he walked in with to help raise funds.

“I wanted to help so I just dove in. The community has supported me so I wanted to support my community.” Kurt said.

“I just had the pair of undies I was wearing on the night but I figured you get what you get and you don’t get upset.”

When the final tally was announced at the end of the night, everyone was blown away by the amount.

From the live and silent auction including tickets at the door, $7,000 was raised for Pride Foundation Australia.

“I almost cried when the amount was announced!”

“I couldn’t believe I was capable of organizing such a big event and raising well above my target,” Joenas said.

“This was my first time planning something on this scale, so it was a huge learning curve for me, but also incredibly rewarding.”

“Knowing that the money will go towards a cause I committed to support when I won Mr VicBears makes it all the more special.”

Every bit counts to make an impact

“Jonas did a great job and the night was amazing.” Ayan told us.

“The room itself was so welcoming and inclusive. It was a lot of fun.”

“The generosity from everyone was so palpable.”

“The reaction to Jonas as he shared his story from the crowd was beautiful.”

“Plus the amount of funding that people gave was phenomenal.”

“I don’t think any of us expected it to get to that level.”

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“On the night people were asking me what this money will mean?” Ayan told us.

“We give out thousand-dollar grants, and that means we can give out seven of them.”

“This money enables support for seven different individuals or groups and communities all over Australia.”

“This is going to be a huge makes a huge impact. For some organisations, a thousand dollars is not a lot.”

“But for others, it’s the difference between actually being able to run an event or setting up a queer group in a school or community centre and build visibility in a place where they haven’t had any.”

“Being part of the bear community has given me a strong sense of belonging,” Joenas told us.

“I’ll continue to share my story with LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers, especially those struggling with their identity or sexuality.”

“I hope that my journey can inspire them to embrace who they are and find community like I have.”

Find out more about Pride Foundation Australia here.

For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Register now for Thorne Harbour's Red Ribbon Run for World AIDS Day

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Register now for Thorne Harbour's Red Ribbon Run for World AIDS Day

Thorne Harbour Health is reinvigorating World AIDS Day with a Red Ribbon Run in Melbourne.

Calling on the community to come together as we run towards a future with no new transmissions of HIV.

People living with HIV continue to face harmful stigma and discrimination across many aspects of their lives.

Every year, World AIDS Day raises awareness about HIV and AIDS and its continued impact.

We all know about the Red Ribbon Street Appeal each year in the lead-up to the 1st of December.

The Street Appeal sees incredible Thorne Harbour volunteers shake buckets on street corners across Melbourne, Adelaide and Bendigo.

This year, one of the oldest and largest community health organisations responding to HIV and AIDS in Australia is shaking things up.

As part of a series of impactful events for World AIDS Day, Thorne Harbour has launched The Red Ribbon Run.

The Run is a new community fundraiser that will take place before World AIDS Day

“Since COVID-19, we’ve seen a decrease in engagement and funds raised through our longstanding Street Appeal,” THH President Janet Jukes OAM said.

“The Red Ribbon Run is our chance to reinvigorate World AIDS Day and to mobilise our community.”

This community-driven non-competitive event will be held at Princess Park in Carlton North on Sunday 24th November.

Get those steps in as we reinvigorate World AIDS Day

Welcoming people of all ages and abilities, the Red Ribbon Run will bring together members of the community dedicated to raising awareness and funds for people living with HIV.

“This year, we’re literally running towards a future with no new transmissions of HIV as we launch the Red Ribbon Run.” THH CEO Simon Ruth said.

“While we’ve made incredible progress in the treatment and prevention of HIV, our work is far from over,”

“World AIDS Day is our biggest opportunity to challenge these issues and remind everyone that HIV Still Matters.”

Raising both awareness and support for the ongoing response to HIV, participants can run, walk, or jog either four or eight kilometres.

You can raise funds with your family, friends and colleagues leading up to the big day.

After the race, everyone is invited to stick around to connect with the community and enjoy the post-race festivities.

“We’re inviting our community and allies to join our fundraising efforts this year,” Jukes said.

“Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to walk in solidarity, every step you take will help provide

essential support, healthcare and resources for our community.”

You don’t have to be a super sprinter or power walker to be able to take part in The Red Ribbon Run.

All in the community are encouraged to take part and support people living with HIV.

If you’re looking to warm up before 24th November, get some steps in with the Melbourne Front Runners or VicBears, who host weekly walking groups.

More than a run, a celebration of community

A celebration of resilience, strength, and the power of our community, The Red Ribbon Run is an active way we can come together and work towards a future free from HIV stigma.

“We’re dedicated to ending new HIV transmission in Australia, but getting there requires an ongoing commitment from us all.” Dukes said

“That’s why we need everyone to engage with World AIDS Day, whether by registering to run, donating to HIV/AIDS organisations or wearing a red ribbon.”

Registrations are now open for The Red Ribbon Run.

All participants have the option to fundraise as part of their run entry as well.

After you sign up you’ll receive fundraising information explaining how you can get your family, friends, and colleagues involved.

The Red Ribbon Run will take place a week before World AIDS Day on December 1st.

This year’s World AIDS Day events also include a Street Appeal, Memorial Service, and Fairfield Garden Walking Tour.

You can find out all the event details here.

For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Meet Tia, the newly-crowned Mr Australasia Bear 2024

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/meet-tia-the-newly-crowned-mr-australasia-bear-2024/

Meet Tia, the newly-crowned Mr Australasia Bear 2024

Mr Bear NZ Tia has taken the title of Mr Australasia Bear at the annual competition on the weekend, but he isn’t stopping there when it comes to representing his communities.

Tia was the first indigenous Māori to enter the NZ competition, which he won. At the Southern Hibearnation festival hosted by VicBears in Melbourne this month, Tia’s now taken the Australasian title… so what exactly is left for Tia to do?

“I’m going to compete in Mr Bear International in Bangkok in 2025,” Tia announced on radio station JOY Breakfast days after his win.

“The Thai bear community messaged me not long after my New Zealand win and asked me to come and compete.”

“At the time I was attending a lot of Pride events and Graeme (Mr Australasia Bear 2024) reminded me to take some time for myself and enjoy my title year.”

What did it take to be the winner?

“I think Tia’s heart stood out amongst the other competitors in this past competition,” Mr Australasia Bear 2023 Graeme said.

“All the boys did an amazing job, but you could just tell by the way he carried himself through the week that his heart was shining in everything he did.”

Highlights of Tia in the competition included an amazing dance performance as part of his talent round, serving cowboy realness onstage, and just being his authentic self.

“I’ve been a part of the bear community for 12 years. When I finally made it to Southern Hibernation, I was like, gosh, why didn’t I come earlier?” Tia told us.

With eleven events over the week including the Mr Australasia Bear Competition, Southern Hibernation is a chance for the Australasia Bear communities to come together, party and celebrate.

“It’s so good to see all of Australia’s Bear community and New Zealand flying here into Melbourne just to all be together and celebrating being bears. It’s just so beautiful.”

Amidst the parties and competition, the week included social events such as Axe Throwing, a history walk and more to bring the community together.

@itstiabear♬ original sound – ItsTiaBear

But size isn’t everything…

Tia said, “I was actually very nervous about the week because I’d never been to Melbourne before, and I don’t know a lot of people here.

“Melbourne’s population is higher than what we have in New Zealand. Our Bear bird community is building and growing.

 “I also having to carry that title to support and have my community back home in New Zealand was a huge thing.

“But having the support my community back home, and also supporting my culture as I am the first indigenous Māori to ever compete and win my competition was a big help.

Tia said he’s been a part of the New Zealand Bear community for 12 years.

“I joined them when I was 18 and I was still a twink at the time,” he laughed.

“But being able to be visible so that more of our POC community back home can feel comfortable coming into the Bear space is very important to me, because that’s where I found myself. That’s where I found my identity.

“Our diverse community is growing, with more POC and younger people community coming forward and jumping in, and I want to help them to do that.”

Congratulations on your win Tia, and who knows, maybe the next sash in your collection will be the World Bear Title in 2025…

You can follow Tia’s journey via his socials on TikTok or Instagram.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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Celebrating the life of Jack Chapman

Saturday 10 November 2018 - VicBears would like to invite you to celebrate the life of Jack Chapman, one of our nearest and dearest. He touched so many lives not only here in Melbourne but around the world. To know him, was to feel loved. At his strictest orders, this is not to be a sad or solemn occasion, but one to celebrate the ways he lived his life - limitless enthusiasm, boundless hilarity and unconquerable courage. The ever amazing boys at The Laird have graciously given us the venue for a few hours and allowed us to extend the invite to ALL of Jacks family and friends. Anyone that knew him or knew someone touched by him is most welcome to attend and make a contribution (not just the men)! VicBears will also be unveiling a few special surprises on the day to ensure this beloved ranga is never forgotten and continues to make a lasting positive impact on our community for years to come. Please ensure you RSVP on this Facebook event as light snacks will be provided and drinks will be available for purchase from the bar. ———————————————————- Even if you can’t be there on the day YOU CAN STILL CONTRIBUTE! No matter where you are in the world… Prior to the day we are calling for any and all farewell messages, photos, stories or memories of your best moments with Jack. These will be displayed around the venue on the day and made available to his family (so keep them mostly family friendly please) so that they can see how much he was loved and how many lives he touched. Send your contributions to kevin@vicbears.org.au as soon as possible to make sure they’re included.

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The will to head into work on the weekend is not strong today...

[hisnamewasjackchapman]

What a week! Another successful Southern HiBearnation in the bag for the Vicbears Inc committee with a mammoth 21 events in one week! Excuse me while I stay in bed for a week or two recovering from 🐻flu. Thanks for the great SH18 everyone...

[hisnamewasjackchapman]

Southern HiBearnation 2018 - RoundUp

Finish off our week strong we have the crowd (and personal) favourite RoundUp by Mannhaus event. A really great way to end a week-long series of events!

And just when you think you’ve had enough partying, we insist you find the energy to wrap up your HiBearnation with the ever-popular RoundUp by Mannhaus.

Once again, we return to the iconic Peel Hotel, and take over the dance floor, lounges and bar to deliver an after “tea dance” style party to end our week long celebration like there’s no tomorrow! DJ David Virgona will be belting out the music that will keep you moving and squealing for more.

RoundUp has been the must-go-to final event of Southern HiBearnation for over 20 years and this year will further enhance that legacy. With the generous support and creative input from our mates at Mannhaus, we are set for a wild fun ride to round-up our huge week of bear celebrations.

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Southern HiBearnation 2018 - Mr Australasia Bear Contest

The must-attend event for any Southern HiBearnation! I was so incredibly grateful when Ethan agreed to be involved in the poster series for SH18, not only is he a fantastic model but he’s also an incredibly talented photographer as well!

Time to represent! Bears from around Australasia come together for the bear-night-of-nights, competing for the title of them all – Mr Australasia Bear. Working through their paces on The Laird main stage, our contestants will no doubt delight, thrill, entertain and arouse us.

Working through 3 rounds, the guys will demonstrate their bear pride while striving to represent all of us as the new title holder! Contest night is the peak event of Southern HiBearnation and one of the most popular nights, as attendees pack The Laird Hotel to enjoy the show!

Our experienced hosts will keep things moving on stage and ensure the contestants show us their best! Grab the Party Pass to ensure priority entry to the event, or a pre-sale ticket to get in the door. We can’t guarantee door sales on the night, as this event typically books out prior to the night.