#southern hibearnation

[qnewsau]

Northern Exposure 2024 a success as Mr Bear Qld crowned

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/northern-exposure-2024-a-success-as-mr-bear-qld-crowned/

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.

[theoverusedjoke]

Southern hibearnation 2017 #selfie #gay #vicbears #beard

[fur-ink-studio-official]

Lifestyle: Fat by Choice and other bigger than life blogs

At lot of what I've been photographing in terms of models has been primarily focused on the bear community.  Mainly due to the stigma of being large is seen to equate to being unhealthy. A few blogs I've since across have put an interesting perspective for the opposite, that being larger is actually better for self esteem.  Without summarizing it for you, here is the article:

Fat by Choice

I found this an amazing piece that speaks for the larger of us and quite proud of the author. In other surfing of the webs, I've also come across this list of larger men fashion blogs that could also be of use to the bigger of us. Bustle

In totally other news and closer to home, I'm now working with the local Bear community firstly as photographer, then as competitor/local ambassador in the Southern Hibearnation festival! Photos of the event wont be posted until after the week, but fingers crossed I win the title... Or the Men on Men art competition I've also entered.  A win either way would be awesome!

[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.

[qnewsau]

Southern Hibearnation brings bears from all over to Melbourne

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/southern-hibearnation-brings-bears-from-all-over-to-melbourne/

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.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by The Laird, Melbourne (@thelairdmelbourne)

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.

[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.

[hisnamewasjackchapman]

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.

[hisnamewasjackchapman]

Southern HiBearnation - Hunk

Our second new event for this year's Southern HiBearnation is a new take on our traditional dance party for the Friday lineup. 

HUNK up to the Big Dance Party of SH18 – where people from our bear-village gear up and party into the wee hours!

If you’ve been saving up that special outfit or gear for a party with a difference – this is the one to wear it to! Grab your favourite pair of Levi’s, that special harness or jocks and boots combo – you have permission to wear whatever you want (with the appropriate footwear of course!).

Custom lighting, Fhunky DJs Jayson Leahy (MEL) and Jason Conte (MEL) will be playing mixes of your favourite dance tracks, along with chunky go-go bears – and you’re ready to HUNK! It’s whatever you want it to be and more!

(PS. I have to admit that the green power explosion for this poster was my favourite in the series. I had several requests for this colour but ended up settling on this event having it simply because it’s one of the events I’m most looking forward to.)

[hisnamewasjackchapman]

Southern Hibearnation 2018 - Beardarama

The second major event for Southern HiBearnation 2018 (after Underbear) is one of the new events we will be introducing as part of this years line up. 

Come along and celebrate the beard at this special event, where all things bearded take centre stage.

Our Mr Australasia Bear Contestants will be pampered with quality beard, hair and facial products and enjoy a personalised bear trim and cut on the night! And we’ll get to see and hear them all up close and personal. 

Every bearded bear will get to celebrate their facial fuzz, with various beard competitions on the night (think Glitter, Rainbow and more!) with generous beard and hair care products from The Groomed Man Co. 

Hosted by the amazing Daryl Murphy (BNE) with DJ Damian Mack (MEL) plus surprising live entertainment (maybe a bearded lady or two!) and plenty of free finger food will keep us satisfied! A cash bar will be available for all your beverage purchases. 

So get ready to join the BEARDARAMA and bring yours along to this event with a twist (or a braid). Proudly sponsored by the bearded gents of The Groomed Man Co and The Bearded Man.

[fur-ink-studio-official]

Post Southern Hibearnation Review

It's been a while since I was asked to be a running photographer for the VicBears annual Bear run.  I skipped last year to take a step back and see things from a regular punters perspective, only to find i was still closer to understanding what happens than most.  This year I decided I'd take up the mantle again, only to find out a month or two beforehand I'd be shooting alone, unlike previous years I've worked with another photographer to get the best of two angles.

After 8 days, countless hours or mingling, help preparing venues and nearly 1000+ photos taken it's all over for another year.  The tears flowed for the winner of Mr Australisia Bear, Erin O'Neill, who was new to the gay and bear life within the last 12 months himself.  Many new connections were made, both local, interstate and thank to the Where The Bears Are crew, internationally as well.  It's my intention to get interviews with them for the podcast when it begins.

One of the hardest parts to wrap my head around, before, during and then realize soon after, is that its a week where everything becomes hyper sensitized. The sexual prowess of people going, be it at the sauna or other events in hopes to be having an evening rendezvous with an out of towner.  Or the looking glass of how we perceive what it means to be a bear, masculinity and brotherhood.  These elements are taken out of everyday context for many and in the end there is often a euphoric sense of being able to achieve anything. But when faced with real life burdens and necessities, these often well made plans seem to crumble or at least not be as fulfilled as we'd hoped.

On the other hand on of the big benefits of being a photographer or at least not a committee member who orchestrates each and every event, has let to a deep countering of the stresses my day job had burdened me with over the past 6 months.  A chance to escape the expectations of those who except much, to seek enjoyment and praise for something I have less a burden and more creative enjoyment doing.  If I could trade one for the other without the lack of financial reward changing, I'd seriously consider it. 

 If it hasn't been covered before, when someone is physically hot in a way that clearly requires effort to maintain, I often wonder what's behind the physical veil, the drive to make someone mind tick enough to maintain a routine to reap such reward?  

I found myself wondering that exact think with the show pony of sorts from the Where The Bears Are visitor, Ian Parks, actor and the character 'Hot Toddie' on the show.  I had seen more than enough to know what he looks like via the internet over the years without thinking i'd ever met him.  So it was no surprise every time i saw him topless when he had to be for stage or camera.  But it wasn't the body that intrigued me so much as his mannerisms in the crowd.  Often he would hang back, be reclusive if not avoid the sea of people all together.  In the briefest of dialogue we shared I often felt he did not feel like he fit in, initially it can across what I interpreted as arrogance.  I was not the only person who got this feeling and over the week, i heard comments reflecting the same thoughts i had.

It wasn't until I'd spoken with a wiser if not similarly troubled bear who'd been following Ian's twitter for a while who'd given me an insight into Ian's own dialogue shared via his Twitter.  It would seem to the outside person, as i had felt it was arrogance that Ian showed, was actually reservedness and shy in an aloof way.  After I'd realized I'd been harsh to take the negative viewpoint to justify any level of self-superiority, i felt somewhat foolish and empathetic to him beyond that.

 All in all was a wonderful week for me and new resolution to not look for the cracks before looking for the light in people.  The authorized sample photos to be added soon.

[fur-ink-studio-official]

Life's limitations

Hi reader.

It would feel like there hasn't been any new developments since I started the blog and the website, but much has happened behind the scenes.  Alas, most of it has to do with my daytime job and its impact on my time and energy to carry out other project like this one.

However, in the brief moments I've had to assemble models and other meetings I've achieved the following.

Agreed to be the photographer for Southern Hibearnation 2014.  More about the event can be seen at http://southernhibearnation.com/

Prepared a few shots for the Men on Men art competition.  More about that can be seen at http://www.lairdhotel.com/men_on_men_art_competition.php

Built a new workbench in the garage/home studio so i can now place things on it without tipping it over. (Previously it was a few uneven planks sitting on a old kitchen bench)

In short, a lot of background upgrades and repairs to the home and ego.  Stay tuned for more as events develop.