Bear Pride 2024

About Robert

I am Robert, 56 years old- all of those years spent in Sydney. I have been a participant in Sydney gay life since my teens and I have seen a lot. Most particularly I was deeply invested in the dark years of the HIV crisis. My own diagnosis came in 1997 and I feel privileged to be alive. I also aim to take what joy and adventures I can out of my life.

I have entered the competition because this year is my year for stretching myself out of my comfort zone. I have now been an active HCB participant for nearly a year. It has been a great bonus to my mental well-being to find a tribe where I can be truly myself.

My two big passions are the opera and classic punk rock.

I can bring a heap to wearing the sash should it become mine. My personal skills are perfect for performing the role. My story if wearing the sash would be one of hope and small victories. I escaped the virus. More recently I've worked very hard to pull out of a depression. I would be honoured to perform all the duties described including making sure everyone gets a warm welcome and a consensual hug at events.

I hope that I can inspire other long term survivors and remind everyone else that we are here.

A tidbit about me would be that I spent many years foster caring kittens for Cat Protection Society. One of them stayed- my precious girl, Tallulah.

I have been very impressed by how Thomas has used his reign to advocate for the deaf community. I would very much like to follow his model in advocating for better outcomes in gay men's mental health.

To me HCB represents everything that can be great when queer communities organise in our own interests. I have found a place where I can just be me. HCB is my tribe and the closest thing I have to family.

Why have you chosen MindOut as your charity?

I have chosen MindOut based on my own lived experience of MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

In Australia, LGBTQ+ individuals face significant mental health challenges compared to our heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Statistics reveal that we are twice as likely to experience anxiety disorders and three times more likely to suffer from depression. Our youth are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Discrimination, social exclusion, generational trauma, and stigma contribute to these disparities. As Mr HCB I will take a stand for better outcomes for our community and seek to encourage discussions that address our very particular challenges.

• MindOut

About Aaron

I'm Aaron, a 35yr old geeky bear grown in the Newcastle/Hunter region.

Some of my hobbies include music, movies and video games as well as love nights out dancing and socialising.

My dream holiday destination is Japan because of their culture: I'm a big anime and gaming fan and could smash ramen and dumplings every meal for the rest of my life!

I would absolutely love to become Mr Harbour City Bears because to me growing up there wasn't any sort of bear acceptance, tolerance or much celebration of our culture in my life so I never really knew/felt that I had a place in the Community and didn't have many friends or support in the gay world.

When I first heard of Harbour City Bears, I was frightened of how I would be received, and wondered if I would fit in. But after a friend helped me dive in head-first to a few events, I've come to see the group as something wonderful and essential for many of us. It's a home and I would be over the moon levels of proud to represent you all, help us grow and be a part of HCB for many years to come.

Why have you chosen Beyond Blue as your charity?

As someone who has fought an almost lifelong battle with depression and mental health issues as a young man and even moving forward into adulthood still carrying that burden I believe mental health services are some of the most crucial in protecting our young people and helping through an ever increasingly difficult world to navigate as a queer person.

• Beyond Blue

About Ajay

I am a tradesman at heart - a carpenter and a business owner for over 40 years who brings practical, hands-on leadership and problem solving skills. For every challenge, I have the right tool.

I chose to stand for Mr. Harbour City Bears because I believe in the power of community and self-expression. For a long time, I lived in a repressive relationship that took away my confidence and self-esteem. But in the last few years, I've met amazing, kind people who helped me bounce back and embrace who I truly am.

I love being part of the bear community as it feels like family – a place where there's always someone there for you, ready with a big hug and no judgment. The bears have given me a sense of belonging and support, with plenty of events to attend and like-minded folks to share good times with.

What can I bring to the sash? Leadership, dedication, mental and emotional support and a promise to give it my all. I'm here to inspire and ensure that every member of our community knows I've got their back.

Why have you chosen Northcott as your charity?

Northcott is a disability service provider supporting children and adults with disability to build a genuinely inclusive society.

I chose Northcott because I have witnessed a close friend benefit from the services in particular with housing and employment.

• Northcott

About Steve

I've been going to bears about 2 years now since breaking up with my long term partner. Neither one of us was properly out at the time so never really had any gay mates.

Being a part of the Bears I've been able to make a lot of new friends and connections that have been a huge help in me figuring out who I am and who I want to be.

I'm doing this to help myself grow and get out of my comfort zone a lot more. I think I'll be a good representative of the bears because I'm always trying to be polite and respectful to anyone I meet in person.

I'm always fairly open with my thoughts and feelings and encourage others to get things out when they need to.

Why have you chosen the AEIF as your charity?

Over the past year and a half I've been exploring my own indigenous heritage a bit more. Growing up it was something that wasn't really encouraged by dad but now that I'm more of an adult it's something I've been trying to connect with a bit more. I'm in the process of trying to do respite for an Indigenous kid in the foster system and want to try and help kids be proud of who they are and be the best that they can be.

• Australian Indigenous Education Foundation