Bears San Diego is a club for bears and bear fanciers. Established in San Diego in October 1994 when a need was recognized for a group who did not fit in with the mainstream gays, Within the first year, the club grew to 100 members.

 

Bears San Diego's purpose is to bring together men of like minds on a social basis, providing events at a local bar, den night at members homes, outings to movies, restaurants, the zoo and parties with other Bear Clubs. These gatherings give participants the opportunity to actually meet other bears and admirers to create new friendships.

 

 

TCB: Hey Ron.  Well let’s start at the beginning, tell us a little bit about you.

 

Mr. Bear: I was born and raised in Texas, and came to San Diego in 1978 when I joined the Navy. I served in the Navy for 10 years and felt a need for change, but I wanted to stay in San Diego, so I switched jobs and some 30 years later still make San Diego my home.

 

I will be 50 this coming September, as well as celebrating 30 years at a job I love.

 

TCB: And how did you make your way to the bear community?

 

Mr. Bear:  I am fairly new to the bear world.  I came out in 1978, and pretty much landed in the middle of the disco years.  You know, Saturday Night Fever and all.   Shortly after coming out, I found the leather community, and identified with them.  I was in a relationship for 18 years that ended about 4 years ago, so now I’m single.

 

So, I was out there looking again - trying to figure out where I fit in.  I was in my forties, I didn’t have a six pack, I didn’t live at the gym – I was having a hard time being forty something trying to re-enter the dating pool.

 

I was at Pride, and I saw the Bears of San Diego and thought “OMG - that’s me!”  I went to several of their dinners, and felt like I found a home.

 

TCB: What does being a bear mean to you?

 

Mr. Bear:  Being a bear means I can be myself.  It’s a state of mind.  About being who you are naturally.  I am furry, I have a beard, I am living the bear lifestyle – it’s where I am comfortable.

 

TCB: And now you are Mr. San Diego Bear, what does being a title holder mean to you?

 

Mr. Bear:  It means I represent the community – both the bear community, as well as the greater GBLT community.  I am the front guy - promoting friendship and fellowship through our events and fundraisers.  And most importantly, we get to support local non-profit organizations doing amazing work in the community. 

 

 

And part of my role is to reach out to other members of the community.  Recently, I have begun working with Mr. San Diego Leather 2007 Lee Butler - we support his events, and he supports ours.  In addition, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the Cash Cows always work with us to raise monies for this important work.

 

TCB:  What was your strangest moment as Mr. Bear?

 

Mr. Bear:  My first bear pool party.  I’m kinda shy.  So my debut in front of all these naked bears in the pool.  It took a little coaxing, but Mr. Bear came out!!

 

TCB: What advice do you have for younger bears and cubs?

 

Mr. Bear:  Go to the socials, go to one of the movie nights and find a mentor. . . You will find the bears very friendly.

 

TCB: Did you have a mentor when you entered the bear community?

 

Mr. Bear: Yes, I was very lucky.  At one of my first events, I met a couple – Mark & Gary.  They have been friends ever since.  They supported my title run, they have helped with our fundraisers – I wouldn’t be where I am now without those two.

 

TCB: What’s next?

 

Mr. Bear: I will be representing the San Diego Bears at IBR and running for the Mr. International Bear Title.  I went to IBR this year, I loved it.  The BOSF were the best hosts.

 

TCB:  Well, we look forward to seeing you in our fair city.   And we wish you the best in your title year . . .