Meet the Contestants
See them strut their stuff at the Mr Harbour City Bears competition, Saturday 6 September at Darling Nikki's
Dave
Charity: Beyond Blue
About Dave
I'm originally a Brisbane boy who has made Sydney his home. I'm all about experiences rather than possessions so love a good short flight somewhere for a weekender, road trips and the outback. I’ve found real mateship, pride and acceptance in the bear community. It would be my pleasure to represent Harbour City Bears while contributing to the mental wellbeing of Aussies.
Why did you choose Beyond Blue as your charity?
Beyond Blue are big in the men's mental health space and have programs and support for our boys who’ve felt a bit rough around the edges. They're Australian only as well, so their focus is targeted at locals.
Aaron
Charity: Twenty10
About Aaron
Running last year was a great way for me to engage with the community and learn more about both myself and the wonderful people that make up this community ive found myself viewing as a family where everyone is welcomed and encouraged to find and to BE themselves. I would love to take what I've learned about my community and use it to help the commitee and our members make it even better.
Why have you chosen Twenty10 as your charity?
We're currently experiencing increased violence, discrimination, predjudice and abuse toward our community and the youth is our future and the more unsure and vulnerable among us and Twenty10 provide guidance towards services that our queer youth need in uncertain times.
Grega
Charity: Pride Foundation Australia
About Grega
Hmm.... Always find it hard to describe myself. I would say it would be easier to ask other to describe me.
But if I would have to describe myself I'd say I'm easygoing, quirky, full of energy, sometimes temperamental and shy with new people, but in general a good fun lad to hang around. Moving to Sydney allowed me to live my life to the fullest. I have "transformed" from someone that would sit quietly in a corner to a social butterfly. Being a member of the Bears really made me feel like a home away from home. Kind of a second family.
The reason to compete is to show people that the bears are welcoming and friendly. It is also something that will put me out of my comfort zone. Through the years I have learnt that sometimes you have to push yourself and do the things you are afraid of. Enjoy the new experiences and learn from it, make new friends and improve myself through personal growth.
Why have you chosen PFA as your charity?
I have chosen this charity for what it stands and how they do it. They are a philanthropic organization that are striving to bridge the gap in inequality for LGBTQ+ community. What speaks to me the most is the effort they have and are putting in the regional and rural communities in Australia. As someone that grew up overseas in a country a lot smaller than Australia with a lot of rural communities, I understand the struggle of LGBTQ+ people there. That was one of the main reasons why I decided to move to a big city (overseas).
Jono
Charity: Batyr
About Jono
I'm a fit 57 year old daddy who took a massive risk and decided to come out and live an authentic life in February 2024.
I had searched my whole life to fit in and feel like I belonged. In April 2024 I ventured into Bears at the Oxford hotel and found my tribe. I've been made feel welcomed and accepted for who I am by the Bear community and have made life long friends, including a best friend for the first time in my life.
I'm entering the competition to put myself out of my comfort zone, make some new friends, have fun and give back to the bear community that accepted me so openly.
I have no expectations of winning, just enjoying myself. If I can make a difference to one person who feels welcomed into the Bear community, then I will have been successful. If I can also raise funds and awareness for my chosen charity then that will also be amazing.
Why have you chosen Batyr as your charity?
Batyr are leaders in prevention and stigma reduction. They exist to empower young people to talk openly about mental health and take charge of their wellbeing.
For many young gay men and women they suffer from the shame of not fitting in. My whole adult life I never felt like I belonged or could be my authentic self. It was only in Feb 24 when I came out as a 56 year old man and separated from my ex wife and two children (20 & 14) that I could live an authentic life. When I was made feel welcomed by the Bears I found my tribe. I have genuine real friends for the first time in my life including a best friend. I never thought that would happen to me and I've been the happiest I've been in my adult life.
If I can help one young person feel like they can live an authentic life and not wait until they're in their 50s, then I will have succeeded. I'm happy to share my journey of self discovery to help others live an authentic life and be the best they can be.
Additionally, my daughter suffers from mental health issues and I have previously raised money for Batyr, via their swimming fundraising events and I will look to collaborate with them to raise awareness of younger people in the LGBTQI community, through fundraising and if selected as Mr HCB use that platform to help raise awareness and support for the gay children who will come behind us.
