It’s London’s biggest, hairiest Pride this weekend…BEAR PRIDE! Hooray! We spoke to HBIC (Head Bear In Charge) Mark Ames to get the lowdown.
It’s Bear Pride again! Last year you had the lovely Ben Cohen in attendance. What can we expect from this year?
It’s a full on celebration of everything big, beary and buff. The bear scene is about fun and friendliness and food, and there will be food for all!
What is it about the Bear community that makes it so inclusive?
It’s unexplainable. It’s like the uncool are cool because when you don’t give a fuck, no one can stop you.
What makes you proud to be a bear?
It’s the one scene you can be honest about who and what you are!
What makes XXL the best bear event in London?
Practice, patience, perfection soon becomes pastime when expecting excellence. And my staff know I really don’t like letting the individual down, let alone the crowd!
Do you have to be a bear to celebrate Bear Pride?
No, but you do need to be able to like being with us or why bother! I’ve barred precious prats making fun of others and will do it again, as the club doesn’t need that type!
Who’s the best bear of them all?
The one who has my heart, but he’s a bad one too. I like a cheeky smile and the devil’s glint in his eye gets me every time he smiles and has done for the last 11 years.
• XXL presents Bear Pride is on Saturday 28th May at Pulse Nightclub, 1 Invicta Plaza, SE1 9UF. 10pm – 7am.
£15 for guests, £8 for members.
