Perth’s bear community to gather for the Mr Bear Perth competition

Perth’s best bears will gather at Connections Nightclub this Saturday night for the Mr Bear Perth competition.

The winner will represent Western Australia in the Mr Australian Bear contest in Melbourne later this year, Out in Perth has reported.

Sam Mastrolembo, president of Bears Perth, said the competition is looking for someone who can relate to the bear community as well as the wider queer community, with an interest in social issues.

“It’s a totally revamped competition from what we did in previous years,” he said.

“On Saturday night the first stage in they model work wear, whatever they feel comfortable in.

“The second part is called ‘bear minimum’ and the third stage is a fantasy act, whatever they feel comfortable doing for three minutes on stage.”

The night will be hosted by former Mr Australian Bear Michael Heap and drag favourite Barbie Q.

Mastrolembo said he has positive memories of representing Western Australia in Mr Bear Australia himself in 2014.

“For me it was about getting out of my comfort zone, being able to give something back to the community and also going on stage and having to do public speaking.

“I enjoyed the whole experience, it was quite a journey,” he said.

Mr Bear Perth kicks off from 7pm this Saturday night at Connections Nightclub in Perth.