Mr CUB UK - New! | Mr. Bear UK

Mr CUB UK was formed in 2024 for the first time.

We decided on a cub version to appeal to the younger generation from our group Bear. It’s designed to bring Cubs, otters, and others together for a fun and friendly competition. Promoting body positivity and inclusion.

We have been lucky to crown 2 contestants so far. Lenny Evans from 2024 and Matt Birkinshaw 2025. Who both got an invite to compete in Mr Bear UK when they feel ready.

We believe that having this category included as a competition will garner a greater inclusivity for group members. We strive to bring the community together the best way we know how.

Mr CUB UK is new for 2024. This is a competition similar to Mr BEAR UK, but for all the Cubs! If you would like to apply, please contact us. The competition will be taking place on 8th December at Mardi Gras, Blackpool.

Mr CUB UK 2025

Ty and Jet

We asked two of our Contestants to tell us a bit more about them and their experience of Mr CUB UK.

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Jet

Jet lives in Norfolk, and is a 34 year old, gay male.

Jet says:

I took part in the Mr CUB UK competition because it would help build confidence

and I wanted to tell my story and help fight the stigma around HIV.

Back in 2013 I was told I had HIV and in my household, he feeling was that it was not the best thing to have and I was asked when was I going to “Die”. I had no one to talk to, my friends all turned their back on me, so because of this, I wanted to help change that and not

let other people go through what I went through. It has been 12 years since I was told

and in that time I have learnt so much about HIV and that it does not kill

you like it used to with the right treatment. I am now on an injectable treatment

that goes in to my ass every 2 months (yes I get little prick every two months in

my ass lol).

I also wanted to help with the homeless, or someone who is feeling alone and

from LGBTQ+ community by having somewhere to go at Christmas to get a hot

meal or come for the company, as this time of the year can be hard on anyone who

has nowhere to go, or miss someone special; as I know the impact of this can be

destressing.

Being part of the Bear/Cub community, I feel accepted for being me and I dont have

to hide my true self. I feel at home and part of a big family being in the Bear/Cub

community; it took me a while to find my place, but now that I have, I dont want to lose

that, I want to share with others.

Ty

As young man just entering his 20s, you find that with the standards of appearance and labelling in the gay community you struggle to find a place where you can freely drop those labels/standards to floor and feel safe and accepted to just be yourself and find comfort and confidence in yourself, without having to change yourself to find where you belong.

The bear community is always growing and if you're lucky enough to find your place you will find out there is more to you than you know. That’s why I was so lucky to apply and take part in MR CUB.UK, a new and exciting way to bring more of the younger community into the light.

It’s a competition that can mean many things for many contestants. I chose to take part not to win but put myself out of my comfort zone and gain some confidence I lacked with my body and skills I lost all kindness and faith in myself so much. But for me, taking part in this amazing event I gained so much I needed that I had lost over time; thanks to being on stage with amazing, talented, intelligent, beautiful men, from muscular to slim; to curvy, tall and small; none of that superficial idea off physical appearance mattered as its all about being yourself and being in a community. From kind words and support from the crowd and contestants I never would have said or believed about myself, I am truly grateful.

From the team of amazing men that work so hard to make this available and the venue making me feel so seen; and safe and accepted, its an experience I will never forget; I will always remember how much fun I had taking part. I say if you are looking to get more into the community or even just a boost in confidence or just want to have some good fun, Apply!! Nothing to lose - you never know… next year might be your year!!!

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We at BEAR are so proud of Ty and Jet
(and all others who took part in Mr CUB UK)

Matt - Winner of Mr CUB UK 2025

I've not been part of the LGBTQ+ community for very long, and wish to engage more in what it has to offer.

I heard about Mr Cub through one of the organisers.

I initially had lots of questions, and was even sceptical to why I would be considered a good candidate for the event.

However what actually made me apply was an opportunity to increase my body confidence, provide myself with a new learning and life experience, and do something that scares me a little.

I certainly did not enter Mr Cub thinking I was going to win, and was very surprised when I did.

Mr Cub was definitely an experience i will remember for many years to come.

Lenny - Winner of Mr CUB UK 2024

Lenny is 24 year and is from Pembrokeshire Wales. He has ADHD, having been diagnosed at 10 years old.

He served 4 years in an infantry front line battalion and completed 2 tours of Afghanistan whilst being there. After his fourth year he moved to Manchester and studied a Nursing Degree which he completed. Lenny is very happy that he chose this career path.

Lenny says “Growing up wasn’t at all easy to express my feelings for liking Men, I grew up in a rural town with hardly anything around. No gay scene, gay pride or anything that supports LGBTQ+ .

Joining the BEAR group for me has opened up many opportunities to meet many amazing like minded individuals and I cannot thank the team at BEAR enough for the amazing opportunities to get involved in such a loving wonderful community. Which brings me onto my next thing which was Competing for MR CUB UK 2024. What an experience, for me. It isn’t the winning that matters most but it was the sense of belonging I had throughout the entire experience. Like I said, from growing up with no support around me, this experience was a great deal for my confidence and feeling of self worth.

If you see me around be sure to say hello! Im an easy going person with love for everyone and everything!

Here are our contestants for Mr Cub UK 2024,

Here are our contestants for Mr Cub UK 2024, which will be taking place on Sunday 8th Dec at Mardi Gras, Blackpool…