Aidan Conner Frame - Mr BEAR Brighton

Aidan Conner Frame Where are you from?

I was born in Hertfordshire but grew up on the Isle of Wight — which I thankfully escaped — and I’m now a very proud Brightonian.

How old are you?

I’m currently 34.

What made you take part in Mr Bear Brighton?

I moved to Brighton after experiencing a difficult period of transphobic and homophobic discrimination on the Isle of Wight. When I arrived here, I was completely welcomed into the Brighton community in a way I’d never felt before.

I’m relatively new to both the gay scene and the bear scene — my first bear event was only in October 2024 — but I met some truly inspirational people along the way. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, even though I’m not naturally someone who jumps on stage.

After so much of my life changed so quickly, I realised life was too short to keep saying no. With encouragement from friends, I filled in the application.

What was the evening of the competition like?

The contest was incredible. Brighton Bear Weekend is unique because our competition takes place outdoors at the annual garden party. I was extremely nervous, but a bit of Dutch courage and the amazing support of the community got me through it.

I was also very lucky with my fellow contestants, Davide and Alex — both were wonderfully supportive and made the whole experience far more enjoyable.

I’d spent weeks making my costumes, and my finale outfit was a giant bear head, furry harness, boots, and of course, the furry tear‑away shorts. I got on stage, overshared in the interview, and had an absolute blast.

How did it feel to be crowned Mr Bear Brighton?

Honestly, I didn’t expect to win. It was such an honour to receive the love and support I did. Being called “sash royalty” or “king of the bears” felt strange at first, but I’ll admit — you get used to it, and it’s great fun.

My appreciation for the title has only grown over the year. I’m incredibly proud of winning and of what being a titleholder represents in a community that has treated me so well.

Has it sunk in yet?

Now that I’m nearing the end of my reign, I’d say yes — I’ve grown accustomed to it. I’ll be sad to hand the title over, but I’ll always have had one spectacular year.

I’m also one of the contest organisers this year, and I’m incredibly proud of our finalists. I’d happily pass the title to any one of them; they each represent something unique and important within Brighton’s bear community.

What does this title mean to you personally?

I’ve learned a lot about what it means to be a titleholder. People often assume British titleholders don’t take things as seriously as our American or European counterparts, but I disagree.

Having the opportunity to raise awareness of issues within our community — and to be visible at a time when visibility matters more than ever — is a real honour. I hope I’ve made the community proud, and I want to continue supporting both the community and the contest in every way I can.

Did you expect to win, or was it a complete surprise?

I honestly blanked out most of the contest. I kept telling myself that whatever happened, happened — until we were called to the stage for the announcement. That’s when I realised how much winning meant to me.

Hearing my name called, with my partner and best friend cheering in the front row, is a moment I’ll never forget. It’s just a shame it was immortalised with the most awkward pageant wave imaginable.

How has being part of the bear community shaped your identity?

The bear community helped me not hate my body from a young age. I’ve always been confident in my sexuality and attractiveness, and I’ve never tied my self‑worth to the more superficial standards that can exist in the queer community.

I identify with the bear community more strongly than ever — I joke that I was a cub before, but now I’ve evolved like a Pokémon.

I’m passionate about the bear scene, but I’m also conscious of rejecting body fascism. Our community should welcome anyone who wants to be part of it — not just those who fit a narrow aesthetic. Bears, cubs, chubs, chasers, admirers, and allies are all welcome.

What’s one misconception about bears you’d love to correct?

That the bear scene is only for one type of person. We need wider representation — especially in terms of race, disability, and gender. There are so many incredible people in this community who could do amazing things if given the platform. Visibility truly makes a difference.

As Mr Bear Brighton, what do you hope to bring to the community?

As an events coordinator and a member of the Brighton Bear Weekend committee, I’m passionate about what we’re building. I’m excited to support the organisation as it grows.

I genuinely believe Brighton Bear Weekend can become one of the best bear events in the UK, and I’m committed to helping make that a reality. Brighton deserves to be experienced by everyone.