Richard - Mr Manbears 2025

We would like to congratulate Richard on winning Mr Manbears 2025.

Richard says:

I entered for one of two reasons and I can’t remember which. I was either feeling really good about myself or I was feeling really down about myself either way putting myself up for Mr Manbears 2025 seemed like a fun way to show myself off, build up a bit of self-confidence, and hopefully meet some amazing new people. All of which I achieved.

I genuinely didn’t expect to win, but then I’ve always had a low opinion of myself. Whether I thought I was too fat too short too bald too old too nerdy and having people, whether it was friends, social media followers, or outright strangers telling me that they had voted for me honestly felt amazing. The moment the world’s tallest drag queen announced that I had won I almost started crying.

These bear events for me really feel like a chance to be my authentic unapologetic self. Probably nowhere else would I feel comfortable enough, free enough and happy enough to be dancing on stage with my shirt off especially given that I cannot dance. A place where I can meet all these amazing online friends that I’ve gained over the years, where I can discover new friends from around the world. That to me is what the great British bear bash represented. and what now as Mr Manbears 2025 I stand for.

I spoke about the importance of being kind in my Q&A section of the final, whether it is reaching out to a lone stranger too nervous to say hello, whether it’s thanking the bar staff and organisers who are working so hard to ensure you have a great time or taking that extra second to check for consent before touching another person. We can all do more to ensure that everyone at these events are welcome, safe and has the best time.

Big thank you to the other contestants, to the Manbears committee for another great year and I’ll see you at Pre-Hibearnation in November

Be kind,

Richard Mr Manbears 2025