About CJ

Most confuse me with the current Mr Harbour City Bear, probably because of my height and that I appear at events with a sash. Yes I am the Pride of The Hide 2022, though I am more known for my friendly nature and for bringing positivity. I value making strong connections with anyone and always make time to offer support or assistance.

I am entering this competition as the Harbour City Bears Community have been a strong and supportive network and I would like to continue growing this into the future and with other state bear communities nationwide. Unity is a value that I consider is important in our community.

Why have you chosen Pride Foundation Australia as your charity?

I’ve chosen this charity as its core principles aim to provide support and funds for equality, advocating change, disability and other priority areas within the LGBTQI+ communities nationwide. These areas are of great importance for me as there are many in the community that are disadvantaged and part of who I am is about helping others get support or funding to make a positive change.

• Pride Foundation Australia

About Marty

This is a second coming out for me. I am not from the big smoke and I am finding my feet in the community. This feels like a make or break for me to take the leap of faith and throw myself out there.

Why have you chosen ACON as your charity?

Help keep the services open for others to feel safe to have the discussion with people in our community about both our psychical and mental health. Having this service free and available to everyone keeping the community safe.

• ACON

About Thomas

My goal in life is to stand as a proud man in media, who just happens to be Hard of Hearing.

I want all people, LGBTIQA+ and more, to look at me and realise that there is hope for Deaf and Hard of Hearing to shoot for stars, to achieve their wildest dreams and what makes them different makes them amazing.

Why have you chosen Deaf Rainbow NSW as your charity?

As a Hard of Hearing person, I have chosen this organisation because it is an inclusive social network for the Queer Deaf community of NSW as I know form personal experiences how difficult it can be to develop a social network. It is important to provide support, resources, and interpersonal connection to our Deaf community and raise awareness of the unique challenges and experiences present within the community as a whole.

• Deaf Rainbow NSW

About James

My journey with Harbour City Bears began in 2019. Along the way, I discovered new friends through events like Press Paws and Friday Nights. The efforts of HCB to reach out during COVID lockdowns further strengthened our bonds.

Whether dancing or chatting, I thrive among my fellow bear community members. My background as a dance party producer and my fascination with fetish deepen my engagement beyond our community.

Looking to the youth, as they represent the future, as Mr. HCB, I would aspire to assist our youth and the broader LGBTQIA+ community. This would involve bridging age barriers and boosting respect for all. My aim is to promote unity and understanding while embracing the essence of the bear spirit.

Why have you chosen Twenty10 as your charity?

Motivated by the report of a tragic suicide incident in my twenties, which exposed the lack of LGBTQ+ support services at the time and losing a young friend to suicide recently, I'm happy to support Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW. Their vital work, especially in Social Support Programs, mirror my hope for holistic support with suicide prevention in mind, spanning mental health, coming out, identity exploration, and more. Seeing a close friend benefit from their youth-focused services in the past, reinforces my resolve to contribute and raise vital funds for this crucial cause.

• Twenty10