Unibear: for its inaugural edition, Montreal queers can expect one frisky picnic

Bears, cubs, and other furry mammals: come out of hibernation, because our fine city will soon become a honey-laden beehive! From June 17 to 19, BearEvent Montreal will hold its first ever UNIBEAR weekend, attracting local, national and international bears. To clear up any confusion, we’re not talking grizzly or Yogi. Bears are yet another species of the queer community and are loosely defined by their husky size and naturally robust pelts. Bears lean towards butch on the gender spectrum, while refuting the impossible beauty standards entrenched in mainstream gay media.

Don’t let the nomenclature scare you though, because these strapping gentlemen are renowned for their big hearts and friendly, welcoming nature. Judging from some of the UNIBEAR listings, it’s evident that humour is an imperative for the burly brethren. Things kick off with a low-key 5 à 7 at Bar Le Stud, but the weekend’s main event is Bearracuda. The Bearracuda crew, hailing from San Francisco and including DJ Matt Costa, will bring their legendary dance party to Bain Mathieu. For any peckish Papa bears, there’s a Bear-B-Q. To satiate a different kind of hunger, there’s an underwear party with a suggested dress code of boxers, briefs, swimsuits, long-johns, or the classic and iconic jock strap. And if that isn’t runway enough, there’s even a bear fashion show.

So if you’re a bear, a friend, or would just like to admire the wildlife, go down to the woods, i.e. the Village, and check out the inaugural edition of UNIBEAR.

Unibear 2011 | June 17 to 19| evenours.org