Queenslander Ray Simonsen recently won the Mr Australiasia Bear in Melbourne and will head to San Francisco for the Mr. International Bear competition, which is judged at the International Bear Rendezvous on February 18.
How would you describe yourself? Just your average run of the mill kinda bloke, very loyal to my mates, easy going, can be serious at times, but just enjoying what life has to offer.
What made you decide to enter this year’s Mr. Australasia Bear Comp? I had made plans a long time to head to Southern Hibearnation, and I thought at the time that no one from Brisbears had entered the comp. So, I thought as this is my very first time to Southern Hibearnation, I might as well go into the comp to represent Brisbears as well as enjoy Southern at its maximum. To be truthful, I didn’t give myself a chance but to take out the category of Hibearnation Grizzly and the big one Mr. Australasia Bear on my very first time to Southern and my first time in a comp… was more than a shock.
Was it daunting being up on stage and performing in front of all bears in Melbourne? Yes, it was. I have never done something like that before. The nerves were running rife, and [to] go on stage for the category of Bear Minimum with only a leaf covering the dangly bits in front of around 700 bears was very daunting. But I feel it was good character building – I’m a bit of a shy bloke, so this was good to bring me out of my shell a bit.
You are the first Australian to enter the Mr. International Bear contest, so are you planning anything special for the competition in San Francisco next year? No, not really. I think if I go changing who I am to fit into the scene over there [it] might take away from the fact that I am just you average Aussie bear. As this is my first time out of Australia, to go to a place like San Francisco and enter an event like IBR, it’s is going to be mind blowing… I have a few ideas for the categories I have to compete in, but I will keep that under wraps for the time being.
What categories do you get judged on at the Mr. International Bear? On the main night we are judged in 3 categories, much the same as Southern Hibernation –Bear Casual, Bear Minimum (but have to be careful with that one as no genitals are to be shown) and Cruise Bear, which is what you would wear to pick up blokes. There is also an interview with five different judges on the day of the comp in the morning, plus they are also looking at the raffle tickets we sell during the 2 different occasions at the Eagle Tavern. I do believe they are looking at us contestants doing a Saturday night event with a big name show host over there, which apparently is going to be televised, but they are not saying too much on that one at this stage of the game.
Seek Travel has announced a sponsorship for your airline tickets to the event, would you be interested in more sponsorship to cover your costs? I was blown away when Seek Travel approached me. I can’t believe how many people are getting behind me on this. Let me say this, a very big thank you to Seek Travel, to my club Brisbears, who have really gotten behind me with this one and have fundraised for me as well as to Skypak Lighting for their fund raising.
What do you look for in a man? Now that’s a good question. The type of bloke that gets my attention usually is hairy, facial hair of some sort, walks and talks like a man, but those are physical attributes… I suppose someone who can respect me for being me and who are honest with themselves.
Have you always lived in Bundaberg? No, not always. I have travelled around a bit. Lived and worked out near Emerald for a while, spent 10 years in Mount Isa working for the mines, have lived and worked in Brisbane. Back in Bundaberg at the moment but looking at moving back to Brisbane hopefully sometime in the new year.
What is gay life like for a bear in Bundaberg? Well, to be truthful there is not much here. There is not what you would call a gay scene, like there are no clubs or pubs for the gay community. Bundaberg has quite a lot of bisexual married men here, but usually pretty quiet. [I] suppose you could call Bundaberg a lifestyle. You’re very close to the beach, quite a few of them actually, you have good shops, but without the hassle of traffic like Brisbane. A more relaxed pace of life here in Bundy.
What do you do for a living? I work in a Quarry just outside of Bundaberg, either on the excavator or the dump truck bringing rock up for the crushers. [I] work long hours – 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, but have to pay the bills somehow. I take time off to head to Brisbane for Brisbears every month.
What do you like to do with your spare time? Well, with the hours I work and with what little spare time I have I better keep this clean… a country bear has needs as well. But apart from that, I like fishing, bow hunting or field archery, ten pin bowling, just chilling out with a good movie or just relaxing on the beach.
What is your favourite destination for a bear to go and have fun? For fun I head to Brisbane for Brisbears every month. The fellas at Brisbears are a great bunch of blokes. I have made many friends over the years being associated with Brisbears, as far as I am concerned there are none better.
Have you come out to your family and friends if so was it an easy thing to do? No, I am not out to my family and only to a limited number of my friends. I am the type of bloke who reckons it is nobody’s business what my sexual orientation is but my own. I am happy with who I am and I think that’s what counts most.
Are you a boxer or a free baller man? I am definitely a free baller type of guy. The only time I wear jocks is at work, but away from work I free ball. You have to let them breath a bit plus it allows for easy access.
Is there a significant other half or are you single and available? This bear is single and available. Have been thinking about settling down for a while now, but not actively looking. If the right bloke comes along good and well… but until then just enjoying what life has to offer.
—
Article courtesy of QNews. www.qnews.com.au
