Last year Mikey Tate was crowned the winner of the Mr Bear Perth, and now he’s heading to Melbourne for the national title at Southern Hibernation where he’ll compete for the title of Mr Australasian Bear.
OUTinPerth caught up with Mikey to find out how his reign has been going, and what he’s planning for his moment in the spotlight.
How is your reign as Mr Bear Perth going so far?
My title reign has been going wonderfully! It’s definitely been a big and sometimes steep learning curve, figuring out what it actually means to me to hold a title, but I’ve had an absolute blast being the face of the community that I love so much. I wouldn’t change it for anything! It’s been so wonderful having so many people want to support me and my efforts, knowing that I have such an incredible, beautiful community at my back has been beyond reassuring.
How did it feel to march out the front of The Bears in the Pride Parade?
God, where to even begin? I’ve marched in a Pride Parade before, and it still felt special then, but to be at the front of the pack, sashed and all – was a very different experience. Seeing so many people in the crowd cheer at me and hearing commentators at the parade say my name was so surreal, I felt like a celebrity. It was magical!
You’re heading off to Southern Hibernation soon – what are you doing to prepare?
Aside from descending into an anxiety spiral? Practice – and a lot of it! And not just my routine for the talent portion of Mr Australasia Bear but I’ve also been running mock interviews with myself for questions I might get asked. It feels silly in the moment but I know it’ll help. I also have merch now, in the form of my pins. The proceeds from which all go towards fundraising for my chosen Charity, Q Life! (They can be found in the shop on the Bears Perth website if anyone’s interested, wink wink).
Previous champion Jeb Brown is from Perth, and has been impressing us lately with his rapping skills, what’s your special talent to win over the judges.
My Sash-Dad Jeb left some big shoes to fill, but I hope I’ll make a good impression with my own talent. Come June 12th, I’ll be serving up a fabulous Burlesque (or Bearlesque I should say) performance on stage that’s sure to get your attention. It’ll be titillating, sensual… and just a little bit silly! I honestly can’t wait to get on that stage with my fellow Mr Bears, strut my stuff, and hopefully put on a show that everyone remembers for a long time!
Southern Hibernation runs from June 8 – 16 in Melbourne and features a stack of events. The champion at Mr Australian Bear wins an amazing sash from MooseKnucle Leather, a major prize from Eagle Leather, other prizes from sponsors, and of course bragging rights for their club. Tickets to the big night are on sale now.
Find out more about community group Bears Perth.
