GCN__February_2018

FOCÁL UP!
continued
A
Quickie
with…
Mr Bear Ireland, Eoin Dolan
Hey Eoin, tell us, what did it mean to you to win Mr Bear Ireland in 2017?
I tried out for the first time in 2015 and came second to my best mate. So I waited a
while and gave it another go, because I really wanted it. I thought that I could be a good
representative for Ireland’s bear community.
What’s the one burning issue that you think is most important for gay men
right now?
We can all see that our society grows healthier and more open as the years go by, but
for others – people of all ages – peer pressure, self-confidence, insecurities and fear
in general keeps them in the dark about themselves and stops them from wanting to
come out. Seeing the crap that’s going on around the world, particularly in Chechnya, I
know if I were coming out in that type of climate, it would surely be fearful.
Why do you think bear culture is important for gay guys?
As a titleholder and visiting different bear scenes throughout the year, I’ve noticed there
is a lot of exclusion when it comes to types, preferences and labels. We deal with enough
childish behaviour and ignorance outside, and I think we shouldn’t forget what bear
culture really stands for. Dublin Bears is very much a community-focused bear group,
and together we try to promote the positive side of bear culture.
If you could have five fabulous and famous bears to dinner at your place,
who would they be?
I were to choose off the top of my head, Kevin James has always been one of my
favourites. Alex Matthews, who plays Brett in ZNation’s first season. Ride! Chris Sullivan
who plays the big bear in the diner in the first few episodes of Stranger Things. RIP
Benny! And, of course, I can never leave out poor aul’ Baloo.
If they were making a movie of your life, what would it be called?
I love travelling and I am single, so I think this title would work: Continental Shift. Can
the other stars be all of my listed famous bears above?
What event at Béar Féile are you looking forward to most, and why?
The main event on Saturday night! We’ve a good few special guests coming to visit. We’ll
be welcoming Mr Bears Belgium for 2017 and 2018, Mr Bears Poland 2017 and 2018, Mr
North American Daddy Bear, Mr Bear Gran Canaria, and Mr Bear Europe. I really think it
will be a fun night, introducing the guys and partying with them again.
If the world was ending tomorrow, what would you do today?
Session!
Bear Féile takes place this year from March 23 to 25,
www.dublinbears.ie for full details of events
Image: Darek Kuc
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