From the 12th to the 15th of June 2025
About Bear Pride
From June 12 to June 15, 2025, it's that time again: Amsterdam Bear Pride!
Get ready for a fantastic weekend filled with bear-tastic events and, of course, plenty of hugs—just as you'd expect from bears!
One of the highlights will be the election of the new Mister Bear Netherlands!
You can now sign up for the competition! Do you think you have what it takes to represent the bear community for a year? Fill out the form here and sign up!
Sign up as a candidate for Mister Bear Netherlands 2025
Meet our former Misters!
Mister Bear 2024: Ben
Hi dear bears, my name is Ben and I am 43 years young. I moved recently to Amsterdam, together with my partner Sebastian. I started my own company making jewelry for big men who dare to stand out.
Being your Mr Bear Netherlands 2024, I think there should be more colour and diversity in the Bear community. I am also a big proponent of self-care, both physical and mental self-care!
I hope to get to know you in the community better in the near future and am very much looking forward to representing you as Mr Bear Netherlands 2024.
Mister Bear 2024: Danny
Hola Amigos!!!
I’m Dany Zichem Arias Millan, better known as DanyBear, born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Fifteen years ago, I moved to the Netherlands for love, and I live with my DaddyBear Franklin in Helmond. We’ve been happily married for almost five years.
Besides working in the industry, I’m an ambassador for the Dusty Foundation, Bear model at Mr Riegillio, BLUF member #1910, and a member of the Motor Sportclub Amsterdam (MSA/ECMC).
For the past three years, I have proudly been highly visible in the Bear Community in the Netherlands and Europe. My childhood wasn’t always easy, but I fight for acceptance, tolerance, accessibility, and collaboration.
¡¡¡ TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER !!!
I’m proud and grateful to represent the Dutch Bear Community as Mr. Bear Netherlands 2023.
Saludos, Kusjes en Knuffels,
Your DanyBear
Amsterdam Bear Pride 2025
Amsterdam Bear Pride 2025 is organized with the support of Bear-Necessity, DirQ, The Web Amsterdam, and Eagle Amsterdam, supported by various hospitality entrepreneurs.
The goal is to collectively bring more attention to the Dutch bear scene, provide a platform for other initiatives, hospitality entrepreneurs, and charities to showcase themselves to the bear community over the course of a weekend.
FAQ
Who will be organising ABP and the election, and why?
Bear-Necessity, DirQ, The Web Amsterdam and Eagle Amsterdam, supported by various hospitality entrepreneurs. The goal is to collectively bring more attention to the Dutch scene and provide a platform for other initiatives, hospitality entrepreneurs, and charities to showcase themselves to the bear community over the course of a weekend.
What does the process in the run-up to the elections look like?
Registration closes at the end of April 2025, after which all candidates will have their photo taken by our in-house photographer, Anton
.
For this, we ask for one afternoon of your time. This photo will be used to introduce the candidates on our social media.
In the lead-up to the elections, we also ask you to participate in a number of promotional activities with the other candidates. These activities will be announced here in due course.
Additionally, we expect you to be available for a one-hour meeting with the organization to discuss the elections—covering the rounds, the judging process, and what is expected on the big night.
What if I change my mind and wish to withdraw?
If you no longer wish to participate in the election, we would of course like to hear this as soon as possible. This helps us to manage the case better. We do set a 'go-or-no-go' moment, after which your participation must be final; the moment we will be taking pictures with in-house photographer Anton. We do this because from that moment on, costs will be incurred for the photo shoot.
On the day of the photo shoot, we ask you to sign an agreement in advance in which you definitively confirm your participation and in which the use of the photos is arranged. If you withdraw as a candidate AFTER the photo shoot, the costs of this photo shoot will be charged on you.
In which ways am I allowed to promote myself?
That is completely up to you, in a way that feels most comfortable to you without crossing your own boundaries. We see candidates who try to get their message across on social media and we also see people supporting local initiatives in the flesh, visiting parties, etc. Do what feels right, and above all stay yourself.
Can I join the election as a trans man?
Everyone who identifies as a man, and sees himself as part of the Bear Community is allowed to join the election.
Are there social media codes of conduct?
We ask candidates to treat each other in a sporty and courteous manner, both online and offline. It's about having fun together, promoting our bear scene and the acceptance and positive vibe that comes with it.
Which pages on Facebook and Instagram are interesting for me to present myself?
The best-known ones on Facebook are Beertjes, De Bereborrel in The Web, Dutch Bears, Benelux Bears, Bears In Amsterdam, FurBall and Bear-Necessity.
The best-known ones on Instagram are @de.bereborrel @furballamsterdam @dutchbears @bear_necessity_ams
Are there any hash tags I can use for my social media?
What are the expectations if I win the election?
If you win, we expect you to put the Dutch Bear Scene on the map, nationally and internationally. It is the intention that you will use the 'budget' won for this. You can interpret this in your own way, and we therefore advise the winner to talk to previous winners and to hear their experiences, so that you can decide for yourself what you want and don't want. The organisation can also help with this in due course, perhaps to provide feedback on your idea, or to contribute with other advice and action.
When I'm at a bear party do I always have to wear the sash or can I also take it off after a while and then be myself again?
As the winner, you will be the face of the Dutch bear scene for a year, and we ask you to represent it as such. That doesn't mean you have to wear the sash day and night, that you have to be present at every party or always have to be in PR mode. From the organisation you get free access for a year to Bear-Necessity, where we are happy to see you with your sash on.
Note that you are also in the spotlight with a sash, so bear that in mind when alcohol, sex, smoking, drugs, or other things are involved. In the darkroom, the sash is taboo.
If you are at a bear party abroad, it is customary that you only take off the sash when the host-title holder indicates that it is time to do so.
Are there any other tips for preparation?
Ask yourself what you would like to achieve if you win the title. Also ask yourself what you absolutely would not want. This helps to form a picture of how you would like to interpret the title. And don't forget to ask former and current title holders, also from other communities, for their advice. They can guide you through the world of sash and titles.
Do I have to go on stage naked?
No. You can do (and not do) whatever you want during the election. So you can be naked, but of course you don't have to. Keep in mind that the election is taking place in a public space, so keep it civilised.
Is there an option to vote online?
No. We prefer to let the public vote in person during the election, by casting one vote for their favorite candidate.
Do I have to be able to speak and write the Dutch language?
Short and sweet: Yes. It might happen that a titleholder must address the press, both in writing and orally. A good level of the Dutch language is necessary (NT2). Because you ultimately also represent the Dutch Bear Scene abroad, a decent level of English is also important.
Do I have to live in Amsterdam to join the election?
Everyone who lives in the Netherlands and feels addressed can participate. It doesn't matter whether you are from Amsterdam or, for example, from Groningen. It is the intention that you feel connected to the Dutch Bear Community though.
Do you have more questions? Don't hesitate to ask! We will add them to this list.
Any questions? Get in touch!
Do you have a question? Drop us a line here. Or would you like to roll up your sleeves and help us during Amsterdam Bear Pride? Sign up as a volunteer!