Good morning friend. It's Tuesday, April 15, and we're covering the best bear-friendly travel destinations around the world and showcasing the powerful photography of Vincent Keith, whose work celebrates authentic queer masculinity in all its forms.
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Travel

Top 6 Bear-Friendly Destinations and Events Around the Globe

Graphic made by Woofin using photo by Dan Freeman and gaysitgesguide

Looking for travel destinations that welcome the bear community? From vibrant cities to sun-kissed beach festivals, bears have created incredible communities worldwide.

San Francisco stands as the birthplace of the modern bear community, with the Castro and SoMa districts offering numerous LGBTQ venues. The Lone Star Saloon remains an iconic gathering spot year-round.

Berlin's laid-back, alternative spirit makes it Europe's gay capital with an exceptionally active bear scene. WOOF Berlin and Prinzknecht are popular spots, especially during summer Pride events.

London's bear community thrives on pub culture, with friendly venues like The King's Arms in Soho serving as social hubs. The city hosts an annual bear weekend and frequent theme nights.

Sydney offers a tight-knit bear community with regular meetups around Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. The city shines during Mardi Gras season when Bear Essentials festival coincides with the celebrations.

Mexico City boasts Latin America's most vibrant bear scene centered in the Zona Rosa district. El Almacén and El Taller are well-known bear bars where locals extend warm Mexican hospitality.

Bangkok welcomes bears with body-positive venues like Bearbie in the Silom district. The city is best experienced from November to February when the weather is cooler.

Now for some major bear events, Provincetown Bear Week in July, where thousands gather at Cape Cod for beach outings and dance parties. Sitges Bears Week transforms the Spanish coastal town each September.

Southern HiBearnation in Melbourne during June features club nights and contests. BeefDip Bear Week offers tropical escape in Puerto Vallarta each January.

Texas Bear Round-Up in Dallas and Great British Bear Bash in Manchester round out the calendar with hotel parties and pub crawls for bears seeking community and adventure.

Pack your bags and join the global bear scene for unforgettable experiences tailored to every type of traveler!


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Art

Photography: Vincent Keith

VGK Photo | The Saints At Play

As a gay man who embraces the beauty of diversity in our community, discovering Vincent Keith’s photography feels like finding a hidden gem. His work is a celebration of masculinity in all its forms—hairy, chubby, rugged, and unapologetically authentic. Keith’s lens captures the essence of queer identity, creating art that resonates deeply with bears, chubs, and admirers of masculine beauty alike.

Based in Dordogne, France, Vincent Keith’s journey into photography is as inspiring as his work. After a career in law enforcement, he shifted gears to explore his passion for art and storytelling. His images don’t just showcase bodies; they tell stories—of strength, vulnerability, and pride. Whether it’s a portrait of a hairy man basking in natural light or an architectural shot that frames masculinity against bold structures, Keith’s work is both intimate and powerful.

For those of us who thrive in spaces where queer art meets raw authenticity, his MASCULAR Magazine is a must-visit. It’s a platform where masculinity is celebrated without judgment—a space for bears, chubs, older men, and younger admirers to feel seen and appreciated.

Keith’s photography reminds us that beauty doesn’t fit into one box. It’s hairy and rugged; it’s soft and vulnerable; it’s everything we are as individuals and as a community.

So whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply want to celebrate queer artistry, Vincent Keith’s work is worth exploring. It’s more than photography—it’s a love letter to our shared identity as gay men.


🗞️
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