222 – Grin and Bear It – Side B – Sashes, Scruff & the Class of ’26

222 – Grin and Bear It – Side B – Sashes, Scruff & the Class of ’26

Author: JOY 94.9 - LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Podcasts for all our Rainbow Communities January 20, 2026 Duration: 21:32
Hide & Seek
HealthHealth & FitnessComedyCultureFitnessSexualitySocietySociety & Culture

Side B is where the spotlight turns to the Mr VicBears 2026 competition — and the humans brave enough to step into it.

In this half of Episode 222, Hide and Seek meets the Class of ’26: Teddy, Justin, Ray, Jake and Craig. It’s a line-up full of history, heart, camp, nerves, confidence, and wildly different journeys into the bear community.

Each competitor shares how they found the bears, what keeps them coming back, and why they’ve decided to run for the sash. We talk community advocacy, representation, confidence-building, favourite ’90s films (yes, Clueless and Serial Mom both feature), and the very real mix of excitement and terror that comes with putting yourself out there.

This isn’t just about abs, beards, or who owns the most outfits with paw prints. It’s about visibility, approachability, and what it means to represent a community built on belonging rather than perfection. From long-time committee members to returning competitors and first-time entrants, the Class of ’26 reflects the diversity and generosity of the bear scene itself.

Side B is funny, warm, occasionally awkward, and deeply sincere — a reminder that while only one person gets the sash, the real win is showing up, being seen, and strengthening the community along the way.

The competitors each highlighted a charity for their runs:

Follow Tim instagram.com/beatzradio/

Follow Jon instagram.com/barbarylion/

Follow Craig instagram.com/white.dragon.339/

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au


Tune in to Hide & Seek for candid, thoughtful, and often hilarious conversations that explore the full spectrum of human experience within our rainbow communities. Produced by JOY 94.9, this podcast creates a welcoming space where nothing is off the table, blending expert insight with relatable personal stories. Each episode feels like a chat with well-informed friends who aren’t afraid to laugh while discussing the serious, the silly, and everything in between. You’ll hear discussions that thoughtfully navigate the intersections of sexuality, identity, health, and culture, all grounded in a commitment to inclusivity. The show’s unique mix of comedy and genuine curiosity makes complex topics accessible and engaging. Whether it’s fitness for diverse bodies, the nuances of relationships, or societal shifts affecting LGBTIQA+ lives, this podcast approaches it with both heart and humor. It’s more than just talk; it’s a resource and a community, reflecting the vibrant diversity of the people it serves. For anyone looking to understand more about themselves or the world around them, Hide & Seek offers a refreshingly honest and joyful listen.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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