That rumbling you’re hearing in the distance isn’t a stampede, it’s
the sound of hirsute gay men from over 27 states and four nations
converging on Portland for BearTown 2009. Unlike the looming threat of
the polar bear, these gentle giants are here to show Portland that you
don’t have to starve yourself or live at the gym to celebrate LGBTQ
Pride.
Kicking off on Thursday, June 4 and roaring strong throughout the
rest of the weekend, the Bears will be partying like it’s 1970 at 22
events around town, tearing their way through both traditional Bear
stomping grounds like the semi-infamous Eagle Portland in NoPo, and to
clubs better known for their thumping music and drink specials, like CC
Slaughters in Old Town.
Though described as a “big-ass gay social event for hairy men” by
BearTown organizer Don James, the Bears are well known for providing an
inclusive atmosphere for anyone who thinks a dance floor full of
gyrating, sweaty, hairy men is a little slice of heaven. So, gentlemen,
feel free to skip shaving this weekend. Ladies, give your tired and
weary pits a break. Hipsters, pretty much just keep doing what you’ve
been doing. “Portland in general is a very embracing, all-inclusive
city,” says Al Munguia, general manager of the Jupiter Hotel and a
BearTown organizer. “And so are the Bears.”
And there’s no need to feel guilty about dropping your hard-earned
paycheck. If there’s one thing that Bears are known for—besides
worshipping Tom Selleck as a living god—it’s charity. The
organizers have set a lofty goal of raising $17,000 for Esther’s
Pantry, a food bank for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Speaking of food, this year’s celebration will definitely help you
pack on the pounds, between brunches, buffets, and Friday night’s wine
tasting at the Jupiter’s Dream Box. So grab your lumberjack outfit,
leave the Nair and deodorant at home, and get ready to rock the house
with the Bears.
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