Bears of Color Gather at The Woods Campground for Bears Weekend 2
Bears in the Woods II at The Woods Campground is becoming an annual gathering place for bears of color.
Diversity and inclusion is a big topic of conversation at Bear World Magazine. The editors have always been keenly aware that the bear community is traditionally a white, cis-male centric space and consequentially have done what we can to elevate the voices of bears of color and to highlight events that are welcoming towards our entire community.
The Woods Campground in Lehighton, Pennsylvania has long been a favorite vacation destination of the bear community and so it delighted us to see a Facebook post from a group of bears and admirers of color who attended Bears at the Woods II in late July. It prompted us to reach out to Jonny Michael (who put up the post) to find out more about this special gathering and why The Woods is appealing to him and other bears of color.
BWM: I have heard from several bears of color that they avoid a lot of mainstream bear events due to lack of inclusivity. What is it about Bears in the Woods II or The Woods Campground in general that attracts bears of color?
Jonny Michael (JM): This was my 11th season at The Woods and Bears 2 is the one weekend I have always attended and will always attend. When I first started going to Bears 2 weekend, there were not that many Bears/admirers of color, maybe myself, my friends TJ and Melvin, and a handful of others that had been visiting the Woods throughout the years.
We’ve never witnessed or experienced any direct sense of discrimination throughout those years, though a few people have said in the past that they haven’t felt comfortable enough going because there was a lack of presence of bears of color. It’s gotten better, and it’s a great thing to see, and I hope our gathering that started with a small group of friends will change that even further. We hope that prospects that visit The Woods Campground Website or the Facebook/ IG page, will see our group images that we’ve taken and will feel more comfortable to attend.
BWM: How many bears of color attend this event proportionate to the other attendees?
JM: I don’t think it’s close to 50% just yet, but this year’s event definitely had the most I’ve seen out of all of my years going to The Woods. I’m hoping to get even more of a mix in the near future.
BWM: Your Facebook post mentioned it was the 3rd year for the picture of bears/ admirers of color – why did you guys start taking the photo? What does it represent to you and other members of the group?
JM: It was a small group of friends who were just organizing a group picture. Then the following year a few of us said that we should try to get as many bears/admirers of color into the picture and we were just grabbing people as they passed by. This year, we were a little more prepared and we started telling others about the picture on Friday since we were taking the picture on Saturday. So many individuals responded and even told their friends, allowing us to have biggest group picture so far. It was pretty emotional and so beautiful to see. To us the photo represents home, unity, and love. It says that bears are not one specific type of person, it speaks of camaraderie, inclusivity and encourages people just come as they are.
BWM: That’s wonderful. And in general, what has your experience as a bear of color in the bear community?
JM: I’m not much of a bear, but an admirer, yes! There has definitely been some “Moments” that can be defeating, but overall, it’s been pretty open and accepting in my opinion. We just need more diversity and a have little more work to do.
BWM: Are there any other bear events that you would classify as inclusive and welcoming as Bears in the Woods II?
JM: Based on what I’ve attended I’d say WRUFF events which puts on Butch Please and Squeal. Santa Saturday, BBM. Ptown Bear Week. These are the ones that stand out to me the most.
BWM: How can event planners and club promoters make their events more welcoming and inclusive in your opinion?
JH: They should show it in their marketing. Who are you selecting to be in your posters? What does employment look like? Is your team diversified and can they get along with all clienteles equally? The music that they play. I love ABBA and Taylor Swift but think of everyone and play a mix. Having a diversified playlist of songs for everyone to listen to and dance to is helpful.
We also need to get up and get out and attend these events as bears/admirers of color. Self-representation is real. If they see us, the rest will come. Let’s show up and be our own marketing because we can’t always rely on others to do the job for us. Let’s show our faces.
BWM: Is there anything you would like to add that I have not covered?
JM: For everyone:
Let’s all be nice to each other. We have a community that loves and hates one another. What’s the point of fighting for love if we are going to tear ourselves down? Be there for each other, love each other and let’s dance!
For more information on The Woods Campground including their full schedule of events and how to book click HERE.
