Gilvan Azevedo Launches English Version of We Were Bears & Didn’t Know

Brazilian author Gilvan Azevedo brings his celebrated novel We Were Bears & Didn’t Know to English-speaking audiences with a powerful story of identity, love, and transformation.

Set in São Paulo’s corporate world, the novel follows two successful men as they confront hidden desires and societal expectations, discovering what it truly means to be a “bear.” With humor, heart, and cultural depth, Azevedo invites readers on a journey of self-discovery that’s already resonated in Brazil—and now, beyond.

I had the chance to talk to Gilvan about his journey, his work, how the English version came about, and what’s next for him:

Richard Jones: Where are you from and where did you grow up?

Gilvan Azevedo: I’m a proud son of the Brazilian Northeast, born in a charming little city called Caicó. Imagine growing up where the sun always shines, surrounded by a big, bustling family – eight siblings, to be exact, with me bringing up the rear! My early days were pure magic, spent on a farm communing with nature, rivers, trees, dogs, and even a few friendly cattle.

When I was 11, we traded the idyllic farm life for the city, and a bit of a prodigy emerged! By the time I was 13, I was already devouring all the Brazilian literature I could get my hands on at the municipal public library. But the real adventure began at 16 when I packed my bags for Natal, the vibrant capital of Rio Grande do Norte state. Fun fact for your readers: Natal was a super important spot for the US during WWII, a key stop for fighter planes crossing the Atlantic. Who knew my roots were so steeped in history!

RJ: What was your childhood like?

GA: As I mentioned, my childhood was a blend of rustic charm and urban awakening. Being the youngest of eight siblings on a farm in the Northeast meant a childhood full of freedom and connection to the land. We had rivers to splash in, trees to climb, and a real sense of community. Then came the move to the urban part, and I quickly adapted, throwing myself into studies and sports, especially soccer. That early passion for stories definitely stuck with me, even if it took a different path for a while.

RJ: Did you go to college?

GA: Absolutely! Moving to Natal was the first big leap towards my academic dreams, specifically to study Chemical Engineering. My life, much like my characters’ journeys, has been a series of exciting transformations! Brazil is a massive country, and each move felt like stepping into a whole new culture.

After Natal, I ventured further south to Salvador, Bahia, for my training program, which then led to my dream job as a process engineer in a petrochemical company. Four years later, the road called again, this time to Campinas, a bustling, developed city near São Paulo, for my Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. That’s where I first dipped my toes into the American chemical specialties industry.

Eventually, I landed in the grand capital of São Paulo, where I found my true professional calling in the fragrance and flavors industry. This gave me incredible opportunities to build an executive career, taking me to live and work in places like Mexico, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It was in São Paulo that I built a family, marrying a woman and having two wonderful children, now 22 and 19. Life has a funny way of unfolding, doesn’t it? After living three years in Geneva, I returned to Brazil in 2009, and that’s when I met the guy (also married and with one son) who would become my husband.

RJ: When did you discover bears or bear culture?

GA: It was definitely a later, and wonderfully unexpected, discovery! I’d already had some homoerotic experiences, but the “bear world” itself was a revelation. One day, I snuck off to a famous bear party in São Paulo, and that’s when it all clicked. It was this powerful, beautiful “aha!” moment.

In fact, that very experience inspired a pivotal scene in We Were Bears and Didn’t Know. My two protagonists find themselves in a similar situation, surrounded by so many men, and one turns to the other and says something that became the very title of the novel: “Wow, we were bears and didn’t know it!” It perfectly encapsulates that feeling of finding your tribe and realizing you’ve been part of something all along without even realizing it.

RJ: Have you always been a writer?

GA: Funnily enough, no! My main act for decades was a fast-paced executive career. But writing was always my quiet companion, a cherished hobby that kept my creative gears turning. The real turning point came in 2015 and 2016 when I dove into a post-graduation program in writing, which, I’m proud to say, follows the same rigorous creative writing models as those in the US. That’s when the hobby truly transformed into a passion I couldn’t ignore.

RJ: Tell me a little about your Book We Were Bears and Didn’t Know

GA: Ah, We Were Bears and Didn’t Know – my heart and soul poured onto the page! This isn’t your typical corporate drama, even though it kicks off with two successful São Paulo execs as its stars. Picture this: Rodney, living what seems like the perfect, married life, but with a growing, undeniable rumble of discontent. Then he crosses paths with Paul, another driven professional with a fascinatingly different energy. Their connection? Totally unexpected, and it ignites a hilarious (and at times, heartbreaking) journey of self-discovery. It challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, their desires, and who they truly are.

It’s a story about shedding those societal and familial masks we all wear, often without even realizing it. The cover art itself embodies this beautifully: two shirtless gay bears in a tender embrace, wearing bear masks, with the spine bursting with the vibrant colors of the bear flag. And yes, my characters, Rodney and Paul, truly grapple with the very essence of what it means to be a “bear”—not just physically, but as a powerful metaphor for embracing authenticity and daring to break free from the norm. This includes navigating the complexities of their previous heterosexual marriages and the often-unspoken guilt that comes with making profound life changes that impact their children. We’re talking about those hidden desires and the quest for genuine freedom, all wrapped up in a reflective narrative that beautifully contrasts with the often-superficial world they inhabit.

Now, about the read itself: while it delves into deep themes, the language is wonderfully light and engaging, packed with rich dialogue that keeps the pages turning. You’ll find the narrative interwoven with citations and intertextual references to music, poetry, and cinema, along with some delightful philosophical digressions. To ensure readers worldwide fully grasp the cultural nuances, the English translation includes numerous explanatory notes, making for a truly immersive experience. Despite its depth, the writing remains effortlessly enjoyable.

The “bear” identity, as your fabulous readers know, has such a rich history, emerging in the ’80s and flourishing globally. My book uses this concept to explore the profound transformation of my protagonists as they uncover their true selves amidst the expectations of their families and society.

In Portuguese, Éramos Ursos e Não Sabíamos (Editora Salor, 2024) is 224 pages of pure bear-hearted adventure. It’s already been a hit in Brazil in print and e-book, and now the English e-book version is available worldwide on Amazon Kindle. And for our Spanish-speaking amigos, keep an eye out for the digital version later this year!

RJ: How long did you spend on the translation?

GA: Oh, the translation journey was a true labor of love – and a lesson in patience! I was quite optimistic at first, thinking I could zip through it. But the reality of ensuring every nuance and cultural detail resonated across languages showed me I needed to be much more rigorous. So, I dedicated a solid five months to it, working diligently and doing countless revisions. Thankfully, I had the perfect foundation: some years ago, I completed a well-known training program for literary translators, which gave me all the necessary skills to tackle the project with a robust approach. It was worth every minute!

RJ: Do you have other books, or will there be more bear stories to come?

GA: Yes, I do! I published a non-fiction book on Innovation in 2020. It’s also available on Kindle at Amazon, but currently only in Portuguese.

And as for more bear stories? Absolutely! You can count on it. I was actually deep into writing a second novel when the translation project took precedence, but I’m thrilled to say I’ll be diving back into it very soon. The bear world is vast, and there are so many more tales to tell!’

RJ: What’s next for you?

GA: So many exciting things on the horizon! First up, we’ll see the Spanish version of We Were Bears and Didn’t Know launch in the second semester. While I’m fluent in Spanish, my Brazilian publisher wisely decided to bring in an external translator. This frees me up to focus on promoting We Were Bears and Didn’t Know to a global audience and, of course, to dedicate quality time to writing that second novel!

Beyond writing, my corporate experience, combined with my work as a coach, mentor, and consultant, has opened up some fascinating possibilities. I’d love to help companies navigate and champion diversity programs, or even become a public speaker. Imagine participating in events or sharing the unique story of “homo paters” (gay fathers) on podcasts, YouTube channels, and more. 

And for something truly thrilling, we’re already seeing the potential for We Were Bears and Didn’t Know to leap off the page! Here in Brazil, we’re exploring the possibility of adapting the book into a theater play. Imagine this: my own husband, who is already a theater actor and will debut in a play this August in São Paulo, could even portray Paul in the adaptation – a truly full-circle moment! We’re also looking into opportunities for television drama, perhaps as a compelling miniseries, or even a feature film. The journey of self-discovery and embracing authenticity is universal, and I’m eager to share it across as many platforms as possible!

The English e-book of “We Were Bears and Didn’t know it” is now available worldwide on Amazon Kindle.