Meet Francisco Guillen, Brighton Bear 2024

9th August 2024 BWM Staff

Another successful Brighton Bear Weekend is in the books and with it a new Brighton Bear was chosen to represent this wonderful community. Meet Francisco Guillen, Brighton Bear 2024!

BWM: Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Francisco Guillen (FG): I was born in Torremolinos, Spain 50 years ago. I know it’s hard to believe isn’t it! (Laughs). I grew up in Birmingham but didn’t come out until I ran away to Brighton 12 years ago, which completely changed my life.

BWM: What drew you to the bear community?

FG: Well, I’ve always fancied hairy men, especially men with facial hair. But growing up I did not have a beard and I didn’t realise why the hairy men I liked so much weren’t into me – until I grew a beard. Then bam! There were bears coming at me from all directions. Plus I love how unapologetic bears are. I don’t have to worry about my size or being slightly ungroomed even though I am most of the time (laughs). Oh, and I do love a bit of leather… Ok ok a lot!! It just gives me confidence and makes me feel sexy. That’s not a bad thing.

BWM: What made you want to compete for the title?

FG: Well, people have been asking me to do it for years and I’ve always said no. Also, my confidence has slightly wavered over the last few years. But this year I turned 50 and I thought why not it would be something great to do on my 50th year.

BWM: How was your experience competing? What was the process like? What was your favorite part?

FG: Quite a rollercoaster of emotions actually! As I was coming up to the competition, I was so nervous, but all the other contestants were so supportive which really helped. The initial part of the process was actually filling in the form online and I remember thinking ‘why am I doing this?! LOL

After that, the competition started on the Friday night of the bear weekend and there were three rounds. The first one was day wear. For that I wore a kilt I had designed in the Bear flag colours and a shirt which I made from fabric my friend called Robert Sexton ( @robskiart ) sent me. The only way I could describe the pattern on this shirt is 70’s bear colours with a dick pattern! I also sang. The song I sang was “I Need You Tonight” by INXS which was really nerve wracking because I have not sung on stage for at least six years.

The second round was swimwear and the only way I can describe that is picture Aquaman mixed in with My Little Pony – need I say more? (Laughs) And for the last round I came dressed as a Leather clad gladiator. The best part of it all was singing on stage again, it always gives me such a buzz.

BWM: Tell us about your platform. What was the issue you campaigned on or addressed during the competition?

FG: My platform wasn’t just about the bear community; it was about all the community here in Brighton, because we are just a small part of it. I’ve been supporting the LGBTQ+ community here for over 12 years so winning felt like I was getting recognition for something I’ve been doing for so long. Everywhere I go I tell people how wonderful Brighton is, that it’s a lovely place to live with great bars, great nightlife, great restaurants and wonderful people.

BWM: What are the responsibilities associated with your title?

FG: For me, I think it’s about body positivity and promoting everything the Bear community in Brighton is about. Also, it’s about being visible and offering support to people who live here and visit.

BWM: What are your goals for your title year? Where will you be appearing?

FG: To travel more, but because I work in a private school, I get set holidays, so I have to take the holidays as they are given.

My first appearance will be at Brighton Pride in the parade with the rest of the Bears which is going to be so great! After that I’m off to Torremolinos Madbear which will be kind of strange because I have not been back to the place I was born for 49 years, so it could get quite interesting. I’m going to BearScots in October, which always brings me such joy because it’s place where me and my fiancé fell in love. (I recently got engaged and our wedding is next March.) There are some other events penciled in, but I’m not decided what to do yet, so watch out! Plus, invites would be welcomed and much appreciated.

BWM: What are some important issues you feel that need to be addressed in the bear community?

FG: I think, as I mentioned before, body positivity. We are supposed to be all inclusive, but really, we’re not, and I’ve seen it happen. You’re either too hairy or not hairy enough, too fat or too thin, too young or too old, and don’t get me started on racism. We all need to be a bit mindful at times which is why I am so happy about one thing we have changed about the Brighton Bear competition. We have gotten rid of the pronoun. The title is simply ‘Brighton Bear’ because we want to ensure trans & non-binary applicants feel welcome to compete, which I think is incredible.