Meet Gavin Chow, your Malaysian representative for Mr. Bear International!
We chatted with the handsome and talented Gavin Chow, the first ever Malaysian representative for Mr. Bear International!
Bear title competitions have become a foundational piece of our community globally, from the Americas to Europe to Asia to Australia. They bring local communities together to celebrate and showcase the diversity and talent of our very own through authentic self-expression and authenticity.
Now let us introduce Gavin Chow, the handsome and talented bear who made history by competing and winning the first ever title of Mr. Bear International Malaysia. He will now go on to compete in Mr. Bear International against several other representatives from around the world, showcasing himself and representing for his country!
One look through Gavin’s Instagram will show you just how well rounded and versatile he is as a content creator, a model, and activist. From posting sexy thirst traps to representing Asia for The Obama Foundation.
I had the chance to catch up with Gavin so we could get to know him more, check it out below!
Bryce Quartz: Hey there, Gavin, thanks for taking the time to chat with me. How are you doing today?
Gavin Chow: I’m fabulous! I hope you’re coping well with the current political climate, and that you’re taking time to experience joy and practice self-care.
Bryce: Now let’s dive right into it. Where are you from and what got you into competing for bear titles?
Gavin: I’m from Malaysia, a beautiful tropical country with a fascinating and diverse culture. I love the food, the people, the beaches, and the skyscrapers. However, LGBTQ+ identities are widely criminalized, marginalized, and discriminated against here.
I started an LGBTQ organisation, PLUHO, 10 years ago to support queer people through community empowerment and services. With the increasingly challenging environment, I wanted to diversify my community outreach through other platforms and that’s partly why I found the courage to compete for Mr. Bear titles.
I’ve been a plus-size kid for as long as I can remember, and I struggled a lot with body image and self-acceptance. Because of the bear community, including both bears and chasers, I’ve learned to accept my body as it is and gain confidence in how I look. Competing for Mr. Bear has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bryce: You recently competed and won the title of Mr. Bear International Malaysia. What was that experience like and what does winning that title mean to you personally?
Gavin: It was definitely a surreal experience. Sometimes I still wonder if it actually happened, haha! I loved seeing such diverse supporters from my social circles, from the gay community to the activist community — coming together to support me.
I really felt the power of community, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. I’ve never really put myself out there on stage before, so winning this title feels like unlocking a new achievement. It helped me discover both my power within and the power we share as a community.
Bryce: Have you competed in other bear competitions and for titles before?
Gavin: No, I haven’t! This was actually my first pageant, and I learned so much throughout the process — it was also a lot of fun. I now understand why there’s such a vibrant pageant fanbase and community.
I’d also like to express my appreciation to all pageant queens and enthusiasts around the world for what they do.
Bryce: You are off to compete in Mr. Bear International this coming April which is very exciting! What would winning this title mean to you?
Gavin: Winning the Mr. Bear International title would put Malaysia on the map. This is the first time Malaysia is sending a representative to the competition.
It’s an important opportunity for queer representation in Malaysia, especially in a challenging anti-LGBTQ+ environment. I believe a win could set an example for queer people to create opportunities to live authentically.
More importantly, I hope it sparks hope for those who may be going through hardship and despair — a reminder that they are not alone, and that they can seek help or even become a source of support for others.
Bryce: I see that you create content for social media and also post really nice photoshoots too, you’re quite a handsome model! Can you tell our readers what they can expect to see if they follow your pages?
Gavin: Thank you so much — I’m flattered! I post almost daily updates on my social media now that I’m Mr. Bear Malaysia.
My content is a mix of thirst traps (oops), me attempting to dance like a Gen Z, and sharing awareness about queer issues, advocacy opportunities, and campaigns. It’s like signing up for a newsletter, Patreon, and OnlyFans all at the same time — haha!
I’m really looking forward to engaging with communities around the world and having meaningful exchanges.
Bryce: I see that you were the Asia Leader of the Obama Foundation from 2024 to 2025, that’s insanely cool! Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Gavin: Yes, I’d be delighted to share! I started participating in leadership programmes in 2022, and it has been a life-changing journey — both for my activism and personal growth.
Being a leader in today’s socio-political climate can be challenging and sometimes disheartening. There are moments of real hopelessness. I’ve always wanted to find sustainable ways to stay in activism for the long run.
The Obama Foundation programme offered incredibly insightful modules and opportunities to engage with fellows from around the world — to reflect, unlearn, relearn, and re-strategize how we approach our work. I would highly recommend it to other activists.
Bryce: Back to the bear competition and titles. Do you have any advice for our readers who’ve considered competing for a bear title but maybe have felt hesitant?
Gavin: For me, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been the queer joy and celebration within the community. The relationships I built with fellow contestants, supporters, and the wider community mean a lot to me.
Of course, I can’t guarantee that the experience will be 100% positive, but I’m really glad I took that leap of faith. One thing I know for sure is that I would have regretted letting the opportunity pass me by. The perfect moment is now.
Bryce: Thanks for taking the time to chat with me! Do you have anything you’d like to leave our readers with today?
Gavin: Queer joy is political in the current climate we live in. While we navigate challenges and cope with oppression, it’s equally important to carve out spaces for joy.
That joy is the fuel and energy we need — to be queer, to exist, and to sustain our movements. I hope readers can find a little queer joy today, and continue practicing it every day ❤
Be sure to follow Gavin on Instagram to keep up to date on what he’s doing next, and show him some love while you’re there!
