Meet Jordan Bailey, Mr. Woods Bear 2025
The Woods Campground has been a beloved safe space for LGBT+ people since 2004, but most especially amongst bears. Their operating season runs from May through October and features five bear-centric events and three leather themed ones. Their most recent was Bears in the Woods III which took place from September 6-8 and it featured the Mr. Woods titleholder competition.
In the coming days we will introduce you to the entire 2025 title family starting with Jordan Bailey, Mr. Woods Bear.
BWM: Can you tell us a bit about your background? Where you live and where you grew up?
Jordan Bailey (JB): I’m Jordan Bailey and I reside in Philadelphia, PA. I grew up in a small Delco neighborhood called Yeadon and had a short stint in Colorado growing up.
BWM: What drew you to the bear community?
JB: The bear community is where I found myself. I’ve always been attracted to older, bigger, hairier guys, so once I realized there was a full community of guys that looked like that, I was hooked!
BWM: Tell us about why The Woods Campground is special to you and what role it has played in your life.
JB: The Woods campground is one of the first places I felt absolutely free and accepted. It’s hard to find “your place” so when you discover it, you just know. I spend most of my weekends there so my family and friends at home know my weekends are fully booked in the summer!
BWM: We recently did a story about The Woods, celebrating it as a place where bears of color feel welcomed. Would you agree with that assessment and why?
JB: Absolutely! That played a major part in why I decided to run for Woods Bear 2025. It’s hard sometimes to find a space where you are not just tolerated, you’re welcomed, loved, and appreciated and allowed to be you, no matter your color.
BWM: What has your experience been as a man of color in the bear community?
JB: As I grow it changes for the better which excites me. I used to feel extremely lost because I was never able to be Black and a bear in certain circles. Some would look to you to choose which side you’d like to be on. Here at The Woods, I feel celebrated for my differences and allowed to not only bask in it but inspire others to celebrate their own differences.
BWM: What was the competition like?
JB: The competition was honestly stressful. Nor because of anything the judges put me through but because there was the weight of the idea that I may become the first BIPOC person to hold a title here. I just knew I wanted to be memorable, and I think I did that!
BWM: What are the responsibilities associated with your title? What are your goals for your title year?
JB: My direct responsibilities are to be a welcoming spirit to all camp goers and newcomers which I take pride in every time I’m at The Woods. I also plan to carry that joyful and loving spirit with me to major leather and bear events across the country and definitely outside the country as soon as next month.
BWM: What is your favorite thing about being a bear?
JB: My favorite thing is giving everyone warming bear hugs. I’m pretty well known for them. Love to give them and receive them. Also CURVES! love em! On me and everyone I see!
Be sure to follow Jordan Bailey, Mr. Woods Bear 2025 on Instagram.
Jordan, I am so proud of you and I look forward to seeing what your title years brings, and yes, the Woods Campground is all that and a bag of chips!!
Look forward to going back!!
Ali Lopez
International Mr LeatherBear 2019-24 and Bear World Magazine Icon