Meet Kevin Kloek, Mr. Bear Belgium 2025

Belgium Bear Pride took place from October 1 to 6. Bears from all over the world got together to enjoy the beauty of Belgium…and each other! During the festivities the competition for Mr. Bear Belgium 2025 was held and Kevin Kloek emerged victorious. Get to know him below!

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

Kevin Kloek (KK): I’m originally from Kapellen, which is close to Antwerp, and I currently reside in Putte near Mechelen with my boyfriend Bert. I’ve always had a passion for all kinds of games, Board games, Card Games, etc.

BWM: What drew you to the bear community?

KK: I’ve always felt an attraction to bigger, hairier guys from when I was young. This eventually led me to the Facebook page of the Belgium Bears in 2017. I started going to the events they organised and quickly felt a kinship, warmth and coziness unlike anything I’ve felt before. From then on, I got the idea to one day be a representative for this amazing community.

BWM: Tell us about your local bear scene and some of your favorite places and parties to attend.

KK: In Brussels, the bear scene is vibrant and welcoming. Some of my favorite places to hang out include La Réserve, Le Baroque, Homo Erectus and Stammbar, and I love attending events like the Belgium Bear Pride and Cave parties. Each gathering offers a unique atmosphere and a chance to connect with amazing people. I do want to try organizing Bear events in other cities in Belgium so everyone will feel represented.

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

KK: Competing was both exciting and challenging! The process involved creating a Facebook and Instagram account to promote ourselves while also attending various events both in and outside of Belgium. My favorite part was the show itself and the support I got from people I know and people I met during the campaign.

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

KK: My platform focused on Mental Health. I believe it’s essential to everyone to be able to talk about their feelings and men are very prone to not wanting to talk about that. I want to change this. I want to make it something that can and should be discussed!

BWM: What are the responsibilities associated with your title?

KK: As Mister Bear Belgium 2025 I have several responsibilities, including representing the Belgium Bear community in Belgium and abroad. There are five mandatory events I need to attend, being Brussels Pride, Antwerp Pride, Amsterdam Bear Pride, Cologne Bear Pride and Fierté Ours Paris. I can also go to other events, which I’ve already done with the Bear Pride Luxemburg and Bear Pride Poland. The next one is going to be Cologne.

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

KK: This year, I aim to go to as many events abroad as I can manage. This to promote our community there and make it so that people know they are welcome to join us whenever they feel like it.

I’ve already noticed I won’t be able to be everywhere, so for that I am grateful for my runner-ups, who I can ask to go in my place.

I’ll be going to Cologne Bear Pride, Frosty Bear Vienna, Bärenpaadiie Hamburg,… Anyway, you’ll be sure to see me ay many locations!

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

KK: Some critical issues in the bear community include Body Acceptance, Representation and Ageism. I believe addressing these can lead to a stronger and more supportive community.

BWM: Where can we find you? Websites? Social Media?

KK: You can connect with me on Facebook as Kevin Mister Bear Belgium 2025 or Mr. Bear Belgium and on Instagram as @kevin_mr_bear_belgium_2025 or @belgiumbearpride. You can also look out for next year’s election on www.belgiumbearpride.be.