Meet Mathieu Guyot, Mr. Bear Toulouse 2024
In late April, the Toulouse Bears Occitanie (TBO) organized Toulouse Bear Weekend in which they joined together for the normal fun and camaraderie typical of most bear events but also to elect Mr. Bear Toulouse 2024.
We are proud to introduce you to the winner of that competition, Mathieu Guyot who joins us to tell us about his experience competing, the bear scene in Toulouse and what his plans are for his title year.
BWM: Can you tell us a little about your background?
Mathieu Guyot (MG): My name is Mathieu Guyot, I am 36 years old. I am an after-school activity leader. I am from Lestrem, a small town in Pas-de-Calais, in the north of France. I was born there and lived there until recently. Nine months ago, I made the decision to leave there to go to Toulouse so I could be with my partner.
BWM: What attracted you to the bear community?
MG: I learned about the Bear community about a year and a half ago. During this year of being around the community, I felt appreciated and accepted for the person I really am, a person with an atypical physique but with a big heart! This community is inclusive, caring, tolerant and respectful of each of its members and all people who love the Bears. That’s what attracted me to this community.
BWM: What made you want to compete for the title of Mr. Bear Toulouse?
MG: I ran in this election because I wanted, in my own way, to represent this community that allowed me to grow and become the bear that I am today. This election also allowed me to push my limits and discover myself. I also wanted to continue what my friend and predecessor, Nicolas, initiated.
BWM: How was your competitive experience? How did the electoral process take place?
MG: To tell you the truth, this election did not feel like a typical competition. It was a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We each had this experience in our own way. For my part, the election would not have gone the same without my comrades.
Regarding the voting process, only people present at the competition had the opportunity to vote with tickets. Once all the group and individual shows were done, the vote was up to the audience.
BWM: Tell us about Toulouse Bear Week and the Toulouse Bears.
MG: This year, the Toulouse Bears Occitanie (TBO) association wanted to really highlight the election, so they created the Toulouse Bear Weekend event. The event took place over 3 days from April 19th through the 21st.
Attendees participated in a meal on Friday evening at Museau Musette, which was followed by the presentation of the candidates at Bar le Bear’s.
The next day, Saturday April 20, we had the Bear Market until 2:00 p.m., and then people had the choice between two destinations. The could go to the Ks Sauna or to the Halle de la Machine to take a guided tour and a ride on the Minotaur Asterion. Then around 6 p.m., the Quiquina organized an aperitif. In the evening, the doors of the Le 9 cabaret, where the election took place, opened at 8:30 p.m. and the show started at 9:30 p.m. The announcement of the results took place around 12:30 a.m. and the evening continued until late into the night.
On Sunday April 21, there was a Brunch organized, this time by Gentina, followed by a treasure hunt. In the evening, at the Bear’s Bar, a completely different election was held. To close out Toulouse Bear Weekend, the members of Toulouse Bear Occitanie (TBO) organized the election of Mister Bubble Butt!
BWM: Tell us about the Toulouse Bears and the social activities available for bears.
MG: In Toulouse, we have a few bars including Bear’s which is the bar where the Toulouse Bears Occitanie association meets to organize aperitifs about once a month.
Toulouse Bears Occitanie is an association which organizes events throughout the year. There are 3 pool parties, meals and TBO aperitifs.
The Toulouse Bears are a small community that unites bears with those who love them. There is conviviality, respect and kindness throughout everything they do.
BWM: What are your goals for your title year? Where will you appear?
MG: My goals for my year will be to highlight kindness, tolerance, respect and inclusiveness. These are the words that for me should represent this beautiful community. There is still a long way to go, but as I say, every action counts towards change.
There is also the desire to make events each month where hairy men can appear with their pets, so I hope to help make that happen.
This year, I will be present at the election of Mister Bear Montpellier on June 1st. Then, I will be with our friends the Belgians for Belgium Bear Pride and also at Bear Pride in Cologne. There are other events I’m thinking of going to, but they’re still just plans. I will also be at Pride in Toulouse on June 8, in Montpellier on June 15 and in Paris on June 29.
BWM: What do you think are important issues that need to be addressed in the bear community?
MG: In the gay bear community, there are several important issues worth addressing to ensure the well-being and inclusion of its members. I will give a few:
Discrimination and stigma, mental health, representation and visibility, inclusion and diversity and the fight against body stereotypes.
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