Meet Mister Bear Sardinia, Angelo Raffaele Nardella

We, recently sat down with Angelo Raffaele Nardella, the newly crowned Mr. Bear Sardinia. Originally from southern Italy, Angelo has a background in videography and retail. In this exclusive interview, he shares his experience entering the bear community, what it was like to compete for the title, and his goals for the year ahead. He also discusses the importance of self-love, brotherhood, and creating a welcoming space for everyone.

BWM: Can you tell us a bit about your background? Including name, where you are from and current city of residency?

Angelo Raffaele Nardella: Hi, my name is Angelo, I’m thirty years old. I was born and raised in southern Italy, in the Puglia region, but for studies and work I moved first to Bologna and then Milan. Fate decreed that I chose to move to France for four years for love, and now I’ve been living in Sardinia for a year, in the small village of Milis in the western part of the country, with my boyfriend. I work as a video maker and video editor and as a sales assistant in a shop.

BWM: What drew you to the bear community? 

ARN: I automatically ended up in the bear community. When I started frequenting the first Italian gay clubs and having my first experiences, I immediately realized I was drawn to this community. Over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to meet many people of different nationalities who are part of the bear community, and with them I’ve forged bonds of friendship that continue to this day, and we meet at various events.

BWM: Tell us about your local/countries  bear scene and some of your favorite places or organizations whose events you enjoy. 

ARN: The local Sardinian bear scene is still growing, thanks to the events organized by the Urtzos association, which introduced Sardinia Bear Week with the election of Mr. Bear. People from both the Italian and international communities have a meeting place where they can have fun and learn about this magnificent region. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome. As for the Italian scene, many different groups are growing throughout the peninsula, ensuring that everyone can experience our community in every Italian city.

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

ARN: My experience in the competition was beyond positive, tiring due to the work shifts, but still wonderful for all the people I was able to meet and get to know.  The competition itself was the culmination of a weekend of wonderful events and consisted of three rounds that highlighted the candidates’ qualities and insights. My favorite part was definitely when I had the opportunity to showcase one of my greatest passions, music, and if the audience and the judges discovered that side of me, I can only be delighted.

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

ARN: I decided to base my candidacy and my participation on the desire to get personally involved and, above all, to try to uphold the values inherent in this community: love for oneself and others, and brotherhood. I tried to push these things because these are the goals we should all pursue together.

BWM: What are the responsibilities associated with your title?

ARN: The responsibilities associated with the title of Mr. Bear Sardinia are certainly those of representing the bear community of this region and, more broadly, Italy, through the principles of equality and brotherhood that the community must embody. And to seek, through myself and my image, to send a positive message to all those who wish to be part of this wonderful community.

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

ARN: My goals for this year are definitely to be as present as possible for all the activities that will take place in the coming months. Another goal is definitely to try to export the Sardinia I represent wherever possible and encourage people to come and participate in our activities.

And finally, a final goal would be to create a long-lasting network with other Italian and foreign bear communities. I don’t know exactly which events I’ll be attending yet, but you can stay updated on my social media and those of the Urtzos association.

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

ARN: In my opinion, one of the most important issues to address in the bear community is equality and acceptance of all. We should be open to anyone who wants to see and participate in the life of this community, regardless of body type. Young people entering this world for the first time should be able to find a safe space where they can grow and accept themselves and see us as part of a family.

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

ARN: You can find me on social media: Instagram @beartoken_95 or Facebook @AngeloRaffaeleNardella. 

Or through the Urtzos association’s social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and Telegram.