Meet the Celebrant who gets close to Bears on their wedding day
Meet Andrew Whitbread-Bown. He is happily married to a Bear called Bill. They have been together for 35 years and Married for 18 years. They have three grown up children and four grandchildren. Andrew is an authorized Marriage celebrant (only in Australia). He is also a mad gardener and occasional sculpture of useless items like dead pianos. Together with Bill, they love to travel. Andrew also love a drink (but not when doing sheningnans, including handling a chainsaw).
Luka Musicki (L.M.): Andrew, how did you become a marriage celebrant? Why did it come from?
Andrew Whitbread-Brown (AWB): I became a marriage celebrant after I retired from 38 years in the steel industry of Newcastle Australia. After working many of those years in the GLBTI and hiv/aids sectors as well I needed a fresh start where I could wear gorgeous suits and hog the microphone.
L.M.: You have a handsome and fabulous husbear, who I know is so great! The shenanigans and love that I can see that you both have, so furry real! So tell us how did you two meet each other, when did you two become husbears, and how you keep on thinking about what to dress together?
AWB: Bill and I met at coastal connections social group dance at Tuggerah in 1990. Instantly we clicked. He made gorgeous outfits to wear for Balls and party’s. Even winning miss Mardi Gras fair day in 1995. We started to match our outfits about a decade ago for events.
L.M.: The costumes, the dresses, the fashion, and the styles. I can talk about how I dress coordinate with different events with a style, but this is not my interview, sigh. So how do you and your partner decide where to do to, what to dress to the theme, and how to style or create it? Like the 2025 Fair Day and Kaftana costumes?
AWB: We usually have a theme for events to aim for . We are both not fans of subtle so like to find material that stands out. We have fun with what Bill creates and he has brought home a few best dressed awards for us which is always exciting.
L.M.: Other than the costumes, you and your partner have different moustache styles. Yours is long and his is short. How did you decide on them? Did any of you two have beards?
AWB: When I met bill he had a moustache. I had a full Ned Kelly beard and a rough mullet. After a while I started to change my style. I had a goatee for many years but when it started to go gray I changed to a mo. Bill has his mo his way and I have mine my way.
L.M.: You and your husband, have done a lot of travelling around Australia and the world? How do you plan to do them? What are your favourite places to travel?
AWB: We visit Darwin a couple times of year to see family. I like it there in the dry season. We also visit Amsterdam a couple times a year as well to see family. Planning where to go around the world involves cheap flights, points, availability to take my cbd oil for my arthritis. We plan around weddings and major events like Mardi Gras fair day ( our favourite day of the year). We have followed the Gay games since 2002 when they were in Sydney and have been to every games since.
L.M.: What was it like growing up in Newcastle, NSW? Did you come out during your youth or was it later on?
AWB: Newcastle was a working class town when I was young and I was a naive working class lad. I was living with another man in my late teens and led a pretty open existence. He was older than me. The rough world of the steel industry gave me some homophobia but overall the camaraderie of industry shone thru.
L.M.: So what do you do when you are not being a celebrant? Any hobbies, activities, passion projects?
AWB: When we are home we have a fabulous garden that I tend to. I also make sculptures for the garden that weigh a tonne. We are both big foodies and search for foodies events.
L.M.: Do you speak any languages, given you have done a lot of travelling around?
AWB: Google translate helps or hand signals like the nice man who checked our air conditioner in our hotel room once in Madrid. All it takes is to point to a man’s erection in his jeans and all is good.
L.M.: Would you say being a bear has helped or hindered your career? Is your audience primarily bears?
AWB: Being a bear or gay man is an asset I think. My couples tend to be Bear couples, Straight couples, lesbian couples. A nice thing is meeting sexy men up close on their wedding day.
L.M.: Is there any advice that you would give someone (like a bear) who is interested in starting in the celebrant industry, and what is involved? Public speaking?
AWB: The celebrant industry is highly competitive. There are lot of us. All fabulous. Of course. In Australia you need to complete a certificate four in celebrancy and then apply to the atttoney generals department. Being able to speak publicly is a must and being able to control/ move small or large crowds of guests.
L.M.: What are your career goals for the future?
AWB: Currently I have been elected to the committee of a peak Australian wide celebrant organisation. This is where I will be for the next two years.
L.M: Thanks Andrew for your time for the interview. Now for some quick fire questions.
- Location: Cardiff Hgts. NSW. Near Newcastle NSW.
- Pronouns: he/him/his
- Relationship status: married.
- Favorite Drink: red wine
- What type of guy are you into? Hairy, passionate. Good chatter.
- Favorite Cities/Vacation Spots: Darwin (nude beach there is hot and deserted)
- Favorite Hobby or Pastime: gardening, foodie events,
- Idea of a good date? Good food, pashing in the car after. Well that’s what we did thirty five years ago.
- What do you look for in a guy? Confidant and comfortable in themselves.
- Where can you find yourself?
