Meet the recent HCB 2025 champion, John (Jono) Metzl, who loves the surf, snow and sun!
I was born in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and lived an incredible idilic life living in harmony with nature and the people of my birth country. Black/white/asian/caucasian; boys/girls we all got on so well and just had fun in a tropical paradise.
I moved to Sydney when I was 7 for education opportunities for me and my two younger brothers and older sister. It was here when I first realised that I was different and playing with the girls was for ‘poofs’, a term I didn’t know or understand but the ways the boys said it I realised that it wasn’t a good thing. I enjoyed my school life, excelled at sport, loved the beach, playing tennis (self taught) & golf (self taught). Was fortunate to have great hand eye coordination that meant I was accepted by most; but never really included in the main boys groups. I had friends throughout school but never had a best friend and always felt like I was different.
Not many people know that I joined the military at 18 and have seen active service in my 38 year career (34 years in the permanent forces and 5 thus far as a reservist). I have served Queen/King and country and sacrificed much but had amazing experiences that most people would not even dream about. I have an innate ability to relate to people and have found most of my working environments to be harmonious because I don’t tolerate bullshit and believe that everyone deserves a fair go and should be treated in a professional and considerate way. No matter what rank or position they hold. A person’s qualities are demonstrated through their actions more so than their words.
I was married to a woman for 28 years and have two children; my 20 yr old daughter who moved in with me on Christmas Day 2024, and my 14 year old son who currently lives with my ex wife. Five years ago an old boss of mine had a heart attack, died, was resuscitated and in a coma for 7-10 days. He made a full recovery and had a pacemaker installed because he had an irregular heart beat. This was a turning point for me and I plucked up the courage to see a handsome, bearded, hairy Canadian masseur who helped me explore my sexuality. From the moment he touched me, I knew that I was wired to be with men. I’d suppressed my urges all of my adult life and gave into my desires. It was an incredible experience and one that awakened parts of me that I never knew existed. I had been dying inside living in a relationship where there was no intimacy which I craved.
In Feb 2024, I told my ex wife that I was gay and we separated when I left the family home with a suitcase and slept on a mates couch for 4 weeks, whilst I looked for an apartment and commenced the next phase of my life. The rest is history, so to speak. I have told my kids I’m gay, my brothers and sister, a couple of schools mates and my military boss. People have told me I’ll be coming out for the rest of my life and I’m ok with that. I’ll choose whom I tell, when I tell them and how much I tell them. It is my life, my journey and my story. I plan to control the narrative and the pace with which i explore the next phase of my life. Being given the honour of being Mr Harbour City Bears may change the trajectory of my control of my narrative but I’m comfortable to come out of the shadows and live my life as an authentic and honourable gay man.
The past 18 months have been the happiest of my adult life. I have a best friend for the first time in my life. I have true friends who value the authentic and gay me. I’ve met some incredible men who have shown me that my authentic self can be loved unconditionally. I’ve been completely confused and frustrated by the gay hook up culture and men being disingenuous. ‘m no hypocrite and actively participate in the hook up culture. I guess I’m now at the stage in my development where I’m looking for something more substantial that a hook up. I know that man cannot live on bread alone so it’s a balancing act. Something I’m trying to work through and work out what’s best for me. I have values and principles that appear to be different to many in the gay community. Being a real dad, leading and managing people all of my adult life I have experiences that are different to most gay men and this comes across when I make genuine and authentic connections.
Luka Musicki (L.M.): Welcome Jono, I think you must have had some interviews prior to this one, but if this is your first time, great! So I think it was the first time that we met each other on Sunday, 1st September 2025, right? And what was your impression of meeting me for the first time – yes, I am putting you in a corner here, haha. No, just kidding, honesty is essential.
Jono Metzl (J.M.): Luka, we actually met at a Bear Pit in 2024 and some other bear events. You have an engaging bubbly personality that makes you stand out from the crowd. You seem to have a signature fetish with different head ware that makes you unique. You’re quirky in a good way, fun and playful. Always have a smile on your face and always seem to be enoying yourself.
L.M.: Oh, Jono, you are so kind – thanks. I am sorry about the poor memory – Bear Pit 2024, cool. So tell me, about your Facebook handle, Beach Jonos Sydney. How did you come up with this name? And is it all beaches, and this might be a difficult question, but where is the best surf to go to – Bondi or Bonte?
J.M.: I had a friend call me Jonos in my 20s and besides my family nick name, this was the first one I had in the military which is unusual. After I came out to my ex wife and my family I created a gay social media account. I love the ocean and have been drawn to it my whole life. I’m an ocean swimmer and try to swim a couple of kms at least 4-5 times a week. I love all beaches. Grew up in the oceans of Port Moresby, Little Bay, Maroubra, Bronte, Tamaramma and Bondi beach. I am a surf life saver at Bronte beach and try my best to support the community and keep people safe. Bronte would be my pick of the beaches if I had to choose one. But like any surf beach given the conditions each can be as exciting and treacherous as the other.
L.M.: Other than beach vibes with the surf, I can see that you do the snow as well, so skiing, right? Where do you and the other snow bunnies hop to for mountain adventures, the moutnains of Queenstown, NZ?
J.M.: I was taught to ski by my ex wife when I was 19 at Perisher then Falls Creek. In the past few years I’ve skied at Tomamu on the Island of Hokkaido in Japan then Queenstown in New Zealand this year for gay ski week, where I met some incredible men who have become great friends – one in particular whom I’m heading back to see him this month (October 2025) for his birthday. The snow in Japan, coupled with the onsens, is where I am most drawn. The hospitality and friendliness of the people at Queenstown was exceptional and I’ll definitely be heading hoback there again, especially for gay ski week which was a blast. I am looking forward to exploring the snow fields of Europe and the US, as I continue on my journey of self discovery and I do love an adventure. One of my very close friends, Tim, helped me prepare for the competition. With a fella I met in Queenstown they questioned me on the chairlift in between runs to help me understand what key messages I was trying to deliver. Tim is also a charismatic, effervescent fella whom I’m very lucky to call a very close friend. He has also been there when I’ve had doubts and didn’t understand situations and reactions from men.
L.M.: So the first Mr HCB Competition commenced back in 2008. You competed in the 15th Mr HCB event, the 2025 Mr HCB competition, and you won! Congratulations. So why did you enter? What did you have to do for the Mr HCB before the competition day? What was your talent when competing? What charity did you sponsor? What activities are you planning on doing now that you are Mr HCB 2025?
J.M.: I entered the competition to put myself out of my comfort zone, make some new friends, have fun and give back to the bear community that accepted me so openly.
L.M.: So, you have mentioned that the previous Mr HCB 2019, Adam Cooney, was your inspiration for entering the competition. So tell me what influence did he have with you entering the competition (and life if applicable)?
J.M.: He has shown me how generous of spirit he is; always willing to make me and others feel welcomed and included. We’ve had some amazing adventures and I’m looking forward to the next adventures. He is a salt of the earth, honest and tremendously generous person. He has helped me accept my authentic self and my goodness have we had some wild adventures and done things I’d never have dreamed about doing or even fantasising about. I would do anything for him and love him as my best friend. Am soo vey happy he’s a part of my life.
L.M.: So, I have this from your Facebook post on 6th September 2025, quote: “It’s been an amazing 20 months in my life after coming out as gay at 56. Then separating from my ex-wife & telling my kids & family…I had searched my whole life to fit in and feel like I belonged. In April 2024, I ventured into Bears at the Oxford hotel and found my tribe. I’ve been made feel welcomed and accepted for who i am by the Bear community.” So tell us more about this. Your journey was similar or different to your Mr HCB predecessor, Ajay Anderson, who came out later in life and won the Mr HCB competition and he made his own impact. What impact will you have in the bear community now that you have come out gay? It is a strong and personal question to ask, but how do you feel?
J.M.: I am very honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent the HCB for the next 12 months. I believe that every gay mans journey is different and deeply personal. I truly value the support and guidance I’ve been given by men who have taken me under their wing and helped me navigate the tricky gay world, as I transition into the next phase of my life. The impact I would like to have in my 12 months as Mr HCB is to promote the ‘Kimbole effect.’ To create an environment where everyone feels included and accepted for who they are not how they look or how they dress. If I can make a difference to one gay persons life and make them feel accepted and valued then I will have achieved what I set out to do.
L.M.: Would you say being a bear has helped or hindered your career? Is your audience primarily bears for work and life?
J.M.: I have hidden my sexuality for my whole adult life so it has had no direct impact on my career. After being selected as Mr HCB I told my boss that I am gay and also that I won the title. Just so that he didn’t see me on the Mardi Gras parade and ask if I had something to tell him. He was extremely supportive and genuinely caring and compassionate as he knows the struggles I’ve had with me ex wife over the past 2 years and the changing dynamic with my two children. I write this response whilst I’m on holiday in Bali, reconnecting with my 15 yr old son who was estranged from me for 3 months earlier this year. We are talking again and he has commenced communicating with me again. This also fills my heart with joy and love.
L.M.: Is there any advice that you would give someone (like a bear) would be interested in competing in the Mister HCB competitions, and what is involved?
J.M.: I was apprehensive of the talent component of the competition as I am not a great singer, dancer etc. I would suggest that someone objectively assess what it is they wish to achieve. How are they planning on making a difference. You will meet some amazing people, have a lot of fun and grow as a person. I felt that I have learnt a lot about myself through the preparation for the competition whilst I was in Queenstown for gay ski week where I met a beautiful man, then a week in Auckland catching up with another very special man in my life. This two weeks helped me objectively look at my life and my goals for the next 12 months. During the competition I had no expectations of winning just had the approach of being my genuine authentic self and most importantly having fun. Which I truly did.
L.M.: What are your career goals for the future?
J.M.: As Mr HCB i would like to implement the Kimbole effect and I would also like to raise awareness for children with mental health issues through some events for my chosen charity Batyr. Batyr are leaders in prevention and stigma reduction. They exist to empower young people to talk openly about mental health and take charge of their wellbeing. For many young gay men and women they suffer from the shame of not fitting in. My whole adult life I never felt like I belonged or could be my authentic self. It was only in Feb 24 when I came out as a 56 year old man and separated from my ex wife and two children (20 & 14) that I could live an authentic life. When I was made feel welcomed by the Bears I found my tribe. I have genuine real friends for the first time in my life including a best friend. I never thought that would happen to me and I’ve been the happiest I’ve been in my adult life.
If I can help one young person feel like they can live an authentic life and not wait until they’re in the 50, then I will have succeeded. I’m happy to share my journey of self discovery to help others live an authentic life and be the best they can be. Additionally, my daughter suffers from mental health issues and I have previously raised money for Batyr, via their swimming fundraising events and I will look to collaborate with them to raise awareness of younger people in the LGBTQI community, through fundraising, and as Mr HCB use that platform to help raise awareness and support for the gay children who will come behind us.
L.M.: Thank you Jono for answering my interview questions and congratulations on your recent winner! Time for some quick-fire questions.
Location: Sydney
Pronouns: He/Him/They
Relationship status: Single. Haven’t had a boyfriend and am hoping that I will one day when its meant to be.
Favourite Drink: Japanese beer (Ashai/Kirin), Martini shaken not stirred with an olive
What type of guy are you into? Physically handsome, bearded, hairy masculine men. Guys who are honest and can communicate and are emotionally intelligent and not scared to express their feelings. I am a romantic at heart and the idea of making love with a man then falling asleep in each others arms fills my heart with love and joy.
Favourite Cities/Vacation Spots: Sydney, Auckland, Japan. Want to head to Berlin, San Francisco, Stiges. I love surf/sea and snow.
Favourite Hobby or Pastime: ocean swimming, most things to do with the water, skiing, reading, opera/theatre, dance parties, meeting people.
Idea of a good date? I love the ocean so going to a nude beach, getting my gear off, talking, relaxing and swimming. I’m also an adventurous naughty daddy so a walk in the bushes is always on the cards.
What do you look for in a guy? Honesty, genuine, open, emotionally intelligent, kind, can communicate, thinks more about others that themselves.
Where can you find yourself? Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beach.jonos.sydney
