Meet Virginia Bear Hunter 2025, Matthew Pleasant
The Virginia Bears have selected a brand-new title family for 2025, each uniquely qualified to represent their local bear community at events around the world. We begin our introduction to the group with the current reigning Virgina Bear Hunter, Matthew Pleasant.
BWM: Can you tell us a bit about your background? Including name, where you are from and current city of residency?
Matthew Pleasant (MP): I’m Indian, Black, and Scottish. My name means poet in Hindi and Kavi is also the name of a faun god. I’m from Hampton and currently live in Suffolk.
BWM: What drew you to the bear community?
MP: Finally seeing bears of color and intersectional equality.
BWM: Tell us about your local bear scene and some of your favorite places or organizations whose events you enjoy.
MP: We used to have a leather/bear bar but it closed years ago. So we have spaces for bears but we don’t have a more intimate setting which is also nice to have.
To be honest, I’m just now getting myself out there and involved in my community.
BWM: Do you prefer the term bear hunter or chaser and why?
MP: Bear Hunter, it sounds more deliberate.
BWM: Tell us about the competition and why you think you won?
MP: The competition was nerve-wracking, but every time I got scared and wanted to back out I had several people reassuring me that I had this.
I think I won because despite my lack of experience, the judges can see my eagerness and excitement.
BWM: What are the responsibilities associated with your title? Where will you appear in the coming year?
MP: I’m here to help the bear community, leather community, and LGBTQIA+ community any way I can and to be a good ambassador.
I’ll be wherever my bear & leather family will be, schedule permitting.
BWM: Tell us one thing you love about the bear community and one thing that you’d like to see improved upon.
MP: One thing I love is the love and acceptance I felt immediately.
I don’t know enough yet to really have any complaints.
BWM: Anything else you’d like to mention?
MP: Become an organ donor! You could save up to eight lives!
BWM: Where can we find you? Websites? Social Media?
MP: https://nkr.org/CJC679 I have everything except TikTok, I’m pretty easy to find.
