The Unstoppable Force: An Interview with Urban Bear’s Robert Valin

Robert Valin is the unstoppable force behind The Urban Bear—New York City’s wildest celebration of body positivity, queer freedom, and unapologetic bear power.

Since 2008, he has transformed Urban Bear Weekend into a fur-soaked festival of freedom and connection, ignited the legendary Urban Bear Street Fair, and set Pride ablaze with his infamous, no-holds-barred parties. Most recently, he expanded the magic with Fire Island Bear Weekend, bringing the roar to the shore.

Beyond the dance floor, Robert is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC; ELI-MP) who champions LGBTQ+ voices with razor-sharp strategy, fearless creativity, and the same passion he pours into every night of revelry. With roots in voice acting, media, and nightlife production, he doesn’t just throw events—he conjures experiences that are bold, sweaty, sexy, and unforgettable.

At his core, Valin is the keeper of the bear flame—making sure it burns brighter, louder, and hotter than ever for all involved. We had the chance to chat to Robert as he finalizes this year’s plans for the 17th Urban Bear Weekend!

BWM: Hey Robert, tell us about your background. Where are you from?

Robert Valin: Hi! I’m a born-and-bred New Yorker—a proud third-generation one—and I’ve lived here my whole life. I absolutely love it, though I’ll admit sometimes I dream about escaping.

Career-wise, I started out as a graphic designer, while supporting my acting and voiceover work, which I still do today for radio, film, and television. My nightlife journey really began in 2005 when I had the honor of being crowned Mr. Eagle NYC. Back then—pre-mobile phones and pre-apps—meeting people meant connecting in bars and nightclubs. That old-school culture gave me a deep appreciation for in-person community.

I was always drawn to the bear community—big, masculine, rugged men. While in California, I went to my first bear event, Lazy Bear in Guerneville, outside San Francisco, and it blew me away. It wasn’t just about the parties or the men; it was the sense of community. Coming back to New York, I felt something was missing. Sure, there was a group called the Metro Bears throwing events, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic. I told my friends about my experience, and they said, “Why don’t you start something like that here?”

So I did. My first event was a picnic in Central Park with about a dozen bears and admirers—sandwiches, hula hoops, frisbees, footballs. Somehow, New York Magazine got wind of it, sent a reporter, and the video went viral. The following year, I pulled a permit and threw a full street fair—and that was the beginning of The Urban Bear.

Not long after, I launched Truckstop, a monthly party that really took off, and that became another spark for the growth of Urban Bear. Seventeen years later, we’re still going strong.

BWM: Have you always been a bear?

RV: Well, no one’s always been a bear! (laughs) But I really embraced the bear identity after Mr. Eagle, when I got comfortable in my own skin—being okay with my size and, over the years, a few extra pounds. Recently, I’ve been shedding some of that weight, and people tease me, saying I might lose my “bear card.” But I’ll always be a bear, no matter my size. To me, being a bear is about self-acceptance and embracing others—it’s a mindset and a community more than a body type.

BWM: What are some of the highlights of your nightlife career?

RV: There are a few that stand out. Truckstop will always have a special place in my heart. I’d love to bring it back as a traveling party. But my two absolute favorite events every year are the Urban Bear Street Fair and my Pride event at Brass Monkey.

The Street Fair is especially meaningful—it brings everyone together. We showcase vendors, young craftspeople, entrepreneurs, wellness professionals and community groups who cater to our community. And the performances? That’s my favorite part. From drag and burlesque to live music and even a Coney Island sword swallower—New York talent shines. As someone with a background in performance, it thrills me to curate a stage where others can share their art.

BWM: You’re also involved with Fire Island Bear Weekend, right?

RV: Yes! Though I can’t take credit for starting it—Shane Tate launched it 10 years ago. When he was ready to pass the torch, he asked me if I’d take it on, and now Urban Bear proudly produces it. This past year was incredible—we expanded events into Fire Island Pines and partnered with MISTR for some amazing parties. Fire Island wasn’t traditionally seen as a bear destination, but Shane worked hard to change that, and I’m honored to carry that vision forward.

BWM: And tell us about CAKE—it’s become quite the buzz.

RV: It has been an amazing journey. It started because, while the bear community is warm and welcoming, some people who identify as chubs didn’t always feel fully comfortable at bear events. So, Richard from Bear World Magazine and I decided to create a space just for them—and we called it CAKE.

The name works on many levels—everyone loves cake, it’s playful, and yes, it’s also a cheeky nod to butts. (laughs) We launched in March, thinking we’d draw a modest crowd, but the very first party was packed. It’s really taken off.

We host it the fourth Sunday of every month as an afternoon tea dance, with resident DJ NOBL3 B3AR, whose sets are incredible, bringing everyone to the dance floor. It’s been so rewarding to see people come together in daylight, dancing, laughing, and feeling they have a space where they belong. And of course, the bears show up too. CAKE has become about community, connection, and joy—just like everything I love to do.

So if you’re in New York on the fourth Sunday of the month, come out and have a slice!