Friday, October 30, 2026
Body PositivityInterviews

Work Hard, Play Harder: Inside the Life of Phoenix’s CabanaBear

Luka Musicki

Introducing CabanaBear, Arizona’s handsome chubby bear with a story worth telling. Luka chats with him about it all, check it out below!

Introducing William Crawford, but most people in the community know him as ‘CabanaBear’ or ‘Will’. He was born in Tempe, Arizona, and has spent the last sixteen years in Phoenix.

Growing up, him and his younger sister split their time between their mom’s household in Show Low, AZ, and their dad’s in Casa Grande, AZ. He really enjoyed growing up in these smaller, rural communities. Arizona has incredible geographic diversity.

His time at his mom’s place in Show Low, a city at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, exposed him to four distinct seasons, a massive ponderosa pine forest to explore, and relief from the intense Phoenix summers.

Time at his dad’s in Casa Grande meant beautiful, warm winters in the Sonoran Desert and encountering wildlife around every corner, but most frequently rattlesnakes. Running into a snake in the yard often turned into a family activity of catching and relocating about three rattlesnakes every summer.

His dad and sister were fearless (or maybe just lacking common sense) and always led the charge, though Will definitely had to pull his weight at times. One of the perks of living in Phoenix proper now is that his rattlesnake-wrangling days are behind him.

Some of his favourite activities growing up included swimming, boating, off-roading, camping, skiing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.

His youth wasn’t always carefree, though. Some of the adults in his life struggled with alcohol, substance abuse, and emotional and physical trauma which unfortunately spilt over into his childhood. Seeing those struggles deeply shaped who he is today.

By the time he was thirteen, he was aware that he was gay and exclusively interested in men. Around that same time, others in his life began questioning his sexuality, which led to bullying and a fear of being “found out.”

Those high school years were tough, and things could have turned out very differently if he hadn’t started finding his chosen family. Those first friends who accepted him fully and truly changed the course of his life.

It was then that he decided he didn’t want his early trauma to define him, as it had for some of the adults in his life. So he made a point of doing his best to treat people with the respect and kindness we all deserve and not direct his frustrations outwardly at others. 

After high school, he attended Central Arizona College where he pursued an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. During this time, he came out at the age of 20. He was done with hiding and wanted to live authentically even if it meant losing people.

Some relationships were strained at first, but over time, most came around. It was freeing to finally share his full self with those who remained in his life.

This was also a time of growth and fun, throwing desert parties with friends and driving 40+ miles into Phoenix to go to the lesbian bar “DaBizz” for 18+ nights (complete with a temporary chain-link fence dividing the space). He fully embraced exploring his identity and met his first boyfriend, CJ. They were together for five years before separating after college, and he’s still close with many of those college friends to this day.

After graduating, he moved to Phoenix to be closer to the larger gay community. He started a career in telecommunications, bought a home, and enjoyed life while gaining some weight along the way, which wasn’t surprising given his history of being a chubby kid when he was younger.

During this time, his chosen family once again stepped in. He struggled to find his place in the gay scene after gaining weight, but a close friend took him to his first bear night at a local bar, opening his eyes to a new perspective on body image and attraction.

He later transitioned into a career in audit work at a large bank, where he’s been for the past 12 years. During that time, he became more involved in the bear community and met his next partner, Nate. They were together for 10 years and shared incredible experiences traveling across the country for vacations and bear events. They separated about a year ago, but Will is grateful that both of his exes remain in his life.

Now, Will feels like he is entering a new chapter, and he is excited to see where it takes him. Check out the interview I did with him below!

Luka Musicki (L.M.): What was life like growing up in Tempe, Arizona, and then living in Phoenix? When and how did you come out in the queer and bear communities?

William Crawford (CabanaBear): Phoenix and Arizona have grown a lot over the years. I remember when farm fields and citrus groves were everywhere, most of which have now been replaced by neighbourhoods. I came out in college at around 20, and then later, around 27, I found my place in the bear community. A close friend dragged me to my first bear event, and it felt like finally finding a space where bigger guys belonged.

L.M.: Tell us about your social media persona, ‘CabanaBear.’ How did the name come about, and what does it mean to you?

CabanaBear: The name actually came from my second ex, Nate. I was explaining that I’m the kind of bear who loves pool parties and relaxing, and he jokingly said, “So you’re some kind of Cabana Bear?” I laughed and said, “Honestly, yes.” It started as a joke, but felt like a fun and unique handle, so I ran with it.

It wasn’t until I became single again that I fully embraced it and transitioned all my social profiles to the name. For the most part, Will and CabanaBear are the same person. I’m just figuring out how much of myself I want to share publicly. The response from the community has been amazing so far though.

L.M.: What does being “a bear in the gorgeous Sonoran Southwest” mean to you?

CabanaBear: The Sonoran Southwest refers to the Sonoran Desert, which makes up most of Arizona’s desert landscape. It’s what people come here to experience. Places like Saguaro National Park are stunning, especially in spring.

As for “work hard, play harder,” it’s about recognising that work is a means to an end. Having stable employment allows me to travel, attend events, and fully enjoy life.

L.M.: You are a genuinely influential figure in the bear community with having a fun personality on social media and gaming.

How and when did you decide to get more into social media influence, or is it just for fun?

CabanaBear: It started just for fun, capturing memories from events and people I met. After attending and posting content from my first EDC, I had people reach out saying it was inspiring to see a bigger guy enjoying those spaces. That really stuck with me.

As someone who’s experienced that anxiety, I now try to share more to inspire others to embrace who they are and not hold back.

L.M.: So you have been photographed at various bear gatherings in Texas, Provincetown (Bear Week), San Francisco Pride, Phoenix, and other destinations. What is your favourite bear event to participate in and why do you enjoy it?

CabanaBear: My favourites are Bigger Vegas and Cannonball, though there are many more I want to experience such as Beef Dip, IBC, TBRU, Tidal Wave, Sitges, and Provincetown, to name a few.

The best part is reconnecting with friends and being immersed in the community. Chubby bear events especially are next-level. Fat boys just know how to party. #iykyk

L.M.: So you are closely connected to Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saloon, a queer bear bar in Phoenix, where you co-host and participate in Bear Happy Hour — Chicago’s (and apparently Phoenix’s) weekly floating after-work bear meetup. How did you get involved with this?

CabanaBear: I’m not formally affiliated, but it’s a staple in the Phoenix bear community and where I attended my first event. The owner created an amazing, welcoming space.

I remember him personally checking in on us and even doing a round of shots with us—it really showed how much he cared about the community.

L.M.: What would you say to a bear who’s new to the bear community and doesn’t know where to start?

CabanaBear: Bear runs are a great place to start. Join event group chats ahead of time (like on Telegram), ease into conversations, and connect with people before attending. That way, you’ll have familiar faces when you arrive.

Also, these events offer more than just nightlife. They have games, workshops, and social activities. Find what suits you. And most importantly, give yourself grace. Building connections takes time.

L.M.: So, tell me about the nipple piercings that you have on both of your nice furry pecs, and do you have a preference with how bears and people describe your physique, or is it no bother to you?

CabanaBear: I got all my piercings when I turned 21 and I figured I’d heal all at once. I’ve always loved the look, especially nipple piercings.

They took forever to heal, but were worth it. I also got a labret piercing inspired by an old crush.

I’m generally open to how people describe my physique, as long as it’s not degrading.

L.M.: And you had a cute puppy dog. What was his name, breed, and did you have a special bond with him?

CabanaBear: His name was Pillow, a chow/pitbull mix. He lived to 13.5 and passed away in 2024. We definitely had a special bond.

He was my kid, and I miss him every day.

L.M.: You are someone who wears reading glasses and you wear contact lenses, right?

Is it a hard to balance life and partying while having prescription lenses, or is it a different story?

CabanaBear: I have a strong astigmatism (-5.25) and have worn glasses since I was five. In my early 30s, I finally found affordable soft contacts.

I usually wear one or the other as going without leads to migraines quickly.

L.M.: You have a nice beard, and you look like Fredrick McCubbin (who is a famous Australian artist and art teacher).

How do you keep your beard in great shape?

CabanaBear: I keep it simple. Regular brushing, occasional oil, and trims between barber visits. My barber does most of the shaping.

L.M.: What do you do on your time-off for hobbies and activities?

CabanaBear: I enjoy aquariums, houseplants, pool time, travelling, cruises, and gaming (especially Fortnite). I’ve taken a break from streaming but plan to return.

L.M.: Is your audience primarily bears?

CabanaBear: Right now, my audience is anyone who enjoys following someone living life authentically and having fun.

L.M.: Is there any advice that you would give someone (like a bear) who would be interested in doing social media influence, and what is involved?

CabanaBear: Pick a simple username across platforms and start posting.

Pay attention to what resonates and adjust over time.

You don’t need much, really. Just a phone, a tripod, and consistency.

L.M.: What are your career goals for the future?

CabanaBear: I’m hoping to retire from my current career in a few years and explore something new, possibly going back to school.

L.M.: Thanks Will for your time to have the time to sit down and share your story via my main interview questions. Now it is time to do the quick-fire questions to wrap up the whole interview.

Luka Musicki

Luka is the Deputy Editor for Australian content for Bear World Magazine, part of Gray Jones Media. Luka is producing interviews with Australian and international bears, producing Australian city guides and interesting fun articles. His vision is to create a vibrant and supportive platform that celebrates the diverse spectrum of human bodies and experiences. His mission is to foster a community where individuals feel empowered to embrace their authentic selves, share their stories, and recognise the bear beauty in vulnerability and feeling great pride in themselves. Luka is also a resident writer for Konnect with Data (an Australian Data company).

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