Side B is where the spotlight turns to the Mr VicBears 2026 competition — and the humans brave enough to step into it.

In this half of Episode 222, Hide and Seek meets the Class of ’26: Teddy, Justin, Ray, Jake and Craig. It’s a line-up full of history, heart, camp, nerves, confidence, and wildly different journeys into the bear community.

Each competitor shares how they found the bears, what keeps them coming back, and why they’ve decided to run for the sash. We talk community advocacy, representation, confidence-building, favourite ’90s films (yes, Clueless and Serial Mom both feature), and the very real mix of excitement and terror that comes with putting yourself out there.

This isn’t just about abs, beards, or who owns the most outfits with paw prints. It’s about visibility, approachability, and what it means to represent a community built on belonging rather than perfection. From long-time committee members to returning competitors and first-time entrants, the Class of ’26 reflects the diversity and generosity of the bear scene itself.

Side B is funny, warm, occasionally awkward, and deeply sincere — a reminder that while only one person gets the sash, the real win is showing up, being seen, and strengthening the community along the way.

The competitors each highlighted a charity for their runs:

• Teddy spoke about Switchboard
• Justin threw behind the Australian Queer Archives
• Ray highlighted Transgender Victoria
• Jake talked up QLife
• and Craig covered Out of the Closet, Out of Options

Follow Tim instagram.com/beatzradio/

Follow Jon instagram.com/barbarylion/

Follow Craig instagram.com/white.dragon.339/

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au