Nathan Little & Luke Mitchell Co-host Mr Australasia Bear 2011

on Jun 20 in News by

Melbourne's landmark pub The Laird Hotel opened it’s doors to hundreds of bears on Saturday night, all keen to witness the centrepiece of the Southern Hibearnation bear festival – the Mr Australasia Bear contest.

Co-hosted by VicBears Vice-President Luke Mitchell and Beauty & The Bear’s very own Nathan Little, the evening was akin to Miss America for hairy men, with fashion parades, talent sections and interviews with contestants from Australia and New Zealand.

The surprise highlight of the night was the onstage marriage proposal by Mr Australasia Bear 2011 winner Matt Cutler who had his happy fiance and half of the room moved to tears.

Hailed by VicBears as the most entertaining and enjoyable contest on record, Nathan Little is thrilled with how the awards went. “It was an amazing experience co-hosting the contest with Luke again this year.” he says. “The sense of comeraderie amongst not only the contestants but everyone who attended was palpable. It was a thrill to witness those men celebrate each other, and contribute to a community that has done so much for me personally over the years.”

During the awards, Steve Edwards of electro pop group Asian Envy was announced as winner of the Men On Men Art Competition with his photographic portrait of his partner. His work will feature on the cover of local queer magazine MCV and in an exhibition later in the year. Check out his official webpage here.

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