The 2025 Mr Australasia Bear title went to Mr Bear Perth, Jeb Brown, in a milestone moment during the Southern Hibearnation festival’s biggest year yet. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, organisers, VicBears, pulled together 13 events over nine days.
This year’s comp at Melbourne’s bear Mecca, The Laird, featured an even more diverse line-up than last year, including two trans men among the reigning titleholders: Jeb (Mr Bear Perth) and Jace (Mr Bear SA).
The new Mr Australasia Bear, Jeb, is a proud Māori trans man from Kupe Street in Ōrākei (yes, that Kupe, the legendary navigator). After moving to Perth seven years ago, he found a strong sense of community, speaking passionately following his win about the embrace he’s received from the Bear scene there — especially his second whānau, inclusive rugby club, the Perth Rams. So while the 2025 crown might technically be an Aussie win… it’s giving Big Aotearoa Energy!
Mr Bear NZ 2025 brought the cheek and charm Luke Bird is known for. Sadly, he didn’t take the title this year, but felt a sense of pride in Jeb’s win, saying on social media, “You’ve truly shone a spotlight on us in NZ & we’re all truly PROUD.”
Jeb’s win is the third consecutive titleholder with Māori descent: Graeme, Tia, and now Jeb — a trans-Tasman taonga.
Tia, Mr Australasia Bear 2024, told YOUR EX after the big weekend, “Jeb’s taking this title on a reign to places it’s never been. Mr Australasia Bear 2025 shows the world we see you — your mana, heart, and authenticity. You’ve got this e hoa. Now run it up the guts.”
Words & Photos | Tux Hika.
