Blog
AKT emergency winter appeal
While London sparkles with Christmas lights, some LGBTQ+ young people face a harsh reality: no safe place to call home. Twenty-five years ago, after unintentionally outing myself to my parents, I could no longer stay at home. I was lucky—I had my best friend and his family to support me. Today, AKT provides a lifeline for young LGBTQ+ people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. This winter, your donation could give someone the support they desperately need.
We use AI-generated images in our social posts — here's why
As a start-up celebrating Bears we faced a challenge: traditional stock photos rarely show thick, hairy men. While our dream is working with real Bears in the future, we're using AI as a stepping-stone. Here's how we're making our images more inclusive using Dove's Real Beauty prompts, and what this means for authentically representing the community.
Silence is not an option
In the aftermath of the US election, I've chosen to listen before speaking. While social media floods with instant reactions, I wanted to hear directly from LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and minorities sharing their fears and hopes. Though Cubbie & Co. is based in the UK, what happens in America matters deeply. We stand with our community because history demands nothing less.
The joy of post
You know that feeling when you spot a package waiting for you? That little spark of excitement when something you've been looking forward to arrives? From our pawmark pattern to the special touches inside, discover how we're making every Cubbie & Co. delivery feel special. Because when you're excited enough to order from us, we want that joy to last from mailbox to your first try-on.
Bears: The digital revolution
From hidden forum posts to worldwide celebrations, the internet revolutionised bear culture in the 1990s. In these first online chat rooms, isolated individuals discovered their global family and shared experiences that were once impossible. As digital connections grew into real-world gatherings like the International Bear Rendezvous, a vibrant worldwide community emerged.
Sustainable fashion matters—here's why
Every choice at Cubbie & Co., from our organic cotton to our printing methods, makes a difference to our planet's health. While we're new to this journey, our commitment to sustainability shapes everything we do. Because a healthier planet means a better future for our community.
National Coming Out Day: Rich’s story
As a proud gay bear, National Coming Out Day holds deep meaning for me. My journey began with an unplanned revelation to my parents, leading me to build a new life in Bristol. Now, I see my queerness as a source of strength, and while coming out is a lifelong process, I believe visibility matters more than ever. It's about showing the world that we're here, proud, and not going anywhere.
Bears: the birth of a movement
Journey through the untold story of bear culture, from a single motorcycle club meeting in 1966 to a worldwide movement. Discover how thicker, hairier men challenged gay beauty standards, finding solidarity amidst the AIDS crisis, and transformed teddy bears into powerful symbols of affection and belonging. A story of revolution that changed LGBTQ+ culture forever.
The joy of Jocktober
Ever scrolled through social media and discovered a sea of hairy bums? Welcome to Jocktober! From protecting Boston cyclists to becoming a symbol of gay pride, discover how this humble garment evolved into an annual celebration of body positivity, defiance and self-acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community.
My journey to becoming Snowie
It started with finding that first grey hair in my beard. Now meet Snowie, our newest bear whose brilliant white fur celebrates every stage of life. In a community that often worships youth, his character reminds us that growing older brings its own kind of beauty and joy. Being a Polar Bear is about embracing each chapter of our lives and looking absolutely fabulous doing it.
Your complete guide to Sitges Bear Week
The sun kisses my skin as I stroll through Bear Alley—the heart of gay Sitges during Bear Week. Here, among winding streets and Mediterranean beaches, bears of all shapes and sizes share stories, smiles, and cheeky winks. Here's your guide to Europe's largest celebration of bear culture, from the best spots for sunbathing to where you'll find the friendliest welcomes.
Cubbie & Co. team head to Sitges Bear Week
Pack your budgie smugglers and sun cream! There's something magical about Sitges during Bear Week, when this Mediterranean town becomes a vibrant celebration of bear culture and community. We're going to listen and learn from bears worldwide. And yes, we'll have those limited-edition Cubbie stickers you've been asking about! Look for the slightly sunburnt British team on the beach.
We try every tee before you do — here's why
Every tee we sell gets the full bear treatment - eight weeks of real-world wear, weekly washes, careful drying, and plenty of cuddles. As a bear making clothes for other bears, I've been trying our latest tees to make sure they feel right on thicker, hairier bodies. At Cubbie & Co., we don't just make clothes - we wear them, test them, and make sure they feel great on bear bodies.
The history of the Pride flag
From Gilbert Baker's original eight colours to today's inclusive Progress Pride flag, discover how our rainbow banner evolved alongside our growing LGBTQ+ family. Each iteration tells a story of visibility, resistance, and hope - reflecting our community's journey from the dark days after Harvey Milk's assassination to today's colourful celebration of diversity.
Creating Cubbie
What started as a rushed Pride t-shirt design became something much bigger. Through the magic of AI and countless hours in Illustrator, Cubbie was created a character who embodies my journey from an uncertain cub to proud bear. More than just a cute mascot, he's become a symbol for thick, hairy men who rarely see themselves represented in gay culture.
Finding myself in art
Growing up in rural England, I found myself through art—from comic books and Disney to Tom of Finland. This is my story of how artwork helped shape my understanding of being gay and inspired me to create art celebrating the bear community. Now every illustration I create carries a message: you are seen, you are beautiful, and you belong.