Blog
Upcoming Bear events
From Amsterdam's canal-side celebrations to Chicago's late summer revelry, our curated Bear event calendar spans continents and seasons. Whether you're drawn to Edinburgh's autumn festivities, London's vibrant club nights, or Gran Canaria's March carnival magic, discover where the global bear community gathers throughout 2025 and beyond. Complete event details, dates, and links to help you plan your travels.
Doughnuts, drag queens, and the night everything changed: The real story of Pride (Part 1)
The first Pride marches weren't parades - they were protests born from a doughnut shop brawl and nights of rioting against police brutality. In May 1959, customers at Cooper Do-nuts in Los Angeles pelted cops with coffee cups and doughnuts when officers tried to arrest five people for simply existing while queer. A decade later, the Stonewall uprising erupted when a crowd finally said "enough" to constant police harassment.
The history of the Bear Pride Flag
When society tells you you're too hairy, too thick, too much for mainstream gay culture, what do you do? In 1995, psychology student Craig Byrnes answered with nothing more than a box of crayons and a vision. His seven-striped creation would become the Bear Pride flag. A symbol that transformed from a university project into a global beacon of belonging. Those warm, earthy stripes represent every shade of bear fur in nature, but they've come to mean something deeper: permission to take up space without apology. From bars in Sitges to Provincetown, this flag flies as proof that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and levels of furriness.
Time to stand together
The US inauguration has left us processing complex emotions. Politicians and bigots may differ, but their message remains the same: be less visible, less proud, less ourselves. We recognise this rhetoric from the 1980s, but today's attacks on LGBTQ+ protections feel unprecedented. Our community's strength has always been rooted in physical spaces—sanctuaries where we discover safety, form chosen families, and find courage. Now, more than ever, we must support these vital venues and each other.
Cubs & Campfires: a review
I never thought I'd be reviewing a romance novel, but here I’m, completely smitten with Dylan Drakes' Cubs & Campfires. This charming story follows Luca Torres, a furry cub who takes a job as a fire lookout to honour an awkward vow of celibacy, only to meet Artair, a husky bear who makes keeping that vow increasingly difficult. Finally, a romance that celebrates thick, hairy men and gives us the gentle, steamy summer escape we deserve.
Cubbie & Co.'s response to Meta's policy changes
Meta's updated Hateful Conduct policy now permits claims of 'mental illness' based on sexual orientation and gender identity, removing specific protections for LGBTQ+ people. While we'll continue our presence on Meta, we explain why these changes matter and how the LGBTQ+ community can respond.
Bear events 2025
From Gran Canaria's sun-kissed shores to Iceland's thermal pools, 2025's Bear events offer something special for every furry traveller. Whether you fancy Mediterranean nights in Sitges or Halloween in Key West, we explore the year's most extraordinary Bear gatherings worldwide - where celebration meets community and lasting connections are made.
Joy to the fur!
A year ago, I doubted whether Cubbie & Co. could work. Today, thanks to our incredible community's support, what started as a one-off tee for Bristol Pride has grown into something more meaningful. As we close for the holidays, enjoy Snowie's "Joy to the Fur" festive wallpaper—our small way of saying thank you.
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.
