UK’s biggest study of the bear scene comes to Brighton Bear Weekend 2019!

BRIGHTON’s bears, otters, cubs, chubs, and chasers are invited to take part in a first-of-its-kind study on June 15th 2019, when the Bearspace project comes to the Brighton Bear Weekend!

Funded by the University of Brighton, Bearspace is researching the experiences of men with different body types/sizes in bear bars, pubs, clubs, and events across the UK.

People attending Bear Weekend can share their thoughts and experiences in two ways:

♦ A relaxed pre-Garden Party focus group (Sat June 15, 11am to 12 noon @ the Camelford Arms)

♦ A private, one-on-one interview (Thursday June 13 to Sun June 16, time of your convenience @ a private location)

Bearspace is the UK’s biggest empirical study of bear communities, with bears in Manchester, Edinburgh and London having already shared their stories. The project will also visit 2 other UK sites soon – so keep your eyes peeled!

The project is the brainchild of University of Brighton researcher (and bear) Dr Nick McGlynn.

From May 2018 Nick has been compiling a database of every bear venue in the UK, and used this to find out where the project should visit. Nick has an extensive track record of LGBTQ-related research, including working on the EU-wide Health4LGBTI project and Brighton’s own award-winning Count Me In Too research.

Dr McGlynn, said: “This is the first time I have studied bears specifically, and was surprised to find so little empirical research on such a big global community. Although bears come in all shapes and sizes, the idea of Bear spaces as ‘safe spaces’ for bigger gay/bi/queer men jumped out from this limited research and I wanted to investigate further.”

Graham Munday, chair of Brighton Bear Weekend, added: “It is a privilege to have an honoured academic joining us this year for the first time. We feel the more that is understood about gay men their relationship with themselves and each other the better our communities will be. It will help with all aspects of LGBT+ society. I find it fascinating and a great opportunity for people to talk about their experiences and be listened to. A rare treat these days. If that wasn’t enough, the breakfasts in the Camelford are amazing and a perfect way to set yourself up for the Garden Party in the afternoon.”

If you want to secure a seat at the focus group or book an interview slot email: n.mcglynn2@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 642278

For more information about the project, click here:

Or view @bearspacestudy on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.