LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Leather BEACH: So You'd Like to Enter a Contest |
Recently at Rehoboths Double L Bar, the Eastern Shore Bears held their first annual Mr. Delaware Bear 1999 contest. (See article on page 24.) The truth of the matter is that these contests are going on all over the country for various bars, leather groups, or bear groups. Competing can be a lot of fun. I personally have entered 10 bear contests, sometimes I placed, other times I didnt; finally on my tenth try I won the Highwaymens Mr. DC Bear Cub 1999 title at their annual run, Bear Fest 99. So what are all these contests about? Many of the contests I mentioned above are basically beauty contests, but some are more than that. Before you enter a contest you should find out specifically what the contest is for. Some contests are just for fun. The guy the judges think is the best looking and performs well on stage walks off with some type of prize, has their picture taken, and goes home with little more than fond memories. Some contests demand more of the winner, however, some clubs and bars may expect the winner to attend certain functions afterwards, raise money for the club or charities, or go on to compete for national or international titles. This type of contest is more about whom the winner is than what they look like. They most likely involve some sort of private interview with the judges so they will be able to get a glimpse of the character of the individual and to see if he is the type of person theyd like to represent the title afterwards. The Mr. DC Cub title is like that. I am now expected to perform certain duties and will be sponsored to compete in San Francisco for the Mr. International Cub 2000 title at the International Bear Rendezvous in February of next year. If you arent willing to do what the sponsor is asking after the contest, dont enter it, it will only make you look bad and cause resentment. Most contests will require you to dress in various attire, answer questions on stage, and may even ask you to act something out. In most of the contests I have been in there was a street wear or cruise wear section, swimsuit and/or jockstrap, and even some sort or formal wear showing. Emcees are usually comedians and may get laughs by poking fun at you, some playfullyothers viciously. Many times the questions asked are absurd; they can be either meant to be funny, erotic, or political. Ive heard them all folks. They could range from simply stating why you want to be Mr. So and So to truly bizarre things like, "If you could have sex with either Fred Flintstone or Barney Rubble, who would if be and why?" Be prepared for the unexpected, it usually happens. If you are planning to compete and have time to prepare, it is helpful to know the structure of the contest beforehand and the various categories. This way you can pack the appropriate outfits. Dramatics usually score big with both judges and audience. For instance, if you know that you will have to describe your favorite sexual fantasy, dont be afraid to use props, to act it out, or even have someone to come on stage to help dramatize it. Think carefully about what the best answer to questions are ahead of time if they tell you what they are going to be. Think of how the judges and the audience will react to your responseis your answer in good taste or extremely tacky? If you are asked a politically charged question, a snide remark wont score points. Know who the judges are. Judges will rate you not only by what they see on stage, but how you act back stage, and interact with others around you. Dont try to bribe judges, this will get you nowhere and may cost you points. Know where the judges sit while you are on stage, play to themremember they are the ones rating you. If they cant see you well and dont really get to check out your outfits, they wont score you as well. Look out at the audience while you are on stage and acknowledge them. Remember they are out there to be entertained. Be light, laugh, enjoy the spotlight. Try to think of yourself as a star, act like one! Dont let quips from the emcee get you down; if they are unduly cruel the audience will be sympathetic to you and cheer you on. On the other hand you wont be likely to win a verbal duel with a comedic diva so dont try. Mostly have fun. It is nice to win, but be prepared to lose. The other guys in the contest want to win as much as you do, be good to them back stage. If they need help dressing, help them put on their harness or boots. To me, the camaraderie between the contestants back stage was a big part of the thrill of competing. If you are only fixated on winning and dont walk off with a title, losing can be devastating and depressing. Try looking at the contest as a fun filled activity and the mere experience of competing a memorable occasion, so even if you dont get the sash you will come away with something. Most importantly, dont give up! Everything in life that is worthwhile is worth working for. If you dont win your first contest, examine your performance, strive to improve, and try again. Not only will you walk away with more confidence, new friends, and fond memories, but when you do win, the victory will be even sweeter. So good luck. Go out and show them what youve got! Tom as master of ceremonies at the Double L Mr. Delaware Bear Contest in June (left). Pictured with winner Rick Moore (right). |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 8, July 2, 1999 |