07/27/2007 Article 1
I am excited to be a new writer for WVQN. The focus of my articles will be to share the many successes within the Leather and Bear lifestyles with the Readers of WVQN. Abraham Lincoln once stated “Always BEAR in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing” and the Webster dictionary defines HYBRID to mean a person whose background is a blend of two diverse cultures or traditions. My resolutions within the GLBT community over the last several years have been devoted to success within the two different cultures of Leather and Bear communities. I think of myself as a hybrid between the Leather and Bear communities and have focused upon leadership giving back to the GLBT community.
Many of you may know may me from my recent involvements within Leather and Bear events throughout the Tri-State area. I am also on the Board of Directors for the Living AIDS Memorial Garden, Inc. and a member of Rainbow Pride of West Virginia, Inc. I’ve helped raise money for the American Cancer Society, Charleston AIDS Network, Tri-State AIDS Task Force, Living AIDS Memorial Garden, Inc., the Gay and HIV communities affected by Hurricane Katrina, food pantries, and other charitable causes.
Former titles were Mr. Mountain State Bear WV 2005, Mr. Kentucky Bear 2005, International Mr. Hospitality Bear 2006, Mr. Broadway 2006, and Mr. WV Rainbow Pride 2006. Reigning titles are Mr. Mountain Leather 2007 and Mr. All Ohio Bear 2007. I am appreciative of the special recognition and awards from the Leather, Bear, and Gay competitions but I find more reward and satisfaction to utilize the titles in roles of leadership and give back to our community raising money for charitable causes through fund-raisers and events.
To begin our explorations of the Leather and Bear cultures, please take a moment to click on the links below to review the following two handbooks:
Please also take a moment to click on the links below to review the history of the two flags.
The above links will help provide more understanding about the Leather and Bear cultures. As my articles continue, the goal is to share more information about LEATHERBEARS. Feel free to e-mail me at steventompa@yahoo.com for requests for any Leather and/or Bear topics you’d like to know more.
In Leather Bear Pride,
Steven Tompa
Mr. Mountain Leather 2007
Mr. All Ohio Bear 2007
Mr. WV Rainbow Pride 2006
Mr. Broadway 2006
International Mr. Hospitality Bear 2006
Mr. Kentucky Bear 2005
Mr. Mountain State Bear 2005
Mr. All Ohio Bear 2007
Mr. WV Rainbow Pride 2006
Mr. Broadway 2006
International Mr. Hospitality Bear 2006
Mr. Kentucky Bear 2005
Mr. Mountain State Bear 2005
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