Above pic of Tony Banks by Li Su Photography – www.lisuphotography.com

Tony Banks is a Singer, Entertainer, Writer, and Creator of Bears of All Colors: The Family Reunion event. I had the oppotnity to chat to him recently and learn about a great new Bear event he is spearheading.

DG: Tony you are pretty well known in the bear scene from your music, and movies, and you have now created the bears of all colors organization, what made you create it, this type of bear event?

Bears of All Colors Graphic by Evan Ferrell.

TB: As a bear of color I recognized that most bear events, in this country, lack the outright call to recognize, embrace and celebrate the diversity that exists in our community. Too often I hear people tell me they didn’t feel welcomed or felt excluded from the bear event or its programming. We’ve heard those voices and created an organization and event built around the social aspects and benefits of the community. Meet and Greets, Group Meals, “Family” Outings, and a sense of brotherhood are just some of the programming and foundation elements we are bringing to the Bears of All Colors: Family Reunion in Fort Lauderdale Feb 25th-28th 2016. We also produce smaller events with the same brand messaging throughout the year.

DG: Who do you expect to see there at the event

Tony Banks by Kevin Paterson

TB: We’ve had a lot of people tell us they have never been to a bear event for some of the reasons I mentioned above. Or that the Bear community seems unwelcoming to bears of color based on advertising and other media outlets. We encourage those people to join us so that they can see the beauty and open arms atmosphere on which the bear culture was founded. I was raised in the NYC bear community which is a melting pot of all parts pertaining to bear culture. I was truly blessed to have that experience to fall back on and use in creating this event. We are bringing back (or recreating) that melting pot mentality.

DG: What and who will entertain us?

TB: We have a group of ambassadors that are ready to make sure that this is the best experience possible, but you have to be willing to subscribe to the ideology that we are one big huge, fun and happy family! A positive, inviting, welcoming and safe vibe is what we are creating. If that is not your mission then this is not the event for you. We also have DJ’s coming in to spin as well as musical performers and entertainers ready to put you in that happy place. Let your hair down and have fun.

DG: What will we be able to do?

TB: This is event is a winter getaway based on social and interactive time together set in sunny Fort Lauderdale, FL. If you want to lay in the sand, we have you covered. Tour the “Venice of America”, we have you covered. Want to dance all night or just chill by the pool? We have you covered. Do whatever you want, but know you will have family by your side. You can find a complete schedule of events at www.bearsofallcolors.com

DG: Why do you feel its so important to create an event, that is specifically open to all, aren’ t all bear events open to all bears?

Tony Banks by Tom Barbee

TB: Your question, “Why do you feel it’s so important to create an event, that is specifically open to all” implies that we are doing something that others aren’t. And you are right. In theory yes all bear events are open to all, but not in planning and/or execution. While there are a number of bear events in this country that understand the mission of the bear community, and I applaud and thank them, most bear events in this country market to the “same type” of bear. Which is shown heavily in their advertising, pictures, media, etc. We are consciously marketing to and trying to reach every single bear, cub, chub, otter, wolf, lion, tiger, (insert label here) out there. If you believe in the values of the bear community then you are invited or if you just want to have a good time, you are invited. We have specifically reached out to as many “bear types” as possible to be the most diverse and truly inclusive event that the bear world has seen in a long time. And so far I am proud to say it is working! All it takes is someone willing to actually do it.

www.bearsofallcolors.com