In mid-November, something historic happened in Key West, the crowning of the first EVER Mister Key West Bear. The title was won by Ryan Acosta from Miami and I had a chance to sit down with Ryan to talk about his background, his platform and how it feels to make history! 

Robin: Hi Ryan, congratulations on the win! Why don’t we start by you introducing yourself to the readers? 

Ryan: Hi there! I’m a Puerto Rican/Dominican millennial who grew up in Miami. By day I’m a Special Events Coordinator. I’m also single, a Leo, a Gryffindor, adventurous, open-minded, and very vocal about my feelings and beliefs. I’m obsessed with Batman, Dragonball, Star Wars, and anything horror-related. I used to be a part of Color Guard back in the day, so basically I’m the Latrice Royale of the Bear world!

What made you enter the Competition?

After my last birthday, I kept telling myself “you need to do more with your life”! There are things that I see happening where I want to reach out and help. So, I thought by competing and winning this pageant, I would be able to be given the opportunity to do that.

Seeing Dan Jimenez (Mr Fire Island Bear 2017 and Mr New York Unlimited Bear 2018) do the things that he does with his titles inspired me so much to do the same. Witnessing the Fire Island Bear pageant this year really opened my world and that was the final push I needed to compete in Key West!

Some people might think that it’s all about “Lewks” and sashes and being popular, but it’s actually a lot of pressure put on you when you win because now you have a job to do. All eyes are going to be watching you waiting to see what you’re going to do for the community and that motivates me even more.

What was your favorite bit of taking part?

Meeting the other contestants during the pageant. Such charming personalities all from different parts of the world coming together competing for this title. It was so much fun! I honestly didn’t want it to end.

What is your platform?

Very simple… Undetectable=Untransmittable.

There is so much outreach about PrEP (which is amazing, don’t get me wrong) but what about for the ones that are already diagnosed with the virus? We need to fight the stigma against HIV. It’s not fair that victims of the virus not only have to worry about living with it, it has a HUGE effect on their sex and dating life. It’s basically a “second coming out” whenever they have to tell a potential partner about their status with the fear of getting rejected.

Facts are facts, America. Anyone taking their meds correctly and checking themselves regularly CANNOT transmit the virus. I feel like there’s so much ignorance with that so that’s a big reason why I ran for this title to spread that message more.

I wish for a world free of HIV stigma… well, I wish for a cure. But in the meantime, we need to get rid of the terrible stigma.

What is the most important thing about the bear community for you?

I’ve identified as the furry beast you see before you since birth. When I came out during my freshman year of high school I was often ridiculed for not looking like the pretty gay boy you see in “Queer as Folk” or “Will and Grace”. I was more like Hagrid! I even shaved my entire body to try and fit in! Then, after high school I was introduced to the Bear community and it had finally given me a place in the world. It lets us embrace our furriness and bellies and I wanted to give back as a way of saying thank you.

Will you go on to enter other competitions?

Of course! Key West was only the beginning. A lot of people have told me I should go for Miss Universe next, so stay tuned!

What are your plans for your title year?

Besides spreading U=U, I want to bring the Bear scene back to Miami, host Bear events in Key West, raise a lot of money for Charities and bring the drag and trans community together with the Bears.

I am the first Mister Key West Bear so I’m going to be setting the bar high! There’s a lot I’m going to do, so follow my Facebook page to keep yourself updated and come out and support! Spread love and education, not hate.

Finally, what’s your advice for anyone entering next year?

Only enter if you’re serious about showing support and giving back to the community! And, everyone loves a good reveal!