The sixth annual Bear Fair, part of Urban Bear weekend, brainchild of Robert Valin, took place on Little West 12th Street, west of the High Line, on May 4. A portion of the proceeds benefited Marriage Equality USA. Robbyne Kaamil and Ms. Muff served as Mistresses of Ceremonies for the entertainment and the band Sursum Verbo contributed its music.
Represented here, besides Marriage Equality, were Folsom Street East, promoting the Leather street fair that will take place on June 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on West 27th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues; Cycle for the Cause; Live Free from the Stigma of HIV; Rockbar; the Eagle NYC; and BurlyShirts and Shane Ruff Studio.
Among those seen were artists Marcello Geary and Robert Ordoñez, photographer Mike Prestia and, putting in a cameo appearance, Michael Musto.
Refreshments were available at the Brass Monkey, from a truck selling pierogies and kielbasa, and from vendors of ice cream and slushies.