More than skin. More than sex. This was community, confidence, and queer joy in its rawest form.

By Papi Chulo, Head of Marketing at Gun Oil

Let me start with this: I didn’t expect to leave a pool party with such a full heart — or see that many fully naked men before happy hour.

Just last week, I had the chance to attend my first gay bear event hosted by Bearadise in Puerto Vallarta — a multi-day celebration of body positivity, queer joy, and yes, unapologetic sexuality. I went as part of my role with Gun Oil because we’ve been working to connect more intentionally with the bear community. But this wasn’t just about research or marketing. It turned out to be personal, meaningful, and surprisingly moving.

What I Walked Into

The event I attended was part of a weekend-long series of bear-centered gatherings, with everything from high-energy nighttime parties to a clothing-optional daytime beach and poolside where I found myself sipping a beer between two men who had clearly ditched their swimsuits before noon.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: there were a lot of naked men. Some in jocks, some in mesh, some in speedos and swimsuits, but some in nothing but confidence and a smile. Male go-go dancers roamed the venue in boots and bare butts, grinding on platforms and poolside ledges like it was their full-time job (which, honestly, it might’ve been).

There were contests — yes, contests — where men won prizes for their best fake sex positions or raunchiest dance moves. And let me tell you, some of those moves left nothing to the imagination. Think: full-body commitment and absolutely zero shame. It was pure, naked, hairy men loving life and putting on a show — for each other and for themselves.

It might sound wild (and it kind of was), but it wasn’t chaotic. It was celebratory. It was sexy. It was real.

Real People. Real Connection.

What struck me most — beyond the glistening bodies and dance-floor theatrics — was how warm and open everyone was. I had conversations with total strangers that felt like catching up with old friends. People made space for each other — physically and emotionally.

I saw a first-timer welcomed into a group like he’d been there forever. I saw longtime partners tenderly applying sunscreen to places I didn’t know could burn. I saw joy in all forms — quiet moments, loud laughter, and every kind of connection in between.

Whether someone was there for the dancing, the eye candy, or just the sense of community, they found space for it. And no one had to apologize for how they showed up.

Why It Matters (For Me and for Gun Oil)

As Head of Marketing at Gun Oil, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how we show up — and who we show up for. Sexual wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is the queer community. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build deeper, more intentional relationships with the bear community. Because this isn’t just a “niche” — it’s a vibrant, visible, and vital part of queer culture.

And for me personally? This bear event was a reminder that the most powerful kind of branding isn’t about selling. It’s about listening. Being present. Showing up in the spaces where people are already thriving, and saying, “We see you. We’re here with you.”

Gun Oil has always been about pleasure — the kind rooted in connection, confidence, and authenticity. And this event was all of that. Plus a whole lot of ass.

Why You Should Go To A Gay Bear Event

Even if you don’t think of yourself as a “bear” — or don’t totally know what that means — I can’t recommend attending a bear event enough. Trust me, our marketing manager is nothing close to a ‘bear’ or ‘cub’ and they welcomed him with open arms.

Go for the energy. Go for the community. Go for the very real possibility of seeing a man wearing only mirrored sunglasses and a cockring while offering you a drink and life advice — in the same breath.

You don’t need to look a certain way. You don’t need to wear (or not wear) anything in particular. You just need to show up with an open mind and a willingness to let go of whatever makes you feel small. It might be your first gay bear event, but it could easily become your favorite queer experience. Trust me: you’ll be surprised what you leave behind — and what you take home.

What I Took Home from This Bear Event

This was more than just a party. It was a celebration of queer joy, sex, confidence, and care — not just for each other, but for ourselves.

I’m proud that Gun Oil was there, not just as a sponsor, but as a participant in something real. And I’m grateful I got to experience it not from the sidelines, but in the middle of it all (sometimes quite literally).

If you’ve ever been curious about the bear scene, consider this your gentle, lube-slicked push. Go. Be open. Be seen. Be a little bit naked, if the mood strikes. And if you forget your lube? Don’t worry. We’ll bring the good stuff.