Who doesn’t love some nice Boston cream– with or without the pie?! (Ahem…) So, here’s some education, folks… it’s indisputable that “Beantown” has been a cultural and historical center of the United States for centuries.  The city has also been notoriously famous for its history of being (Pick a word…) “prudish”, “puritanical”, or “snobbish”–up to the point where the vintage term “banned in Boston” is still known to this day.  While Boston’s prim and proper reputation may be exaggerated– especially as we approach 2015– some claim that the city’s Puritan roots are the reason for the absence of, shall we say, “after hours” men’s clubs in town… and why all the bars, whether gay or straight, stop serving booze at 1AM when the national “last call” average time is 2 AM.  OK, OK, the city may not share New York’s or New Orleans’ reputation for nightlife.  However, there is definitely a visible gay and lesbian presence in Boston… and there certainly doesn’t seem to be a shortage of things to do either (which, according to my Bear brothers, include frequent road trips to nearby Providence, Rhode Island… where, for the record, there ARE “after hours” men’s clubs.). Most importantly, there’s a tight-knit Leather and Bear brotherhood in Boston.  One of the active groups in the region is MASSBEARZ, a furry fraternity who describe themselves as “a Bear, Cub, Chub, Chaser, and Admirer Group in Massachusetts” (How nice… I’m partial to all of the above!) The club holds several events throughout the year, including a monthly “Bearz Tea” at Club Cafe and “Teddy Bear Balls” around the holiday season.  Every September, MASSBEARZ also holds their annual Mr. Boston Bear Contest.   Chad “Chadley” Brennan is Mr. Boston Bear 2013.

His equally woofy friend, Mr. Connecticut Bear 2014 Trell Walters (pictured above), stated it very well when he spoke about his fellow New England Bear brother: “I am so proud to have been a part of picking the man who became the current Mr Boston Bear 2013, Chad Brennan. He’s a sweetheart and very loyal to his family and the community. I also had the opportunity of marching with him for Boston Pride and hosting a joint event for the annual  ‘Nuts and Bolts’.  I was very lucky to have him at my victory party and having him as a Judge for my event ‘Furplay Madness’. He’s been very active in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. He has been a great friend and supporter to me. I am very blessed to call him my brother”.And now, we get to meet the hot and hairy man ourselves…

JR: Hi Chad.  Do I call you Chad or Chadley?
CB: You can call me whatever you want! (Laughs) Chadley is fine.

JR: Thanks for speaking with me, Chadley.  So, how has your Title year been going so far?  What was the most memorable or most exciting moment so far?
CB: Jed, thanks for thinking of me to interview. I’m truly flattered. My title year has been going very well. I’ve tried to get to every event that my wallet allows me! My most memorable moment was definitely at my victory party in November. I had my best friends there, and my sister and her wife, and we were able to raise $740.00 for my charity of choice, Why Me & Sherry’s House. (www.whyme.org)

JR: Did you find that you get a lot more attention, or get hit on a lot more since you won the Contest?
CB: There’s definitely an influx on my Growlr and Scruff messages, especially when I am at an event where people may or may not know me. Also, I find it very interesting yet lame that some people who knew who who I was and previously had no interest in me, are all up in my space now that I am a Title holder! They didn’t want me when I was simply Chad, but when I became Mr. Boston Bear it all changed.

JR: (Laughs) I’m surprised and I’m not surprised!  So, a lot of people think that being a Bear just means being a big guy and/or having a lot of body hair… but as we all know, it’s really about more than that.  As a Bear role model, what makes a Bear a Bear in your opinion?
CB: Bear is definitely a state of mind. There are skinny, hairless guys who identify with the Bear community because they feel that’s where they best fit. Everyone wants to belong to a community. Sometimes the gay community is too definitive. Bears, at least to me, should be all inclusive. The foundation of Bears was that it was made up of the outcasts: the guys who didn’t fit in with twinks or muscle guys. When I hear someone say “he’s just not Bear enough” it breaks my heart. We should be embracing everyone who identifies with our community!

JR: Yep!  So, one of the responsibilities of a Titleholder is to raise awareness of a particular cause or to raise money for a particular charity.  What cause or issue do you feel most passionate about?
CB: Through my work, we have been fortunate enough to contribute to a kick-ass charity based out of Worcester, Massachusetts– Why Me & Sherry’s House.  This charity houses, cares, and financially supplements families who have children going through cancer. Through work I’ve visited Sherry’s House several times. I’ve seen how strong and courageous these children are. And I’ve seen how strong the families are. I’m touched by the outlook of everyone. Even with all the chemo and the pain, everyone is laughing and smiling and playing cards. It puts everything in perspective. My problems are not so bad. I’m not fighting for my life. We’ve all been touched by cancer. Sometimes everything turns out fine, sometimes it turns tragic. But one thing is for sure, these little faces don’t deserve to go through what they’re going through. This is why I get very passionate about my charity.

JR: That’s awesome!  So, for those readers out there who are planning a trip to Boston, where are some essential sites and places for the gay guys– especially the Bears– to see and hang out?
CB: Bears definitely need to check out the Alley Bar, located in Downtown crossing, 14 Pi Alley. It’s the official Bear bar of Boston. I can often be spotted there on a Saturday or a Sunday night. Bears have been flocking to the newly opened Cathedral Station on Washington Street in the South End. If it’s the third Sunday of the month, Bears can be spotted at Club Cafe (5:00-10:00pm) for Bearz Tea Dance. Other places to check out for sure is the Ramrod/Machine in Fenway, Trophy Room in the South End, and Paradise in Cambridge for great dancing!

JR: When you’re not on the home front, what’s your favorite town or city to visit?
CB: I love to visit a lot of places! If only I could travel more. I, of course, love New York City!  I always have a blast whenever I go. I’m also a huge fan of Fort Lauderdale. My best friend lives in Chicago, and Chi-town is an awesome city! And I mustn’t forget that Providence is also a great place to get to!  And because I’m gay, P-town will forever be on this list.

JR: How true!  So, what do you like to do in your spare time?
CB: In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, seeing my friends, karaoke (“Private Dancer” by Tina Turner is my “go to”), spending time with my family, swimming in my pool, vodka, and trying to solve world peace. OK, maybe not the last part.

JR: (Laughs): What do you personally find sexy in a guy?  Do you have any celebrity crushes?
CB: Celebrity crushes was my interview question at the Mr. Boston Bear competition. Seth Rogan is high up on my list. Tyler Florence of the food network fame is very high as well. Joe Manganiello from “True Blood” is my Muscle Bear “go to”. And don’t forget Zach Galifianakis! That would be my dream orgy!  I find a lot of things sexy. Beards are sexy, eyes are sexy, bellies are sexy, muscles are sexy, smiles are sexy, lips are sexy. I love a man who can make me laugh. I love a man who can challenge me. I like men who know what they want in life. Ambition is hot!

JR: I always thought so!  Lastly: What events do you have in store in the next few months, and where can we find out more about them?
CB: We have an exciting few months coming up.  August 23 I’m hosting a new event, “Bears in Heat” Pool Party at the Randolph Country Club in Randolph, Massachusetts.  Also stay tuned for the Mr. Boston Bear 2014 Competition in September. For any information on my events or whereabouts, please “Like” my Facebook page: ;www.Facebook.com/MrBostonBear2013.

JR: Thanks, Chadley!  And WOOF!!!