San Diego Leather Bear 2025
Creative / Designer
Giovanni T.
(they/them)
Creating Bold, Inclusive Spaces for the LGBTQAI+, Kink, Leather, and Bear Community.
As your current San Diego Leather Bear 2025, I’ve stepped into this role not only with pride, but with a clear purpose: to create spaces that unapologetically center queer identity, expression, and kink-positive community here in San Diego.
One thing I’ve noticed is a lack of events that truly center queer folks in all our beautiful complexity. For many of us, “queer” is not just a label, but a political and cultural identity — one that resists categorization and challenges expectations around gender, bodies, and desire.
Too often, we’re asked to explain ourselves, defend who we are, or make our joy palatable. I believe we deserve spaces where we don’t have to explain anything — where we can just show up, let loose, and feel completely at home.
- Book Your Tickets NOW!
- Bears in the Media!
Coverage of the 2025 Stonewall rally includes statements from Bears San Diego and San Diego Leather community representatives. [Link to Article]
- Times of San Diego presents their Pride Guide
As in years past, the Times of San Diego has their Pride edition to highlight and bring focus to the events of San Diego Pride. Bears San Diego continues to be grateful and humble in receiving the Spirit of Stonewall Award, which is highlighted on page 19 of this year’s Guide. A link to the guide can be found [here].
- Bears San Diego Pride Pool Party!
Bear Pride Pool Party!
Come cool off and celebrate Pride with your fellow bears, hosted by our fantastic friends Thomas, Cody, and Keven’s Den!Where: 1214 Walnut Tree Lane, El Cajon
When: Saturday, July 12th
Time: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Our pride pool party is open to all bears, cubs, otters, and friends, regardless of gender identity. This is a safe, inclusive space to chill, swim, and celebrate Pride in full fur-tastic fashion!What to Bring:
– A towel (no wet bear hugs without one!)
– Something delicious for our bear-sized potluck:
Last names A–K: Salad, side, or appetizer
Last names L–Z: Main course (enough to feed 4–5 hungry bears)
Donation: $10
Your donation helps cover the cost of Pride related activities!Parking Info:
We’re the last den on the lane — follow the road to the right at the dead end. Please park along the main part of Walnut Tree Lane and don’t block any driveways (bears gotta get in and out, too!).
Dust off your pool floaties, fluff your fur, and join us for a beary fun evening of splashing, laughter, and Pride celebration!
[Link to Facebook Event] - Spirit of Stonewall Service Award 2025!
It is with immense joy that we announce ourselves as the recipient of the 2025 Spirit of Stonewall Service Award! Bears San Diego is a community, and its Board is a family with a thirty-year strong history of work. The efforts put forth by our members, volunteers, and extended families in the LBTQIA+ community of San Diego are felt far and wide.
We look forward to continuing our efforts for many years to come.
Pictured left to right are Giovanni T. (Bears San Diego Leather Bear 2025), Donnie Vella (seated, Treasurer and Past President), David Ferguson (President 2025-2026), and Jimmy Trimble (Mr. Bear San Diego 2025. The Word provides this video and photograph. They have full copyright and ownership of the material, their logo, and related content. We encourage you to read the article in its entirety [here].