Title: Jim Parton BEAR collages

Dates: circa 1995-2002

Collection Number: 2021-13

Creator/Collector: Parton, James Dee

Extent: 2 linear feet (2 oversized folders with four collages)

Repository: GLBT Historical Society

Abstract: Four photograph collages documenting BEAR events in California and Florida circa 1995-2002 created by Jim Parton. Parton served as Mr. Southern California Bear 1997 (Per BEARS LA 1997) and Mr. International Bear 1997 (per Bears of San Francisco BEARS, IBR 1997). He was also, a founding member of BEARS Ventura, which functioned from 1995-2010.

Language of Material: English

Collection is open for research.

Copyright to material has been transferred to the GLBT Historical Society. All requests for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material must be submitted in writing to the GLBT Historical Society Archivist.

[Identification of item]. Jim Parton BEAR collages. Collection Number: 2021-13. GLBT Historical Society

Gift of James Dee Parton, August 2021.

Four photograph collages documenting BEAR events in California and Florida circa 1995-2002 created by Jim Parton. Parton served as Mr. Southern California Bear 1997 (Per BEARS LA 1997) and Mr. International Bear 1997 (per Bears of San Francisco BEARS, IBR 1997). He was also, a founding member of BEARS Ventura, which functioned from 1995-2010. Historical note from Jim Parton: "The BEAR collages were created from activities from various BEAR clubs from 1995 through 2002. Activities pictured were from fund-raising efforts for local,state, and national charities, many dealing with HIV related needs. The activities were Sunday BEER BUSTS at Paddy McDermott’s Bar in Ventura, California, and activities at International Bear Rendezvous in San Francisco, CA. Also, Orlando Bear Bust, and Chicago Bears are included. Clubs in Southern California pictured may include Bears Ventura, Bears LA, Bakersfield Bears, Bears of San Francisco, San Diego Bears. The activities pictured included many Pine Mountain Club California BEAR weekends, Sunday BEAR busts at many locations, BEAR pageants to promote BEAR lifestyle, and Pride festivals in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. These collages include the efforts to bring the gay community together in a fun, constructive way, with activities that allowed many BEAR couples to meet, form relationships, and raise much needed funds for charity at the same time. MANY of the people featured are in relationships and marriages that are now reaching the 25- and 30-year mark. Sadly, many wonderful men pictured are no longer with us having succumbed to HIV related illnesses even as we worked so hard to help sustain research and the needs of living with HIV. The collages were created to preserve the fun and history of those efforts, and to honor those who have passed from among us. The collages are an artistic expression from the creator, and do not attempt to reflect the sexual identification, HIV Status, or individual identity of individuals pictured.