From Mr. Fire Island Bear 2024 to potentially Mr. Bear International 2025, gogo dancer and burlesquer Breezy is also giving us a windfall of sexy programming this month.
Thotyssey: Breezy, hello! Thanks for chatting today, happy mid-February already! Did you do anything for Valentines?
Breezy: Hello! Yes, Valentines Day was wonderful. I participated in the new open stage competition show called “Phoenix Follies” hosted by Alotta McGriddles and Temple Grandé. It was eleven competitors–and even though it was stiff competition, I won. I was the only performer that was not in drag; I performed burlesque, and managed to win the $200 cash prize. It was so much fun. Afterwards, I moved onto “Megawoof” at 9 Bob Note; it’s a bear party usually in the West Coast that I dance for, and I went and showed my support.
Busy night! And that certainly wasn’t the first competition you’ve won. But how long have you been incorporating burlesque into what you do in nightlife?
Around the same time that I started nightlife altogether, honestly. I officially started nightlife February 22, 2024, and I started burlesque in April of the same year. I started originally doing it with the only “bearlesque” troupe in NYC, Bear Back Bearlesque.
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, what sort of interests you had during your come-up, and what ultimately drew you towards the worlds of nightlife, the bear scene and burlesque?
I was born and raised in Jersey City (with a few years living in Atlanta), so I am no stranger to NYC altogether. Although I’ve been in the city most my life, I’ve only been going to straight bars. I’ve always had a passion for dancing, and am very hyperactive. A little over a year ago, I started feeling more comfortable with exploring gay bars in the city. I was seen dancing one night at Rockbar by the bouncer and bartender; they told me that I should dance, and introduced me to a party promoter. It made me open my mind, and I entered a bachelor auction on Valentines day at Rockbar where I met most of my current found family that work in nightlife. Eight days later, I started dancing officially.
Where does the name Breezy come from?
Breezy actually came from my football teammates back in school. My last name is a bit long phonetically–with three syllables–so they started calling me Breezy, just a shortened version of my last name. Every time I hear it, I feel like I’m back on the field, unstoppable. It’s like I channel that same energy and power I had back in my sports days. I even joke that “Brick-House-Breezy” is back in action whenever I hear it!
The bear community is strongly about body positivity, but are also responsible for a lot of fundraising in and for the community. Do those aspects of bear life interest you?
Absolutely–both body positivity and the fundraising efforts within the bear community really resonate with me. The bear scene is all about celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes, which is something I’ve always felt connected to. It’s empowering to be in a space where people embrace who they are, unapologetically.
As for the fundraising aspect, I admire how the bear community has a strong history of supporting causes—whether it’s for LGBTQ+ rights, health awareness, or local charities. The Valentines auction I participated in last year went to a fundraiser helping trans lives. Last night I went to the Bryce Quartz fundraiser as well. I’m all for using our platform to give back, and I’m actually throwing my own fundraiser this week! I was asked to compete in Mr. Bear International in Thailand this year. I am raising funds to help cover the expenses of the travel there. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when we come together for a cause, and I want to be part of that energy.
Tell us about winning Mr. Fire Island Bear this past summer.
It was such an incredible experience! I entered because I wanted to challenge myself and represent the bear community’s values of body positivity and authenticity. I wanted to be a pillar, and maybe be that person that can help someone get out of their comfort zone and relax in a place where people may not always be the most open. The competition was intense, but also so much fun. It was amazing connecting with the other contestants, and feeling the support from everyone. Over the course of three days there was a meet and greet with the judges, an interview portion, and then finally: casual wear, fetishwear, and a lip sync for the final two. Winning gave me a huge confidence boost, especially since I felt fairly new to the scene; it opened up new opportunities, showing me the power of coming together and celebrating who we are.
As you just mentioned, you’re going to compete in Mr. Bear International in Thailand! That’s going to be quite an adventure… can you tell us when that’s gonna be, and how one even goes about preparing for that?
Yes, I’m incredibly excited! The competition will take place during Bangkok Songkran Bear Week, April 10-14, and it’s going to be an amazing adventure. Preparing for something like this takes a lot of work—it’s not just about the physical preparation, but also getting mentally ready to represent not just myself, but the entire bear community on an international stage.
In terms of prep, I’m focusing on refining my performance skills and staying in top shape, both physically and mentally. I’m also learning more about the other contestants and the cultural aspects of Thailand to approach this experience with the respect it deserves. The Big Girlz are helping me design my national costume, and Temple Grande is working with me on my other looks. I’m grateful for the support from my friends—they’ve been amazing in helping me prepare to showcase what makes the bear community so special.
Your friends and fans will be coming to Icon this Wednesday to show you love for “Breezy’s Babes,” your Mr. Bear International package fundraiser! Temple is hosting, and many great bear and bear-adjacent performers will be turning numbers! How fun is this gonna be?
It’s going to be an incredible night of love and support, and I’m beyond grateful for Temple hosting and all the amazing performers who will be turning numbers. It’s going to be so much fun to see everyone come together for such a great cause. Not only is it about raising funds for my Mr. Bear International package, but it’s also about celebrating the vibrant, diverse community that’s been so supportive of me. There will be raffle prizes from amazing members of the LGBTQ+.
On top of that, it’s also going to be a birthday celebration for me! This night will be all about celebrating life and looking forward to even more great things ahead. I can’t wait to share this experience with my friends, fans, and everyone who’s helped me along the way—it’s going to be a blast, especially because I’ll be there even after the event for the Latin dance party, “Caliente,” that follows it.
Then the very next day at Rockbar, you’ll be performing for Poppy J. Snacks‘ “Bear Back Bingo!”
Yes, absolutely! I love Poppy. Poppy is the one who gave me my start with Bearlesque. “Bear Back Bingo” at Rockbar is always such a blast! It’s a high-energy, fun-filled event where the crowd is always ready to have a good time. I love performing there because it’s such an inclusive and lively atmosphere—everyone’s there to have fun and let loose. Plus, there’s always a great mix of games, performances, live singing, and good vibes. It’s the perfect way to keep the momentum going after my fundraiser the night before, and I’m so excited to be a part of it!
Next up: Saturday the 22nd, you’ll be at The Deep End in Ridgewood for “Bear Milk!”
Yes! I’m so pumped! Not only is it one of the most popular monthly events, but it also marks my one-year anniversary of dancing in nightlife! The energy at “Bear Milk” is always incredible, and I love being part of such a welcoming and vibrant crowd. It’s a night full of performances, dancing, and great vibes. Reflecting on my first year in nightlife, I’m really excited to celebrate this milestone with everyone. It’s definitely one of my favorite nights to perform, and this year’s event is going to be extra special for me. The Deep End even donated a bar tab as a raffle prize for “Breezy’s Babes.” The owner Jorge is extremely supportive, and someone whom I have the pleasure of calling my friend.
Then you’ll actually be back at The Deep End on February 27th with Poppy, for a revival of Bear Back Burlesque!
Yes, it’s going to be such a fun night. We’ll be doing a throwback-themed party, and I’ll be performing two new numbers that I’m really excited about. Collaborating with Poppy is always a blast, and I can’t wait to bring some fresh energy to the crowd. The Deep End is such a great venue, and it’s going to be a fantastic night to celebrate bearlesque in a fun, playful way!
Well, that’s a lot… lol!
It definitely feels like a lot, but I’m excited for everything that’s coming up!
Is there anything else you want to discuss or mention?
I’m always working on new projects and staying connected with the community. I’ve got some fun collaborations in the works, and am constantly pushing myself to grow as a performer. Of course, I’m also looking forward to competing in Mr. Bear International in Thailand and, hopefully, bringing back a title! I’d love to represent the bear community on a global stage, and keep raising the bar.
I also want to take a moment to shout out my amazing found family in nightlife—everyone who’s supported me, cheered me on, and helped me along the way. It’s all about community, and I’m so grateful for the love I’ve received. I’m just excited to see where this journey takes me, and to keep sharing it with everyone.
Thanks Breezy, good luck in Thailand!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Breezy’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.
Thotyssey 