He is an Instagram celebrity with a dedicated group of followers and admirers. But who exactly is Baby Bear? We caught up with the dreamy dancer and chatted beard porn, deviated septums and dressing as Posh Spice.

So, BB, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
But of course! I’m from Seattle, WA and I’m 24 years old. Growing up in Seattle was amazing because of the culture my parents surrounded me with. They met in the late 80s via an ad in the paper. My Dad was a musician looking for someone to collaborate with. My Mom responded and the rest was history!

What was it like growing up in such a creative environment?
My Mom basically wanted a gay son. So when I told her at age six that I wanted to wear glitter, nail polish and pierce my right ear, she was all for it. When I was like seven, she helped me dress in drag as Posh Spice.

You lost your Mum at quite a young age. How did that affect you?
My parents divorced, my mother then passed of a drug overdose and I was in foster care for eight years. I stayed in an extremely religious home where it was thought gays should be institutionalized. When I was 14 I was connected with my biological maternal aunt and after a year of legal work on both our parts, I was able to move in with my family in North Carolina. We stayed there for two years and then moved to Dallas, TX where I graduated high school and worked my way through college by gogo-dancing, performing, and modelling. I think my Mother’s passing made me a more mature person, one who is able to take care of himself because he must. I have strength in knowing that she would be proud of who I am today and what I have accomplished.

Where did your name ‘Baby Bear’ come from?
Before I graduated college I was lounging around with my good friends, Ben Delacreme and Jinkx Monsoon. I needed a stage name because yes, I work in nightlife, where I am either wearing less than a stitch of clothing, dancing for money in a metal cage, dressing up as a pup for a fetish night promo photo shoot, or making hilarious short films with local filmmaker Wes Hurley. But at the same time, I also work with foster families and have a professional career.
I could see that one might negatively impact on the other, even though I might not agree with it, so Jinkx and Ben came up with ‘Baby Bear’. At first I was unsure but it’s kinda stuck. I am honored to have my stage name given to me by two performers whom I admire personally, professionally and as artists.

What was dancing in Seattle like?
Adaam, a friend of mine, suggested that I try dancing at The Pony Bar. I grew up competitive figure skating and took some ballet classes in college so thought, ‘Why not?’ I ended up there for a year.
I enjoyed dancing at Pony because I was the only dancer on the weekends and the DJs always played great music, unlike anything you’d find on Top 40. It was a queer dive bar where I had a blast. Ian, the bar back, even gifted me go-go sweat towels embroidered with ‘Baby Bear’ initials. Sweetheart.
I then worked for Kevin Kauer of Nark Magazine on photo-shoots and films such as Seduction of Bear by Steven Didis. One of my favorite memories was going on a mini tour of the Pacific North West with Detox, Willam, Vicky Vox, and dancing for them at events with Shawn Morales. Also seeing Alaska Thunderfuck walk out of the Sorrento Hotel and into our black car…All of the gags #goddess.

I also backup danced for Ben Delacreme’s RuPaul’s Drag Race audition tape and performed alongside Jinkx Monsoon for Nark Magazine’s Gender Blender Pride Party in 2014. Working with such accomplished performers has been a dream.

Kitty Kitty Bang Bang is another sensational performer in Seattle who caught my eye with her beauty and dance talent. We eventually became friends and one day, she hired me for a wedding gig. Be sure to check this girl out!!

You played a character in BenDeLaCreme’s web series ’Capitol Hill’. What was that like?
Filming with Wes Hurley and other local artists to create something beautiful, funny, and hysterical is always a great time. It is definitely rewarding to see people really respond when the episodes premiere. It was honestly a pleasure to be part of Wes’ projects. One scene that I am in takes place in Dr Jen’s House of Beauty – Atomic Cosmetics infamous pink box…you’ll have to watch the series to know the rest!

Are you still dancing and performing?
Currently, no. I am just beginning to make connections in Denver via Model Mayhem. I have also been working closely with NYC Brooklyn nightlife & celebrity photographer, Santiago Felipe. He came to Austin for the Annual Drag festival where we worked together for the second time. He has since become a great friend and I look forward to our next collaboration! I definitely miss dancing but it’s also nice to be able to go to bed at 10pm on a weekend.

What prompted your recent move from Seattle to Texas and now Denver?
I moved to Austin, TX for a few reasons. I ended up in a relationship and the guy didn’t really want me to go to Austin. We eventually broke up, my lease was ending, I had also started a new job and wasn’t enjoying it. I was tired of working all week at my professional job and every weekend at the yoga spa downtown as well as performing. I was ready for something new. So I packed up my car and drove to Austin.
I found a job in Austin but eventually decided it wasn’t for me. The south was just not for me. I needed to be somewhere with nature and seasons…and legal weed. So I headed for Denver, CO.

Your beard is one of the most envied on the interwebs. Would people still be interested in ‘BabyBear’ if you were without it?
Hah! I’m flattered. I definitely like to have the beard because I don’t like shaving. I also enjoy painting my nails and blending genders a bit. Mixing masculine and feminine qualities is something that I have enjoyed since I was young. To answer your question, hopefully people would still be interested in me regardless of my beardage. I plan on shaving it one day so I guess we will find out!

Is there anything you wish you could change about yourself physically?
I love myself the way I am. I definitely grew into myself if you know what I mean – if any Middle School friends are reading this, they’ll understand, BUT I would one day consider getting my deviated septum fixed. I know my Jewish grandmother would roll over in her grave. But it’s not only cosmetic, it can cause breathing problems. And no…it’s not caused by cocaine usage.

Finally, what’s your favourite hashtag?
I’m definitely a fan of the #beardporn.

You can Follow Baby Bear on Instagram and Model Mayhem.

You can watch more of Capitol Hill at http://www.colorsthatgoboom.com/