JOSEPH SCHLES
Favorite Bear Personality
Which bear actor, content creator, or personality provides our community with the best representation in your opinion.
BEARPAD
Favorite Bear Artist
Which of these artists, writers or actors is your favorite?
Safe Words Queer Comedy Showcase is all about celebrating the incredible talent within our vibrant community, and this year, two shining stars who have featured at Safe Words in the past - Joseph Schles and Bearpad - have each earned a nod from Bear World Magazine. Here’s the lowdown on why we’re rooting for them:
Joseph Schles isn't just a comedian; he's a movement - and our favorite thirst trap. With a first-place finish at the Los Angeles Pride Comedy Festival, his laughter-inducing talents have also graced Season 3 of "Laugh After Dark" on Amazon Prime. If that's not enough, dive into his comedy album, "Soliciting D*ck Pics," streaming on all platforms. Joseph's journey from the Inland Empire to NYC for musical theater, and his unique stint as a boylesque dancer named Joe Blow Anybody, adds layers to his rich comedic persona. He's not just capturing hearts; he's creating an army of 'Schlesbians'
Bearpad, on the other hand, is a dynamic duo turning the art world on its head. Patrick Stephenson, flying solo for a decade, found a kindred spirit in Jordan Fickel in 2021, propelling Bearpad into new heights. Their art—a celebration of big, colorful, cuddly affectionate men—has not only taken over bars and festivals across the nation but also digital spaces, captivating hearts far and wide. From OUTsider Fest in Austin to Lazy Bear in Guerneville, their installations are a testament to their boundless creativity and deep connection to the community. Now, pursuing graduate degrees in Santa Cruz, they continue to push boundaries and explore new territories of expression.