<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en_US"><link href="https://bears.lu/feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" /><link href="https://bears.lu/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" hreflang="en_US" /><updated>2026-11-11T23:53:35.922Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/feed.xml</id><title type="html">Bear Dukes Luxembourg</title><subtitle>We are the Luxembourgish bear community 🇱🇺🐻.</subtitle><author><name>Bear Dukes Luxembourg a.s.b.l.</name></author><entry><title type="html">Waking Up From Hibernation</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2026/11/08/bears-lu-new-look/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Waking Up From Hibernation" /><published>2026-11-08T17:20:00.000Z</published><updated>2026-11-08T17:20:00.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2026/11/08/bears-lu-new-look</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2026/11/08/bears-lu-new-look/"><![CDATA[<p>Yeah, it&#39;s been quiet. Almost two years without a post. Bears hibernate though, so we&#39;ll say that&#39;s what we were doing. We&#39;re waking up now and a few things are getting put back in motion. You&#39;ll see more of it over the coming weeks. First up: the site.</p>
<h2>A new bears.lu</h2>
<p>The old site was starting to show its age. Updating it was a pain, it wasn&#39;t easy to maintain, and a few things people kept asking us for just weren&#39;t possible with how it was built. So we rebuilt it from scratch instead of patching it up: faster, closer to our actual branding, and a lot easier for us to update ourselves.</p>
<p><img src="/uploads/2026/11/new-site-homepage.jpg" alt="The new bears.lu homepage"></p>
<h2>An actual calendar</h2>
<p>Events used to live wherever: Facebook, word of mouth at a party, whatever. There&#39;s now a proper <a href="/calendar">/calendar</a> page with everything in one place, ours and other bear events happening around Europe, with filters. If you let it use your location it&#39;ll also tell you how far each one is.</p>
<p><img src="/uploads/2026/11/new-site-calendar.jpg" alt="The new calendar page, with filter pills and upcoming events"></p>
<p>You can subscribe to it from your phone or computer&#39;s calendar app too. Hit &quot;Subscribe&quot; once and it updates itself from then on.</p>
<h2>Every Mister Bear, finally in one place</h2>
<p>Every titleholder since José in 2015 has their own page now on <a href="/mr-bear">/mr-bear</a>, with the current one front and center. Small thing, but it bugged us that ten years of Misters were sitting on a page nobody could find anymore.</p>
<p><img src="/uploads/2026/11/new-site-mrbear.jpg" alt="The Mr. Bear Luxembourg hall of fame page"></p>
<h2>Other bits</h2>
<ul>
<li>Comments work again on articles.</li>
<li>There&#39;s a Share button on articles now that just opens your phone&#39;s normal share sheet.</li>
<li>The news feed is still at the same address as before, so nothing breaks if you were subscribed.</li>
<li>Even the favicon is our bear now instead of whatever default placeholder it was before.</li>
</ul>
<h2>We could use some help</h2>
<p>Keeping the calendar up to date and writing stuff for the news section takes time. It&#39;s basically been one or two of us doing it on the side for a while now. If you&#39;re down to help, adding events when you hear about them or writing a post now and then, <a href="/contact">get in touch</a>. No need to commit to much.</p>
<p>That&#39;s the first thing. More to come. If you spot something broken on the new site, <a href="/contact">tell us</a>.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="news" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Yeah, it&#39;s been quiet. Almost two years without a post. Bears hibernate though, so we&#39;ll say that&#39;s what we were doing. We&#39;re waking up now and a few things are getting put back in motion. You&#39;ll see more of it over the coming weeks. First up: the site.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2026/11/new-site-homepage.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2026/11/new-site-homepage.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">From a Christmas Party to a Community Pillar: The Story of Bear Dukes Luxembourg</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2024/11/03/from-a-christmas-party-to-a-community-pillar-the-story-of-bear-dukes-luxembourg/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="From a Christmas Party to a Community Pillar: The Story of Bear Dukes Luxembourg" /><published>2024-11-03T10:57:50.859Z</published><updated>2024-11-03T10:57:50.859Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2024/11/03/from-a-christmas-party-to-a-community-pillar-the-story-of-bear-dukes-luxembourg</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2024/11/03/from-a-christmas-party-to-a-community-pillar-the-story-of-bear-dukes-luxembourg/"><![CDATA[<p>In the heart of Luxembourg, a small yet vibrant community emerged from a festive gathering, forever changing the landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. It all began at a Christmas party in 2015, where the seeds for Bear Dukes Luxembourg were sown—a community that has since grown to become a beacon of inclusivity and celebration.</p>
<h2>The Spark of Inspiration</h2>
<p>Amidst the twinkling lights and holiday cheer, conversations turned to a shared longing for more bear-specific events in Luxembourg. Inspired by the Mr. Bear election events by <a href="https://rosaletzebuerg.lu/">Rosa Letzebuerg</a>, a group of passionate individuals saw an opportunity to create something unique. They envisioned a space where the bear community could thrive, connect, and celebrate their identity.</p>
<p>This initial spark was fueled by the realization that Luxembourg, despite its rich cultural tapestry, had limited spaces catering specifically to the bear community. The founders, driven by a desire to fill this gap, recognized the potential for Bear Dukes Luxembourg to not only host events but also foster a sense of belonging and community spirit.</p>
<h2>Growth and Milestones</h2>
<p>Officially established in 2016, Bear Dukes Luxembourg quickly made its mark with the inaugural Bear Pride event. This celebration not only drew local attention but also attracted participants from neighboring countries. The organization&#39;s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging led to the introduction of several key events over the years.</p>
<p>Since 2016, Bear Dukes Luxembourg has been hosting the Woof parties, creating a vibrant space for bears and fetish lovers across Europe. In 2020, the Banana parties were introduced, adding another layer of excitement to the community&#39;s social calendar. Between 2019 and 2020, the organization also ran the WR Drag Against Aids, a drag contest that brought together talent and raised awareness for an important cause.</p>
<p>In 2023, following the closing of Fairytails, Bear Dukes Luxembourg launched the WR Family parties. These events have quickly become a staple in the community, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. Each gathering is designed to offer a safe space where individuals can express themselves freely, connect with others, and form lasting friendships. The organization&#39;s dedication to inclusivity extends beyond the bear community, embracing all facets of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.</p>
<h2>Impact on the Community</h2>
<p>Bear Dukes Luxembourg has played a pivotal role in increasing visibility for the bear community, creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Collaborations with organizations like <a href="https://rosaletzebuerg.lu/">Rosa Letzebuerg</a> and <a href="https://lgbt-lux.be/">Maison Arc en Ciel</a> have amplified their impact, promoting education on topics such as kink and BDSM. Additionally, partnerships with local LGBTQ+ businesses have strengthened the community&#39;s economic ties.</p>
<p>We are proud to work with a diverse array of local queer artists, clubs, bars, and venues, supporting them whenever we can. Our strong partnership with Croix Rouge Luxembourg focuses on STD prevention, and we collaborate closely with C.I.G.A.L.E and Fairytails asbl to enhance our community outreach and impact.</p>
<p>By fostering these partnerships, Bear Dukes Luxembourg has not only enhanced its own events but also contributed to the broader LGBTQ+ ecosystem in Luxembourg. The organization&#39;s efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity have resonated with many, attracting a diverse group of attendees and supporters.</p>
<h2>Challenges and Resilience</h2>
<p>Like any growing organization, Bear Dukes Luxembourg has faced its share of challenges. Recruitment, particularly of queer performers and DJs, has been an ongoing hurdle. The organization also grapples with the need to increase engagement among younger community members and expand its active membership base.</p>
<p>Despite these challenges, Bear Dukes Luxembourg remains resilient. The organization is actively exploring new strategies to attract younger members and enhance community engagement. By leveraging social media platforms and digital communication tools, they aim to reach a wider audience and foster a sense of belonging among all age groups.</p>
<h2>Looking Forward</h2>
<p>As Bear Dukes Luxembourg looks to the future, their commitment to visibility and engagement remains unwavering. Plans to enhance communication and public event participation aim to attract younger members and expand the organization&#39;s reach. Sustainability is also a key focus, with initiatives to reduce environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices.</p>
<p>The organization is also exploring mentorship programs and support groups, in partnership with Rosa Letzebuerg or CIGALE, to further support the community. These initiatives aim to provide guidance and resources to individuals, fostering personal growth and empowerment.</p>
<h2>Join the Journey</h2>
<p>Bear Dukes Luxembourg invites you to be part of their journey. Whether you&#39;re a member of the bear community or an ally, there&#39;s a place for you in this vibrant tapestry of diversity and acceptance. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive future.</p>
<p>By participating in Bear Dukes Luxembourg&#39;s events and initiatives, you contribute to a community that values inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment. Join us as we celebrate our unique identities and work towards a more inclusive and accepting society.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="History" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[In the heart of Luxembourg, a small yet vibrant community emerged from a festive gathering, forever changing the landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. It all began at a Christmas party in 2015, where the seeds for Bear Dukes Luxembourg were sown—a community that has since grown to become a beacon of inclusivity and celebration.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2024/11/Photo Google Photos.JPG" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2024/11/Photo Google Photos.JPG" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Bear Pride Luxembourg 2024 Survival Guide</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2024/10/03/bear-pride-luxembourg-2024-survival-guide/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Bear Pride Luxembourg 2024 Survival Guide" /><published>2024-10-03T20:47:52.000Z</published><updated>2024-10-03T20:47:52.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2024/10/03/bear-pride-luxembourg-2024-survival-guide</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2024/10/03/bear-pride-luxembourg-2024-survival-guide/"><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the Bear Pride 2024 Survival Guide! As your friendly neighborhood copywriter, I&#39;m thrilled to present this comprehensive guide to help you navigate and make the most of this year&#39;s Bear Pride in Luxembourg.</p>
<p>Bear Pride 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting event, building on the success of previous years. As an annual celebration organized by Bear Dukes Luxembourg a.s.b.l., it&#39;s a weekend that brings together Gay Bears (gay men and trans men) from all over Europe. With an expected attendance of around 250 people, it&#39;s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, enjoy various events, and celebrate diversity.</p>
<p>Let&#39;s dive into the essentials you need to know to make your Bear Pride 2024 experience truly unforgettable!</p>
<h2>Must-Attend Events</h2>
<p>Bear Pride 2024 is packed with exciting events that cater to diverse interests. Here are some highlights you won&#39;t want to miss:</p>
<ol>
<li><p><strong>Meet &amp; Greet (Friday evening):</strong> This is your chance to break the ice and start making connections. It&#39;s especially great for those who might be a bit shy – a perfect opportunity to ease into the weekend&#39;s festivities.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2025 Election (Saturday):</strong> The main event of the weekend! Cheer on the candidates as they compete for the title. It&#39;s not just a competition; it&#39;s a celebration of the bear community.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Main Party (Saturday night):</strong> Whether it&#39;s a men-only event or open to the entire community, this is where the energy peaks. Expect great music, dancing, and an electric atmosphere.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Cultural Events:</strong> Keep an eye out for at least two cultural events being planned. These could range from art exhibitions to performances, adding depth to your Bear Pride experience.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Community Events:</strong> Don&#39;t forget to check out the community events happening in the Greater Region. It&#39;s a great way to extend your Bear Pride experience and explore the area.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Remember, the full schedule will be available on bears.lu/bearpride, so make sure to check it regularly for updates and detailed timings.</p>
<h2>Practical Tips for Attendees</h2>
<p>To ensure you have the best possible time at Bear Pride 2024, here are some practical tips:</p>
<ol>
<li><p><strong>Plan Your Accommodation Early:</strong> With attendees coming from various countries, book your stay in advance. Look for options near the event venues to minimize travel time.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Stay Hydrated and Energized:</strong> With multiple events throughout the weekend, it&#39;s important to pace yourself. Carry a water bottle and don&#39;t skip meals.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Dress Code:</strong> While bears are known for their relaxed attitude, some events might have specific dress codes. Pack versatile outfits that can take you from casual meet-ups to more formal events.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Respect Boundaries:</strong> Remember, consent and respect are paramount. Always ask before touching or photographing others.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Learn Some Local Phrases:</strong> A few words in Luxembourgish or French can go a long way in making connections and showing respect for the local culture.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Use Sustainable Practices:</strong> Bear Dukes Luxembourg emphasizes sustainability. Bring a reusable water bottle and be mindful of waste during events.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<h2>Embracing the Bear Community Spirit</h2>
<p>Bear Pride is more than just a series of events – it&#39;s about community, acceptance, and celebration. Here are some ways to fully embrace the spirit of Bear Pride 2024:</p>
<ol>
<li><p><strong>Participate Actively:</strong> Whether it&#39;s cheering for Mr. Bear candidates or joining in community discussions, active participation enhances your experience and contributes to the event&#39;s success.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Make New Connections:</strong> Bear Pride is an excellent opportunity to meet people from different countries. Don&#39;t be shy to strike up conversations and exchange contact information.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Share Your Experience:</strong> Use social media to share your Bear Pride journey. Use official hashtags #BearPrideLuxembourg2024 to connect with other attendees and help increase the event&#39;s visibility.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Respect Diversity:</strong> The bear community is diverse. Embrace and celebrate the differences you encounter.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Volunteer If Possible:</strong> If you&#39;re interested in getting more involved, ask about volunteer opportunities. It&#39;s a great way to give back to the community and get a behind-the-scenes look at the event.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<hr>
<p>Bear Pride 2024 in Luxembourg promises to be an unforgettable weekend of celebration, community, and pride. By following this guide, you&#39;re well-equipped to make the most of every moment – from the exciting Mr. Bear election to the vibrant parties and cultural events.</p>
<p>Remember, the true essence of Bear Pride lies in the connections you make and the memories you create. Embrace the welcoming spirit of the bear community, respect one another, and most importantly, have fun!</p>
<p>See you at Bear Pride 2024 – it&#39;s going to be an amazing celebration of diversity, acceptance, and bear-tastic energy!</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="bear pride" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Welcome to the Bear Pride 2024 Survival Guide! As your friendly neighborhood copywriter, I&#39;m thrilled to present this comprehensive guide to help you navigate and make the most of this year&#39;s Bear Pride in Luxembourg.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2024/10/Gay Bear Pride.webp" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2024/10/Gay Bear Pride.webp" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Bear Dukes Luxembourg Announces Pause on Nightlife Events</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2024/05/31/bear-dukes-luxembourg-announces-pause-on-nightlife-events/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Bear Dukes Luxembourg Announces Pause on Nightlife Events" /><published>2024-05-31T17:25:31.200Z</published><updated>2024-05-31T17:25:31.200Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2024/05/31/bear-dukes-luxembourg-announces-pause-on-nightlife-events</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2024/05/31/bear-dukes-luxembourg-announces-pause-on-nightlife-events/"><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nphjy_dXuC7RGoHTteXBxIAJpHS6DmjZ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" class="ui button basic"><i class="icon external"></i>Download this press release</a></p>
<p><strong>Luxembourg, May 15, 2024</strong> – Bear Dukes Luxembourg, a dedicated community-focused organization serving the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay and trans men, today announced a temporary hold on all upcoming nightlife events after October 2024. This decision comes after careful consideration of our event offerings in response to community needs and financial efficiency.</p>
<p>As a non-profit entity powered by the unwavering commitment of our volunteers, Bear Dukes Luxembourg has consistently prioritized hosting events that are meaningful and sustainable. Our assessments show that the current offerings sufficiently meet the demands of our community. Given our duty to manage resources prudently, we will pause these events to reallocate efforts towards other impactful initiatives.</p>
<p>However, all currently scheduled events will proceed as planned. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>May 19, 2024: WR Heroes</li>
<li>June 7, 2024: GANG BANG</li>
<li>June 13, 2024: WR Pride</li>
<li>October 9-13, 2024: Bear Pride events</li>
<li>Monthly Bear Afterworks</li>
</ul>
<p>We extend our deepest gratitude to our event teams, who are eager to continue their involvement in our future activities. Their dedication has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive, vibrant community atmosphere.</p>
<p>Bear Dukes Luxembourg wishes the best to other nightlife event organizers. We encourage all community efforts to enhance the collective value and support meaningful social causes.</p>
<p>For more information about our ongoing projects and ways to get involved, please visit our website at bears.lu or contact us via email at <a href="mailto:contact@bears.lu">contact@bears.lu</a>.</p>
<p>Thank you for your understanding and continued support.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="press-release" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Download this press release]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2024/05/Pause Image by Brett Jordan.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2024/05/Pause Image by Brett Jordan.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Join the EMIS-2024 Survey: Your Voice Matters!</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2024/05/28/join-the-emis-2024-survey-your-voice-matters/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Join the EMIS-2024 Survey: Your Voice Matters!" /><published>2024-05-28T20:43:05.000Z</published><updated>2024-05-28T20:43:05.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2024/05/28/join-the-emis-2024-survey-your-voice-matters</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2024/05/28/join-the-emis-2024-survey-your-voice-matters/"><![CDATA[<p>The European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) is back for 2024, and we need your help to make a difference! This important survey is designed to collect valuable data from gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) across Europe. Your participation can help shape the future of sexual health services and policies, ensuring they are tailored to meet the needs of our community.</p>
<h2>What is EMIS-2024?</h2>
<p>EMIS-2024 is a comprehensive, anonymous online survey that aims to gather insights from MSM individuals about their sexual health, behaviors, and needs. This survey is part of a larger project that has been conducted previously in 2010 and 2017, with the goal of informing better health interventions and services across Europe. The data collected from EMIS-2024 will be used to understand the differences in sexual health needs among various groups and to identify risk and precautionary behaviors.</p>
<h2>Why Should You Participate?</h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>Your Voice, Our Strength</strong>: By participating in EMIS-2024, you contribute to a greater understanding of the sexual health needs of MSM across Europe. This information is crucial for developing effective health services and interventions.</li>
<li><strong>Confidential and Anonymous</strong>: Your privacy is our priority. The survey is entirely anonymous, ensuring that your responses cannot be traced back to you.</li>
<li><strong>Influence Change</strong>: The results from EMIS have historically influenced public health policies and services, leading to better support and resources for our community.</li>
</ol>
<h2>How to Participate</h2>
<p>Taking part in EMIS-2024 is simple and takes about 20 minutes. Click on the link below to start the survey and share your experiences and insights. Remember, your contribution is invaluable and helps build a stronger community.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.emis-project.eu/emis-2024/">Participate in EMIS-2024</a></p>
<h2>Stay Committed</h2>
<p>We understand that 20 minutes can seem like a long time, but your full participation is crucial. Every question you answer brings us one step closer to improving the health services that benefit us all. Let&#39;s make every minute count!</p>
<h2>Our Partners</h2>
<p>This initiative is brought to you in partnership with Croix Rouge Luxembourgeoise. We are working together to ensure that the survey reaches as many MSM individuals as possible across Europe.</p>
<h2>Spread the Word</h2>
<p>Help us reach more people by sharing this blog post with your friends and networks. The more voices we hear, the stronger our data and the better the outcomes for our community.</p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this vital survey. Your participation is not just valuable; it is essential in helping us build a healthier future for all MSM across Europe.</p>
<hr>
<p>For more information about the EMIS-2024 survey and its objectives, visit the official <a href="https://www.emis-project.eu">EMIS Project website</a>.</p>
<p>Together, let&#39;s make a difference!</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Sources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.emis-project.eu/emis-2024/">EMIS Project Overview</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.croix-rouge.lu/">Croix Rouge Luxembourgeoise</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.emis-project.eu/past-updates/">Past EMIS Reports and Publications</a></li>
</ul>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="health" /><category term="study" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[The European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS) is back for 2024, and we need your help to make a difference! This important survey is designed to collect valuable data from gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) across Europe. Your participation can help shape the future of sexual health services and policies, ensuring they are tailored to meet the needs of our community.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/dall·e-men-with-smartphones.webp" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/dall·e-men-with-smartphones.webp" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">The Importance of Authentic Support: Choosing LGBTQ+ Owned Venues and Businesses for Our Events</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2023/12/05/the-importance-of-authentic-support-choosing-lgbtq-owned-venues-and-businesses-for-our-events/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="The Importance of Authentic Support: Choosing LGBTQ+ Owned Venues and Businesses for Our Events" /><published>2023-12-05T20:18:18.000Z</published><updated>2023-12-05T20:18:18.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2023/12/05/the-importance-of-authentic-support-choosing-lgbtq-owned-venues-and-businesses-for-our-events</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2023/12/05/the-importance-of-authentic-support-choosing-lgbtq-owned-venues-and-businesses-for-our-events/"><![CDATA[<p>In the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ+ events, parties, and gatherings, there&#39;s an often overlooked but critical aspect that deserves our attention: the ownership and management of the venues where these events are held. It&#39;s increasingly common to find LGBTQ+ parties being hosted at venues run by individuals who don&#39;t identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. While inclusivity is a cornerstone of our community, it&#39;s essential to scrutinize the intentions and involvement of these venue owners in LGBTQ+ rights and issues.</p>
<h3>The Challenge with Non-LGBTQ+ Run Venues</h3>
<p>One of the main issues with LGBTQ+ events at venues run by straight individuals with no active interest in LGBTQ+ rights is the lack of genuine understanding and connection to the community. These venues might see LGBTQ+ events merely as profitable opportunities rather than a part of a significant cultural and social movement. This perspective can lead to a lack of sensitivity towards the unique needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community, potentially resulting in an environment that feels inauthentic or even unwelcoming.</p>
<p>Furthermore, when profits from these events don&#39;t circulate back into LGBTQ+ initiatives or causes, it represents a missed opportunity to support the community in a more meaningful way.</p>
<h3>Why Supporting LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses and Non-Profits Matters</h3>
<h4><strong>1. Authentic Representation and Understanding</strong></h4>
<p>LGBTQ+ owned businesses and non-profits inherently understand the nuances and dynamics of our community. They are more likely to create spaces that are not only safe but also resonant with the values and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. This understanding fosters a sense of belonging and validation that is hard to replicate in non-LGBTQ+ run spaces.</p>
<h4><strong>2. Economic Empowerment</strong></h4>
<p>Supporting LGBTQ+ owned businesses and non-profits translates to economic empowerment for the community. It ensures that the financial benefits of LGBTQ+ events are reinvested in initiatives that directly support LGBTQ+ rights, health, and wellbeing.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Advocacy and Visibility</strong></h4>
<p>LGBTQ+ owned businesses often serve as advocates for the community. They play a crucial role in raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, promoting visibility, and fostering a sense of community solidarity. By choosing these businesses, we amplify their voice and impact.</p>
<h4><strong>4. Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces</strong></h4>
<p>LGBTQ+ owners are more likely to prioritize creating spaces that are inclusive and safe for all members of the community, including those who are often marginalized within the community, such as trans and non-binary individuals.</p>
<h3>How to Support LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses and Non-Profits</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Research and Choose Wisely:</strong> When planning or choosing to attends an event, research to find LGBTQ+ owned options. Websites, social media groups, and community networks are great resources.</li>
<li><strong>Spread the Word:</strong> Use your social media or word-of-mouth to promote LGBTQ+ owned businesses and events.</li>
<li><strong>Engage with LGBTQ+ Non-Profits:</strong> Attend their events, donate, or volunteer. Your involvement can make a significant difference.</li>
<li><strong>Feedback and Collaboration:</strong> Provide constructive feedback to these businesses and explore collaboration opportunities. It&#39;s about building a supportive community together.</li>
</ul>
<p>In conclusion, while inclusivity means welcoming support from allies, it is equally vital to ensure that our choices in venues and businesses align with the values of authenticity, support, and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community. Let&#39;s make our celebrations not just a party, but a statement of solidarity, support, and pride in who we are and what we stand for.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="Thoughts" /><category term="Advocacy" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[In the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ+ events, parties, and gatherings, there&#39;s an often overlooked but critical aspect that deserves our attention: the ownership and management of the venues where these events are held. It&#39;s increasingly common to find LGBTQ+ parties being hosted at venues run by individuals who don&#39;t identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. While inclusivity is a cornerstone of our community, it&#39;s essential to scrutinize the intentions and involvement of these venue owners in LGBTQ+ rights and issues.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/anastasiia-chepinska-co2obhgjbhi-unsplash.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/anastasiia-chepinska-co2obhgjbhi-unsplash.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Official Announcement: Cancellation of the Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2024 Election</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2023/09/17/official-announcement-cancellation-of-the-mr-bear-luxembourg-2024-election/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Official Announcement: Cancellation of the Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2024 Election" /><published>2023-09-17T16:00:00.000Z</published><updated>2023-09-17T16:00:00.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2023/09/17/official-announcement-cancellation-of-the-mr-bear-luxembourg-2024-election</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2023/09/17/official-announcement-cancellation-of-the-mr-bear-luxembourg-2024-election/"><![CDATA[<p>Dear Bear Community,</p>
<p>It&#39;s with deep sadness that we must announce that due to the lack of participants for this year&#39;s Mr. Bear Luxembourg election, the event has been forced into cancellation. This means we will not have a Mr. Bear Luxembourg for the year 2024.</p>
<p><strong>However, it&#39;s crucial to emphasize that while the election is canceled, the Bear Pride festivities are still very much on!</strong> Our commitment to the community remains unswayed, and we are determined to provide you with a memorable and festive weekend.</p>
<p>To substitute for the election night, we&#39;re considering two alternatives: a communal dinner or a screening of a &quot;bear&quot; movie celebrating our community. More details on this revised event will be provided shortly.</p>
<h2>Another important update</h2>
<p>Following a collective decision among the past Mr. Bear titleholders, it has been decided that for this exceptional year, any former Mr. Bear Luxembourg will be eligible to represent the country internationally, depending on availability.</p>
<h2>Program Change</h2>
<p>The Woof party will now start at 11 PM, ensuring an unmatched festive atmosphere.</p>
<p>We remain hopeful and driven to inspire greater enthusiasm for next year&#39;s edition. Your passion and continued support will always be the cornerstone of this event.</p>
<p>Stay tuned for more updates and forthcoming details. Your understanding, support, and love for the community are more appreciated than ever.</p>
<p>With all our warmth and dedication,
The Bear Dukes Luxembourg Team 🐻❤️🌈</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="press release" /><category term="news" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Dear Bear Community,]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/william-krause-ikyuzpneqws-unsplash.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/william-krause-ikyuzpneqws-unsplash.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html"> 🏳️‍🌈 🎉🇱🇺 Happy Luxembourg National Day! 🇱🇺🎉🏳️‍🌈</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2023/06/23/happy-luxembourg-national-day/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title=" 🏳️‍🌈 🎉🇱🇺 Happy Luxembourg National Day! 🇱🇺🎉🏳️‍🌈" /><published>2023-06-23T22:13:14.000Z</published><updated>2023-06-23T22:13:14.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2023/06/23/happy-luxembourg-national-day</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2023/06/23/happy-luxembourg-national-day/"><![CDATA[<p>As we lift our rainbow-colored flags alongside the red, white, and light blue of our beloved Grand Duchy, we at Bear Dukes Luxembourg are thrilled to wish you all a joyful and meaningful Luxembourg National Day! This day marks not only the commemoration of our Grand Duke&#39;s anniversary, but it also serves as a vibrant celebration of the unity, tradition, and diversity that are intricately woven into the fabric of our nation.</p>
<p>Luxembourg&#39;s history is rich, its heritage is colorful, and its spirit is indomitable. In the heart of Europe, our small nation stands out for its big heart and its welcoming nature. At Bear Dukes Luxembourg, we are proud to be part of this open, multicultural society, as we continuously work towards fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, specifically those identifying as bears within Luxembourg and the Greater Region.</p>
<p>Today, as we celebrate our Grand Duke and our shared heritage, we would also like to take a moment to honor you - the members of our vibrant community, our allies, and our friends. We celebrate your courage, your authenticity, and your relentless pursuit of love and acceptance. Each one of you adds a unique thread to the beautiful tapestry of our community, strengthening it and making it more vibrant. You are the driving force that allows us to create a future that is increasingly inclusive, diverse, and just.</p>
<p>Our unity on this day is not only about rejoicing in our shared Luxembourgish identity but also about standing strong for the LGBTQ+ rights we all hold dear. It&#39;s about acknowledging our past struggles, celebrating our victories, and gearing up for future challenges. The strides we&#39;ve made in advocating for and securing LGBTQ+ rights are worth celebrating, and this National Day, we celebrate those strides as part of our Luxembourgish identity.</p>
<p>On this special occasion, let us come together as one community, proudly bear our colors, and stand tall in our identities. Let us spread the message of love, acceptance, and unity. Because, in the end, love is love, regardless of who we are or whom we love. And this love is something worth celebrating every day, not just on Luxembourg National Day.</p>
<p>From everyone at Bear Dukes Luxembourg, we wish you a Luxembourg National Day filled with joy, unity, love, and pride. Let&#39;s continue to stand together, shine together, and most importantly, be proud together.</p>
<p>Happy National Day!</p>
<p>#LuxembourgNationalDay #LGBTQ+ #BearDukes #BearPride #Unity #Diversity #Inclusion #LoveIsLove</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="News" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[As we lift our rainbow-colored flags alongside the red, white, and light blue of our beloved Grand Duchy, we at Bear Dukes Luxembourg are thrilled to wish you all a joyful and meaningful Luxembourg National Day! This day marks not only the commemoration of our Grand Duke&#39;s anniversary, but it also serves as a vibrant celebration of the unity, tradition, and diversity that are intricately woven into the fabric of our nation.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/arthur-chauvineau-dn7p1u26zke-unsplash.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/arthur-chauvineau-dn7p1u26zke-unsplash.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Festival des Migrations, des Cultures &amp; de la Citoyenneté 2023</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2023/02/19/festival-des-migrations-des-cultures-de-la-citoyennete-2023/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Festival des Migrations, des Cultures &amp; de la Citoyenneté 2023" /><published>2023-02-19T00:16:32.000Z</published><updated>2023-02-19T00:16:32.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2023/02/19/festival-des-migrations-des-cultures-de-la-citoyennete-2023</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2023/02/19/festival-des-migrations-des-cultures-de-la-citoyennete-2023/"><![CDATA[<p>Luxembourg - Bear Dukes, a non-profit queer association, is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming <a href="https://festivaldesmigrations.lu/">Festival of Migration, Culture, and Citizenship</a>. This marks the first time that the association will be part of the Festival and it is an exciting moment for the entire Bear Dukes community.</p>
<p>The Festival is an annual cultural event that will celebrate the cultural diversity present in Luxembourg, and it provides a platform for different communities to showcase their culture, traditions, and values. But this special 40th edition will also honor his fight against injustice and inequality. Bear Dukes is proud to be a part of this year&#39;s Festival, and it is looking forward to showcasing its unique culture and values to the wider community.</p>
<p>The Festival will be held on February 25 and 26, 2023 at LuxExpoThe Box, and <strong>Bear Dukes will be setting up a booth at #177</strong> to showcase its work and activities. Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to learn more about the association and its mission, as well as to interact with members of the Bear Dukes community.</p>
<p>&quot;<em>We are extremely excited to participate in the Festival for the first time</em>,&quot; said Thibault Milan, President of Bear Dukes. &quot;<em>This is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our association and to reach out to a wider audience. We believe that our participation in the Festival will help us to promote our values of diversity, inclusiveness, and equality, and to spread awareness about the work that we do.</em>&quot;</p>
<p>Bear Dukes is also planning to host a number of activities during the Festival, including workshops, presentations, and performances. The association is also planning to release a limited-edition Festival merchandise, which will be available exclusively at its booth. This will be a great opportunity for visitors to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community while also taking home a unique and meaningful souvenir.</p>
<p>Visitors to the Festival are encouraged to visit the Bear Dukes booth and learn more about the association and its mission. The Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness, and Bear Dukes is looking forward to being a part of it.</p>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Thibault Milan<br>President, Bear Dukes Luxembourg a.s.b.l<br>Email: <a href="mailto:thibault@bears.lu"><strong>thibault@bears.lu</strong></a><br>Phone: +352 20 33 41 90</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="event" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Luxembourg - Bear Dukes, a non-profit queer association, is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Festival of Migration, Culture, and Citizenship. This marks the first time that the association will be part of the Festival and it is an exciting moment for the entire Bear Dukes community.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2023/02/19-329861193_1221942225362299_7251391852551928468_n.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2023/02/19-329861193_1221942225362299_7251391852551928468_n.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">World AIDS Day 2022</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2022/11/28/world-aids-day-2022/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="World AIDS Day 2022" /><published>2022-11-28T20:37:06.000Z</published><updated>2022-11-28T20:37:06.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2022/11/28/world-aids-day-2022</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2022/11/28/world-aids-day-2022/"><![CDATA[<p>This Thursday, December 1, we will celebrate World AIDS Day and serophobia.</p>
<h2>Background</h2>
<p>The inequalities which perpetuate the AIDS pandemic are not inevitable; we can tackle them. This World AIDS Day, 1 December, UNAIDS is urging each of us to address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS.</p>
<p>The “Equalize” slogan is a call to action. It is a prompt for all of us to work for the proven practical actions needed to address inequalities and help end AIDS. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increase availability, quality and suitability of services, for HIV treatment, testing and prevention, so that everyone is well-served.</li>
<li><strong>Reform laws, policies and practices to tackle the stigma and exclusion faced by people living with HIV</strong> and by key and marginalised populations, so that everyone is shown respect and is welcomed.</li>
<li><strong>Ensure the sharing of technology to enable equal access to the best HIV science</strong>, between communities and between the Global South and North.</li>
</ul>
<p>Data from UNAIDS on the global HIV response reveals that <strong>during the last two years of COVID-19 and other global crises, progress against the HIV pandemic has faltered, resources have shrunk, and millions of lives are at risk as a result.</strong></p>
<p>Four decades into the HIV response, inequalities still persist for the most basic services like testing, treatment, and condoms, and even more so for new technologies.</p>
<p><strong>Only a third of people in key populations</strong>— including gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and prisoners—<strong>have regular prevention access</strong>. Key populations face major legal barriers including criminalisation, discrimination and stigma.</p>
<p><strong>We have only eight years left before the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a global health threat.</strong> Economic, social, cultural and legal inequalities must be addressed as a matter of urgency. In a pandemic, inequalities exacerbate the dangers for everyone. Indeed, the end of AIDS can only be achieved if we tackle the inequalities which drive it. World leaders need to act with bold and accountable leadership. And all of us, everywhere, must do all we can to help tackle inequalities too.</p>
<h2>Luxembourg</h2>
<p>In 2021, Luxembourg has 1161 people living with HIV and every year, unfortunately, there are new people who become infected with HIV. In the same year 2021, 50 new people were infected, compared to 33 recorded in 2020. The main modes of infection remain heterosexual and homosexual sex.</p>
<p>🆕 Screening for HIV, Syphilis and Hep C by quick tests<br>🕧 every Thursday form 12:30pm to 2:30pm<br>📍 Centre LGBTIQ+ CIGALE, 16, rue Notre Dame (2nd floor) L-2240 Luxembourg</p>
<p>✅ No appointements, ✅ free and ✅ anonymous.</p>
<h3>Selftesting</h3>
<p>Launched during the COVID-19 health crisis, a free HIV self-testing mail-in service is available by phone on <a href="tel:27554500">2755-4500</a> or by e-mail: <a href="mailto:hivberodung@croix-rouge.lu">hivberodung@croix-rouge.lu</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.croix-rouge.lu/en/service/hiv-berodung-prevention-testing-and-treatment/selftest/">Know more about this service here</a></p>
<h2>The day</h2>
<p>On World AIDS Day on 1st December, events will take place across the world. These activities will be led not only by official bodies but also, most importantly, by communities.</p>
<p>In Luxembourg, <a href="https://www.croix-rouge.lu/en/service/hiv-berodung-prevention-testing-and-treatment/">HIV Berodung</a> (from Luxembourgish Red Cross) organizes several events during the day:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>7:30am - 9:30am</strong> at Luxembourg train station &amp; Funiculaire in Kirchberg, free condom distribution</li>
<li><strong>11:30am - 2:30pm</strong> in front of Delhaize Luxembourg Gare, DIMPS will do free screenings</li>
<li><strong>12:30pm - 2:30pm</strong> at CIGALE (Luxembourg city), free screening too</li>
<li><strong>5:30pm</strong> a vernissage of their art on condoms exhibition with our national talent, Madame Yoko as host at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Bsws6yuAfTPL2SZv5">Bâtiment 4</a> à Esch-sur-Alzette.</li>
</ul>
<img src="/uploads/2022/11/28-invitation-1er-decembre.png" title="Invitation 1er décembre Croix Rouge" style="max-width: 100%"/><h2>All year long</h2>
<p>At Bear Dukes Luxembourg, we are committed to work all year long with HIV Berodung, Luxembourgish red cross, CIGALE and other partners to inform you during our events, get our staff trained to talk about sex health topics and providing condoms at every major event we are organising, and self tests when possible.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="health" /><category term="prevention" /><category term="aids" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[This Thursday, December 1, we will celebrate World AIDS Day and serophobia.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/11/28-cover_fb.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/11/28-cover_fb.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Free and anonymous STI testing week</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2022/11/22/free-and-anonymous-sti-testing-week/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Free and anonymous STI testing week" /><published>2022-11-22T20:31:17.000Z</published><updated>2022-11-22T20:31:17.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2022/11/22/free-and-anonymous-sti-testing-week</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2022/11/22/free-and-anonymous-sti-testing-week/"><![CDATA[<p>As every year, the Bionext medical analysis laboratory, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Red Cross, is participating in the European Testing Week (free screening campaign for sexually transmitted infections), which will take place from 21 to 28 November 2022.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>About 15% of HIV carriers are unaware of their HIV status [^1].</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This alarming figure is the reason why it is necessary to promote prevention and facilitate access to the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, which are often associated with co-infections.</p>
<p>This year, Bionext offers several new features to reach a larger number of patients:</p>
<ul>
<li>simplified access conditions: your results are now available in the secure myLAB application</li>
<li>panel of tests offered in 2022: screening of 100% of sexually transmitted infections</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Sérologies</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>HIV</li>
<li>Hépatit B</li>
<li>Hepatitis C</li>
<li>Syphilis</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>PCR Sexually transmitted infections</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Chlamydia etrachomatis</li>
<li>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</li>
<li>Mycoplasma genitalium</li>
<li>Trichomonas vaginalis</li>
</ul>
<p>And always:</p>
<ul>
<li>without an appointment</li>
<li>in all our sampling centres</li>
<li>without a medical prescription</li>
<li>free of charge</li>
</ul>
<p>The objective of our approach is to complete the existing offer for a new public (free information, screening and diagnosis centres, self-tests proposed by associations fighting against AIDS, permanent access to health care for people in precarious situations), alongside medical prescriptions or free sales of self-tests in pharmacies, <strong>in order to allow for early screening, which is a prerequisite for effective treatment in case of infection</strong>.</p>
<p>Like other European countries that have already implemented it, <strong>Luxembourg could offer this access</strong> to tests using cutting-edge techniques coupled with medical support <strong>all year round without prescription or advance payment</strong> in all medical analysis laboratories nationwide.</p>
<p>[^1]: Source rtl.lu 01.12.2020</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="health" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[As every year, the Bionext medical analysis laboratory, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Red Cross, is participating in the European Testing Week (free screening campaign for sexually transmitted infections), which will take place from 21 to 28 November 2022.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/11/22-support-fb-croix-rouge.png" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/11/22-support-fb-croix-rouge.png" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Meeting with the health Minister about the monkeypox outbreak</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2022/09/05/meeting-with-the-health-minister-about-the-monkeypox-outbreak/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Meeting with the health Minister about the monkeypox outbreak" /><published>2022-09-05T20:04:13.000Z</published><updated>2022-09-05T20:04:13.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2022/09/05/meeting-with-the-health-minister-about-the-monkeypox-outbreak</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2022/09/05/meeting-with-the-health-minister-about-the-monkeypox-outbreak/"><![CDATA[<p>We were very pleased to be invited to discuss with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sante.lu">Ministère de la Santé Luxembourg</a> about the <strong>#monkeypox</strong> and provide feedback we got from you and our own collective experience regarding this new disease and after working with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HIVBerodung.dimps/">DIMPS-Project</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crlux/">Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentreCIGALE/">Centre Lgbtiq+ Cigale</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rosa.letzebuerg/">Rosa Lëtzebuerg</a> and many other partners on the question of the LGBTQ+ health in Luxembourg.</p>
<p>Already 400+ people got vaccinated and 1000 appointments are still to be handled. More vaccines are arriving and the new vaccination protocol helps to be able to treat more people 😌</p>
<p>Improvements were discussed such as providing up-to-date information in more languages and ease up the pre-vaccination medical appointment for people who are not already followed by the CHL - Centre des maladies infectieuses.</p>
<p>You can get all the info, mostly in french for now, on <a href="https://monkeypox.lu/" title="https://monkeypox.lu/">http://monkeypox.lu/</a> but you can use thoses links to get Google translate version of it :</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://sante-public-lu.translate.goog/fr/espace-citoyen/dossiers-thematiques/v/variole-singe.html?_x_tr_sl=fr&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=fr&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp#top">🇺🇸 English (US)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sante-public-lu.translate.goog/fr/espace-citoyen/dossiers-thematiques/v/variole-singe.html?_x_tr_sl=fr&amp;_x_tr_tl=de&amp;_x_tr_hl=fr&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp">🇩🇪 German</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sante-public-lu.translate.goog/fr/espace-citoyen/dossiers-thematiques/v/variole-singe.html?_x_tr_sl=fr&amp;_x_tr_tl=pt&amp;_x_tr_hl=fr&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp">🇵🇹 Portuguese</a></li>
</ul>
<p>(The auto-translate in Luxembourgish is just too awful to share 😅)</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="meeting" /><category term="health" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[We were very pleased to be invited to discuss with the Ministère de la Santé Luxembourg about the #monkeypox and provide feedback we got from you and our own collective experience regarding this new disease and after working with DIMPS-Project, Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise, Centre Lgbtiq+ Cigale, Rosa Lëtzebuerg and many other partners on the question of the LGBTQ+ health in Luxembourg.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/09/05-305436361_507255924745253_5845551438481387574_n.jpeg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/09/05-305436361_507255924745253_5845551438481387574_n.jpeg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Monkeypox Vaccine available in Luxembourg</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2022/08/20/monkeypox-vaccine-available-in-luxembourg/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Monkeypox Vaccine available in Luxembourg" /><published>2022-08-20T00:27:52.000Z</published><updated>2022-08-20T00:27:52.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2022/08/20/monkeypox-vaccine-available-in-luxembourg</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2022/08/20/monkeypox-vaccine-available-in-luxembourg/"><![CDATA[<p>🇬🇧 Monkeypox vaccination is available since last Tuesday in Luxembourg!</p>
<p>It&#39;s by appointment, 📞 call (+352) 4411-3129 from Mon-Fri 8h-17h to get one.</p>
<ul>
<li>Available to anyone under CNS or living in Luxembourg or Luxembourgish.</li>
<li>MsM &amp; trans people with multiple partners + sex workers are the priority.</li>
<li>It&#39;s free!</li>
</ul>
<p>It takes 10min, add 30min if you&#39;re not followed in Département des maladies infectieuses (for PreP for example, or just got vaccinated against HPV for ex.)</p>
<p>Get more informations about the Monkeypox on <a href="monkeypox.lu">monkeypox.lu</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>🇫🇷 La vaccination contre la variole du singe est disponible depuis mardi dernier au Luxembourg !</p>
<p>C&#39;est sur rendez-vous, 📞 appelez le (+352) 4411-3129 du Lun-Ven 8h-17h pour en obtenir un.</p>
<ul>
<li>Disponible pour toute personne bénéficiant de la CNS ou vivant au Luxembourg ou luxembourgeois·e.</li>
<li>Les HsH &amp; trans ayant des partenaires multiples + les travailleurs du sexe sont la priorité.</li>
<li>C&#39;est gratuit !</li>
</ul>
<p>Cela prend 10min, ajoutez 30min si vous n&#39;êtes pas suivi au département des maladies infectieuses (pour la PreP par exemple, ou vacciné contre le HPV par ex.)</p>
<p>Obtenez plus d&#39;informations sur le Monkeypox sur <a href="monkeypox.lu">monkeypox.lu</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>🇩🇪 Die Affenpockenimpfung ist seit letztem Dienstag in Luxemburg erhältlich!</p>
<p>Nach Vereinbarung 📞 rufen Sie (+352) 4411-3129 von Mo-Fr 8h-17h an, um einen Termin zu bekommen.</p>
<ul>
<li>Verfügbar für alle, die unter CNS sind oder in Luxemburg oder Luxemburgisch leben.</li>
<li>Frauen und Transmenschen mit mehreren Partnern und Sexarbeiterinnen haben Vorrang.</li>
<li>Es ist kostenlos!</li>
</ul>
<p>Es dauert 10 Minuten, plus 30 Minuten, wenn Sie nicht im Département des maladies infectieuses behandelt werden (z.B. für PreP oder eine HPV-Impfung).</p>
<p>Mehr Informationen über die Affenpocken finden Sie auf <a href="monkeypox.lu">monkeypox.lu</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>🇵🇹 A vacinação contra a varíola macaco está disponível desde terça-feira passada no Luxemburgo!</p>
<p>É por marcação, 📞 ligue (+352) 4411-3129 de Mon-Fri 8h-17h para obter uma.</p>
<ul>
<li>Disponível para qualquer pessoa sob CNS ou que viva no Luxemburgo ou luxemburguês.</li>
<li>As pessoas MsM &amp; trans com múltiplos parceiros + trabalhadores do sexo são a prioridade.</li>
<li>É gratuito!</li>
</ul>
<p>Demora 10min, adicionar 30min se não for seguido no Département des maladies infectieuses (para PreP por exemplo, ou vacinado contra HPV por ex.)</p>
<p>Obtenha mais informações sobre a varíola de macaco em <a href="monkeypox.lu">monkeypox.lu</a>.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="health" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[🇬🇧 Monkeypox vaccination is available since last Tuesday in Luxembourg!]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/08/20-towfiqu-barbhuiya-hftv5xp2lki-unsplash.jpeg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/08/20-towfiqu-barbhuiya-hftv5xp2lki-unsplash.jpeg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">#LXBPRIDE 2022, march with us</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2022/06/28/lxbpride-2022-march-with-us/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="#LXBPRIDE 2022, march with us" /><published>2022-06-28T20:00:23.000Z</published><updated>2022-06-28T20:00:23.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2022/06/28/lxbpride-2022-march-with-us</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2022/06/28/lxbpride-2022-march-with-us/"><![CDATA[<p>We though you may wanna join Mister Bear Luxembourg and friends during the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LuxembourgPride">Luxembourg pride</a> procession this year.</p>
<p>So go on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/748890476232417/">Facebook Event</a> and Click &quot;<em>⭐️ Interested</em>&quot; or &quot;<em>✅ Going</em>&quot; to get notification of the conversation going and don&#39;t miss the details when the organisation will release them.</p>
<p>Look for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076202127202&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU2bUkiQHeYgfmRW3IOUdCG6hSKgCkPmSmnZ41tp4DS5K5GgI80HiM1lljw5N9OAC_jE_5z8gwrHEnely89iQNLjsWausNzRPZ-n9uOufJUJ_WlAS-nKEAgFTEl1bOFPCOrNkgSsuWKlaLVbnvBf2TpeyRGigFVBjyycK35Q1yI3Tc_91rPGkSNGv9Hnj3XPHZ8UxEORgJopqGNaquJ9FH2&amp;__tn__=-%5DK-R">Paul, Mr Bear Luxembourg 2020 - 22</a>, you cannot miss him 🤎🧡💛🤍🖤</p>
<p><strong>Infos:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The meeting point is the 🅿️ parking Aloyse Meyer at 🕧12:30, march starts at 🕐1pm.</li>
<li>Bears &amp; Fetish group is #28.</li>
</ul>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="pride" /><category term="event" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[We though you may wanna join Mister Bear Luxembourg and friends during the Luxembourg pride procession this year.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/06/28-bears-at-pride.png" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/06/28-bears-at-pride.png" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Monkeypox alert</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2022/05/31/monkeypox-alert/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Monkeypox alert" /><published>2022-05-31T19:30:59.000Z</published><updated>2022-05-31T19:30:59.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2022/05/31/monkeypox-alert</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2022/05/31/monkeypox-alert/"><![CDATA[<p><a href="#fr">🇫🇷 Version française</a> - <a href="#de">🇩🇪 Deutsch version</a></p>
<p>In Europe and worldwide, cases of monkeypox have been reported in recent weeks.</p>
<p>Although the Ministry of Health reports that there are currently (as of 21/05/2022) no suspected or confirmed cases of monkeypox in Luxembourg, it is important to raise awareness of its spread.</p>
<h2>What is monkeypox?</h2>
<p>Monkeypox is a rare viral disease, which is usually transmitted to humans in forested areas of Central and West Africa through contact with wild rodents or primates. It can also be transmitted between humans through close contact, but the risk is generally lower.</p>
<h2>How is it transmitted?</h2>
<p>Monkeypox virus can be transmitted between humans by :</p>
<ul>
<li>direct contact with skin lesions or mucous membranes of a sick person,</li>
<li>droplets (saliva, sneezes, sputum, etc.) in prolonged face-to-face contact,</li>
<li>contact with objects in the direct environment of a sick person (bedding, towels, clothing). clothing).</li>
</ul>
<p>The vast majority of current cases in Europe are probably due to transmission during sexual intercourse. The risk of transmission is increased by direct contact with rashes or</p>
<p>The risk of transmission is increased by direct contact with rashes or lesions on the anus or genitals. On the other hand, the virus is more easily spread among people who have sex with multiple partners.</p>
<h2>How to protect yourself?</h2>
<p>Using a condom during sex can protect against many sexually transmitted infections and can also reduce the risk of transmission of the</p>
<p>monkeypox virus. However, it does not fully protect against infection in the latter case, as contact with a lesion may be sufficient to transmit the virus.</p>
<h2>Symptoms</h2>
<p>Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, rash and blisters, itching, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue.</p>
<h2>What to do if you have symptoms?</h2>
<ol>
<li>Contact the national infectious diseases service: 4, rue Ernest Barblé L-1210 Luxembourg. Tel: 4411-3091</li>
<li>Avoid sexual activity, close contact or sharing of objects and fabrics (clothing, bedding) until monkeypox has been ruled out or the infection has resolved (minimum 3 weeks).</li>
</ol>
<p>Read more about the outbreak:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022" title="https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022">https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle" title="https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle">https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/" title="https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/">https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak" title="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak">https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak</a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p><span id="fr"></span>
En Europe et dans le monde, des cas de monkeypox ont été signalés ces dernières semaines.</p>
<p>Bien que le ministère de la Santé signale qu&#39;il n&#39;y a actuellement (au 21/05/2022) aucun cas suspect ou confirmé de monkeypox au Luxembourg, il est important de sensibiliser le public à sa propagation.</p>
<h2>Qu&#39;est-ce que le monkeypox ?</h2>
<p>Le monkeypox est une maladie virale rare, qui se transmet généralement à l&#39;homme dans les zones forestières d&#39;Afrique centrale et occidentale par contact avec des rongeurs ou des primates sauvages. Elle peut également être transmise entre humains par contact étroit, mais le risque est généralement plus faible.</p>
<h2>Comment se transmet-il ?</h2>
<p>Le virus de la variole du singe peut être transmis entre humains par :</p>
<ul>
<li>un contact direct avec les lésions cutanées ou les muqueuses d&#39;une personne malade,</li>
<li>des gouttelettes (salive, éternuements, expectorations, etc.) lors d&#39;un contact prolongé en face à face,</li>
<li>contact avec des objets de l&#39;environnement direct d&#39;une personne malade (literie, serviettes, vêtements).</li>
</ul>
<p>La grande majorité des cas actuels en Europe sont probablement dus à une transmission lors de rapports sexuels. Le risque de transmission est accru par le contact direct avec des éruptions cutanées ou des objets de l&#39;environnement direct.</p>
<p>Le risque de transmission est accru par le contact direct avec des éruptions ou des lésions sur l&#39;anus ou les organes génitaux. D&#39;autre part, le virus se transmet plus facilement chez les personnes ayant des rapports sexuels avec des partenaires multiples.</p>
<h2>Comment se protéger ?</h2>
<p>L&#39;utilisation d&#39;un préservatif lors des rapports sexuels peut protéger contre de nombreuses infections sexuellement transmissibles et peut également réduire le risque de transmission du virus du monkeypox. Toutefois, il ne protège pas totalement contre l&#39;infection dans ce dernier cas, car le contact avec une lésion peut suffire à transmettre le virus.</p>
<h2>Symptômes</h2>
<p>Les symptômes sont les suivants : fièvre, maux de tête, courbatures, éruption cutanée et cloques, démangeaisons, gonflement des ganglions lymphatiques, frissons et fatigue.</p>
<h2>Que faire si vous présentez des symptômes ?</h2>
<p>Contactez le service national des maladies infectieuses : 4, rue Ernest Barblé L-1210 Luxembourg. Tél : 4411-3091</p>
<p>Évitez les rapports sexuels, les contacts étroits ou le partage d&#39;objets et de tissus (vêtements, literie) jusqu&#39;à ce que la variole du singe ait été exclue ou que l&#39;infection ait disparu (minimum 3 semaines).</p>
<h2>En savoir plus sur l&#39;épidémie :</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022" title="https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022">https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle" title="https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle">https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/" title="https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/">https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak" title="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak">https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak</a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p><span id="de"></span>
In Europa und weltweit wurden in den letzten Wochen Fälle von Affenpocken gemeldet.</p>
<p>Obwohl nach Angaben des Gesundheitsministeriums derzeit (Stand: 21.05.2022) keine Verdachtsfälle oder bestätigten Fälle von Affenpocken in Luxemburg vorliegen, ist es wichtig, auf die Verbreitung der Krankheit aufmerksam zu machen.</p>
<h2>Was sind die Affenpocken?</h2>
<p>Die Affenpocken sind eine seltene Viruserkrankung, die in der Regel in bewaldeten Gebieten Zentral- und Westafrikas durch Kontakt mit wilden Nagetieren oder Primaten auf den Menschen übertragen wird. Sie kann auch von Mensch zu Mensch durch engen Kontakt übertragen werden, aber das Risiko ist im Allgemeinen geringer.</p>
<p>Wie wird es übertragen?</p>
<p>Das Affenpockenvirus kann von Mensch zu Mensch übertragen werden durch :</p>
<ul>
<li>direkten Kontakt mit Hautverletzungen oder Schleimhäuten eines Erkrankten,</li>
<li>Tröpfchen (Speichel, Niesen, Sputum usw.) bei längerem Kontakt von Angesicht zu Angesicht,</li>
<li>Kontakt mit Gegenständen in der unmittelbaren Umgebung einer erkrankten Person (Bettzeug, Handtücher, Kleidung).</li>
</ul>
<p>Die überwiegende Mehrheit der aktuellen Fälle in Europa ist wahrscheinlich auf die Übertragung beim Geschlechtsverkehr zurückzuführen. Das Übertragungsrisiko wird durch den direkten Kontakt mit Hautausschlägen oder</p>
<p>Das Übertragungsrisiko wird durch den direkten Kontakt mit Ausschlägen oder Läsionen am Anus oder an den Genitalien erhöht. Andererseits wird das Virus leichter von Personen übertragen, die Sex mit mehreren Partnern haben.</p>
<h2>Wie kann man sich schützen?</h2>
<p>Die Verwendung eines Kondoms beim Sex kann vor vielen sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen schützen und auch das Risiko einer Übertragung des Affenpockenvirus verringern. In letzterem Fall schützt es jedoch nicht vollständig vor einer Infektion, da der Kontakt mit einer Läsion ausreichen kann, um das Virus zu übertragen.</p>
<h2>Symptome</h2>
<p>Zu den Symptomen gehören Fieber, Kopf- und Gliederschmerzen, Hautausschlag und Bläschen, Juckreiz, geschwollene Lymphknoten, Schüttelfrost und Müdigkeit.</p>
<h2>Was ist zu tun, wenn Sie Symptome haben?</h2>
<p>Wenden Sie sich an den nationalen Dienst für Infektionskrankheiten: 4, rue Ernest Barblé L-1210 Luxemburg. Telefon: 4411-3091</p>
<p>Vermeiden Sie sexuelle Aktivitäten, enge Kontakte oder die gemeinsame Nutzung von Gegenständen und Stoffen (Kleidung, Bettwäsche), bis die Affenpocken ausgeschlossen sind oder die Infektion abgeklungen ist (mindestens 3 Wochen).</p>
<p>Lesen Sie mehr über den Ausbruch der Krankheit:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022" title="https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022">https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/les-actualites/2022/cas-de-monkeypox-point-de-situation-au-23-mai-2022</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle" title="https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle">https://www.aidshilfe.de/affenpocken-faelle</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/" title="https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/">https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/zoonotic/monkeypox/factsheets/</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak" title="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak">https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/risk-assessment-monkeypox-multi-country-outbreak</a></li>
</ul>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="health" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[🇫🇷 Version française - 🇩🇪 Deutsch version]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/05/31-chris-jarvis-0pf7fkrtdpi-unsplash.jpeg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/05/31-chris-jarvis-0pf7fkrtdpi-unsplash.jpeg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Mr Bear Luxembourg 2023 Application opens</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2022/03/22/mr-bear-luxembourg-2023-application-opens/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Mr Bear Luxembourg 2023 Application opens" /><published>2022-03-22T20:12:32.000Z</published><updated>2022-03-22T20:12:32.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2022/03/22/mr-bear-luxembourg-2023-application-opens</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2022/03/22/mr-bear-luxembourg-2023-application-opens/"><![CDATA[<p>We are thrilled to let you know that applications for <strong>Mr Bear Luxembourg 2023</strong> are now open! The election will be held during the Bear Pride Luxembourg 2022, and we are encouraging all eligible candidates to apply.</p>
<p>To be eligible, you must be 18 years old or older; live, study or work in Luxembourg and identify as a male. This is a great opportunity for you to show your pride and represent the bear community in Luxembourg and abroad.</p>
<p>We encourage you to <a href="https://tally.so/r/wbJ46w">fill out the application form</a> and submit it as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please don&#39;t hesitate to contact us. The complete <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSPCC9GkeoRqvh4LjrO3A5EtBATNyptdJUPngvP93wtLEa7Vrq9AQPHHB37fkx9MB1IgOUZYXZ6fIjm/pub">rule book can be found here</a> to get a total understanding of the process of how it will work.</p>
<p><a href="https://tally.so/r/wbJ46w"><strong>I want to be Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2023!</strong></a></p>
<p>Hope to see you at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3195090970815289/">Bear Pride Luxembourg 2022</a> on <strong>October 14-15-16th</strong>.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="bear pride" /><category term="mr bear" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[We are thrilled to let you know that applications for Mr Bear Luxembourg 2023 are now open! The election will be held during the Bear Pride Luxembourg 2022, and we are encouraging all eligible candidates to apply.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/03/22-william-krause-ikyuzpneqws-unsplash.jpeg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/03/22-william-krause-ikyuzpneqws-unsplash.jpeg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Queer Art Festival 2022</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2022/03/12/queer-art-festival-2022/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Queer Art Festival 2022" /><published>2022-03-11T23:03:51.000Z</published><updated>2022-03-11T23:03:51.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2022/03/12/queer-art-festival-2022</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2022/03/12/queer-art-festival-2022/"><![CDATA[<p><strong>Queer Art Festival</strong> is happening during the Luxembourg Pride 2022! From 1st to 3rd of July, queer artists from Greater Region and All Europe will be able to showcase their art, thanks to the work of <a href="http://www.rosaletzebuerg.lu/" title="Rosa Letzebuerg">Rosa Letzebuerg</a> 🏳️‍🌈 </p>
<p>If you&#39;re a queer artist or an artist who want to showcase your art on queer related topic, you can go on the official website and <a href="https://queerarts.lu/take-part/">apply to take part of the festival</a>.</p>
<p>It&#39;s not limited to performance or painting or photography. You can also enter with music 🎻 🎼, poetry, slam 🎤, or writing 📖. </p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="pride" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Queer Art Festival is happening during the Luxembourg Pride 2022! From 1st to 3rd of July, queer artists from Greater Region and All Europe will be able to showcase their art, thanks to the work of Rosa Letzebuerg 🏳️‍🌈]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/03/11-travis-rice-paper-shredded-installation-accumulation1.jpeg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2022/03/11-travis-rice-paper-shredded-installation-accumulation1.jpeg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Meet us at Cologne Pride!</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2021/08/19/meet-us-at-cologne-pride/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Meet us at Cologne Pride!" /><published>2021-08-19T17:09:03.000Z</published><updated>2021-08-19T17:09:03.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2021/08/19/meet-us-at-cologne-pride</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2021/08/19/meet-us-at-cologne-pride/"><![CDATA[<p>On the 28 &amp; 29 of August, Cologne will hold one of the probably biggest European pride this year.</p>
<p>Paul, <strong>Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2020-2021</strong> will be there, with a delegation from Bear Dukes Luxembourg on the Luxembourgish truck (thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs &amp; <a href="http://www.rosa-letzebuerg.lu/">Rosa Lëtzebuerg asbl</a>).</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.colognepride.de/de/">Check the Cologne Pride website</a> (only available in German)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colognepride.de/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ColognePride_2021_Programmheft_Webdatei_76ppi.pdf">Check the program of the pride</a> (PDF, in german)</li>
</ul>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="pride" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[On the 28 &amp; 29 of August, Cologne will hold one of the probably biggest European pride this year.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2021/08/19-margaux-bellott-r5tmusupjwa-unsplash.jpeg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2021/08/19-margaux-bellott-r5tmusupjwa-unsplash.jpeg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Shop Opening: new way to support us</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2021/07/10/shop-opening-new-way-to-support-us/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Shop Opening: new way to support us" /><published>2021-07-10T11:10:08.000Z</published><updated>2021-07-10T11:10:08.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2021/07/10/shop-opening-new-way-to-support-us</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2021/07/10/shop-opening-new-way-to-support-us/"><![CDATA[<p>We are thrilled to be able to open our small online shop at last. After a lot of time working, reworking it, it&#39;s finally out (after changing the technical solution a half dozen times).</p>
<p>This shop is the perfect way to support us and our activities without just giving up money. You get some cool merch, and we can finance events likes the Drag Against AIDS (since we are part of WR Family), the Bear Pride &amp; the Mr. Bear election, and some other small gatherings.</p>
<p>So far, products include standard non-tracking shipping in Luxembourg, but if you want them shipped elsewhere in Europe, contact us, and we&#39;ll be glad to accommodate.</p>
<p>Tickets for events and parties will still be sold through tickets.out.lu platform (free of charge platform for LGBTQ+ events, which we created and kept running).</p>
<h2>A short history of the flags</h2>
<p>The <strong>International Bear Brotherhood Flag</strong> was designed to represent the bear within the  LGBT community. The colors of the flag are meant to include the colors of the furs of animal bears throughout the world, not necessarily referring to human skin and hair color tones: Dark brown, orange/rust, golden yellow, tan, white, gray, and black. The flag was designed with inclusion in mind. The gay bear culture celebrates secondary sex characteristics such as the growth of body hair and facial hair, which is typically considered a « bear » trait.</p>
<p>The <strong>bisexual pride flag</strong> was designed by  <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Page_(activist)">Michael Page</a> in 1998 to give the bisexual community its symbol comparable to the gay pride flag of the larger  LGBTQ+ Community.  He aimed to increase the visibility of bisexuals, both among society as a whole and within the LGBTQ+ community. The first bisexual pride flag was unveiled at BiCafe’s first-anniversary party on December 5, 1998.</p>
<p>The <strong>transgender pride flag</strong> is a light blue, pink, and white striped flag designed by  American trans woman   <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monica_Helms">Monica Helms</a> in 1999, and is a symbol of the transgender community, organizations, and individuals.</p>
<p>In June 2017, the city of  Philadelphia adopted a revised version of the <strong>Gay Pride flag</strong> designed by the marketing firm Tierney that adds black and brown stripes to the top of the standard six-color flag, to draw attention to issues of people of color within the LGBT community. Some LGBT activists in Philadelphia and other communities criticized the variation as unnecessary and divisive.</p>
<p>In June 2018 designer  <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Quasar">Daniel Quasar</a> released a redesign incorporating elements from both the Philadelphia flag and trans pride flag to bring focus on inclusion and progress within the community. The flag design immediately went viral on social media, prompting worldwide coverage in news outlets.  While retaining the common six-stripe rainbow design as a base, the « <strong>Progress</strong> » variation adds a  chevron along the hoist that features black, brown, light blue, pink, and white stripes to bring those communities (marginalized people of color, trans individuals, and those living with HIV/AIDS and those who have been lost) to the forefront; « the arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge shows that progress still needs to be made. »</p>
<hr>
<p>Shipping in Luxembourg is on us. It’s 10€ each!</p>
<ul>
<li>🏳️‍🌈2017 8 stripes flag <a href="https://buy.stripe.com/5kA0170aZe6T8j6aEI" title="https://buy.stripe.com/5kA0170aZe6T8j6aEI">https://buy.stripe.com/5kA0170aZe6T8j6aEI</a></li>
<li>🏳️‍🌈2018 Progress flag <a href="https://buy.stripe.com/7sI5lr2j71k70QE9AA" title="https://buy.stripe.com/7sI5lr2j71k70QE9AA">https://buy.stripe.com/7sI5lr2j71k70QE9AA</a></li>
<li>Bear Pride Flag <a href="https://buy.stripe.com/4gw15b6zn4wj56U8wx" title="https://buy.stripe.com/4gw15b6zn4wj56U8wx">https://buy.stripe.com/4gw15b6zn4wj56U8wx</a></li>
<li>Bisexual Pride Flag <a href="https://buy.stripe.com/7sIcNTbTH0g3eHu6oq" title="https://buy.stripe.com/7sIcNTbTH0g3eHu6oq">https://buy.stripe.com/7sIcNTbTH0g3eHu6oq</a></li>
<li>🏳️‍⚧️Transgender Pride Flag <a href="https://buy.stripe.com/8wMdRXf5TbYL8j68wz" title="https://buy.stripe.com/8wMdRXf5TbYL8j68wz">https://buy.stripe.com/8wMdRXf5TbYL8j68wz</a></li>
</ul>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><summary type="html"><![CDATA[We are thrilled to be able to open our small online shop at last. After a lot of time working, reworking it, it&#39;s finally out (after changing the technical solution a half dozen times).]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2021/07/10-get-your-pride-flag.png" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2021/07/10-get-your-pride-flag.png" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2021 application open</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2021/05/24/mr.bear-luxembourg-2021-application-open/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2021 application open" /><published>2021-05-24T10:55:20.000Z</published><updated>2021-05-24T10:55:20.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2021/05/24/mr.bear-luxembourg-2021-application-open</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2021/05/24/mr.bear-luxembourg-2021-application-open/"><![CDATA[<p>We are very delighted to announce that we open the candidate application app for Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2021 ! This application will be used later on also to gives you all the informations needed for the event, so we recommend to install it 😃.</p>
<p>Apply from your phone by scanning the QR code below or click it if you&#39;re viewing it from your phone already ⤵️</p>
<p><a href="http://bearpride.glideapp.io" title="click to open the app"><img src="/uploads/2021/05/24-frame.png" title="QR Code online application" class="ui medium centered image"></a></p>
<p>If you&#39;re on a computer, you can <a href="https://thibault.typeform.com/to/n3VtRaBa">use this form</a><sup>EN</sup> to candidate with a more computer friendly UI.</p>
<h2>Who can enter?</h2>
<p>Anyone who meet those 3 simples pre-requisites:</p>
<ul>
<li>You must be 18 years old or older</li>
<li>You need to study, work or live in the Great Duchy of Luxembourg</li>
<li>You need to identify yourself as a man</li>
</ul>
<p>You must, of course, also agree on <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSPCC9GkeoRqvh4LjrO3A5EtBATNyptdJUPngvP93wtLEa7Vrq9AQPHHB37fkx9MB1IgOUZYXZ6fIjm/pub">the terms of participation</a><sup>FR</sup>.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="mr bear" /><category term="bear pride" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[We are very delighted to announce that we open the candidate application app for Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2021 ! This application will be used later on also to gives you all the informations needed for the event, so we recommend to install it 😃.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2021/05/14-copie-de-application-mr-bear-2022.png" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2021/05/14-copie-de-application-mr-bear-2022.png" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Worldfetish show contest</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2021/05/13/worldfetish-show-contest/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Worldfetish show contest" /><published>2021-05-13T10:40:39.000Z</published><updated>2021-05-13T10:40:39.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2021/05/13/worldfetish-show-contest</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2021/05/13/worldfetish-show-contest/"><![CDATA[<p>The Worldfetish Show Contest started in 2020 as a fun project to entertain a group of friends, who were depressed because of the pandemic. There were no professional movie crews to shoot the videos, just them and their mobile phones. </p>
<p>But thanks to all the people, who worked behind this project, it became a huge success and this year we had more participants, from various countries. </p>
<p>This year&#39;s edition have more than 40 artists for 25+ countries and not just European&#39;s ones. If you did the math, that means there&#39;s not just solo artists but groups, and also 5 countries have pre-selection, held last Saturday where the president of all the national jury votes for which candidate for each of those 5 countries they prefers based on their own critters. </p>
<h2>Luxembourg in the contest</h2>
<p>If Luxembourg doesn&#39;t compete for Eurovision since years thanks to the lack of enthusiasm from our government and broadcasters (even without speaking how the hell we would host when we win 😅), we are part of the fetish version since the first edition.</p>
<p>Luxembourg entry for last year was <em>Tom(s) of Luxembourg</em> and this year, <strong>Paul</strong> asked if he can participate and represent the Bears of Luxembourg to this fun event. Of course we agreed on this immediately. 
<img src="/uploads/2021/05/13-184527555_1623225791218379_868940944998998917_n.jpg" title="Paul, Luxembourgish contestant" class="ui large centered image"/></p>
<p>🥰 We can&#39;t be more proud of him following the work of all the misters bear Luxembourg before him putting our tiny country on the international scene. </p>
<h2>The 2021 Jury</h2>
<p>Since we are participating, we have to make a Jury too! And we&#39;ve been asked to create a diverse one, not centered on the fetish nor bear community. We couldn&#39;t have imagined doing it differently. So please welcome the Luxembourg 2021 Jury: </p>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://bandsintown.com/a/15393828" title="José Sanchez on BandsInTown">José Sanchez</a>, Bear DJ, former Bear Duke&#39;s president and our 1st Mr. Bear</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mr.bear.luxembourg.2016" title="Mr Bear Luxembourg 2016 on Facebook">Thibault</a>, Mr Bear Luxembourg 2016 &amp; actual Bear Duke&#39;s president</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/paul.feitler" title="Paul on Facebook">Paul</a>, our lovely candidate and Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2020/21</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RberSam" title="Sam on Facebook">Sam Rber</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MaxAteka" title="Ateka on Facebook">Ateka</a>, the party host of <a href="http://festish.fr" title="Fetish Grand Est">Festish</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/madameyokobarnum" title="Ma Dame Yoko">Ma Dame Yoko</a>, a dear friends of our non-profit and your host at Barnum (terrace are re-opening, this is good time to come and say hi), but also the 1st Miss DragQueen Grande Région elected in Luxembourg</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/davidedasilva" title="Davide on Facebook">Davide</a>, host of <a href="http://www.fairytails.lu" title="Fairytails gay party Luxembourg">Fairytails</a>, who need no introduction in the European Gay Scene (who didn&#39;t heard &quot;oh you know Davide de Luxembourg!&quot; once)</li>
<li>Madame Sans Gène, aka Thierry who owned the mythic gay bar &quot;Le Monkey&#39;s&quot;</li>
</ol>
<h2>Where&#39;s to watch and when?</h2>
<p>You have to watch closely <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/823680521556188?active_tab=about" title="Checkout the event on Facebook">the Facebook Event</a> to get the Youtube&#39;s live url on this Saturday at 9pm !</p>
<h2>How to vote? I want to vote! Gimme votes!</h2>
<p>Unless Eurovision, everybody can vote! You just need to install <a href="">Telegram Messenger</a> because the org had made a bot for the voting system on it. We tested it, it&#39;s super user friendly and can handle thousands of votings at the same time! </p>
<hr>
<p>See you all on this Saturday and don&#39;t forget:</p>
<h1>Luxembourg 12 points!</h1>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="fetish" /><category term="contest" /><category term="show" /><category term="eurovision" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Worldfetish Show Contest started in 2020 as a fun project to entertain a group of friends, who were depressed because of the pandemic. There were no professional movie crews to shoot the videos, just them and their mobile phones.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2021/05/13-160800189_1585766504964308_6989241815136050473_n.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2021/05/13-160800189_1585766504964308_6989241815136050473_n.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Hello Youtube</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2020/10/18/hello-youtube/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Hello Youtube" /><published>2020-10-18T13:26:46.000Z</published><updated>2020-10-18T13:26:46.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2020/10/18/hello-youtube</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2020/10/18/hello-youtube/"><![CDATA[<p>Videos are more viral than any picture or traditional post. They are mainstream in any social media platform. So, even if we are not professional editors, we gonna try to make more and more content in videos for you.</p>
<p>That means we need a space to put it and share it. Vimeo is kinda cool but not mainstream enough so, yeah <a href="https://youtube.com/channel/UCuGFCd69A3UascikVXIfRjA">we&#39;re on Youtube now</a>!</p>
<p>Subscribe, like our videos to help us get more views (thanks to the recommendation engine) and spread the love 😃 </p>
]]></content><author><name>thmil</name></author><category term="news" /><category term="videos" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Videos are more viral than any picture or traditional post. They are mainstream in any social media platform. So, even if we are not professional editors, we gonna try to make more and more content in videos for you.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/10/18-christian-wiediger-nmgzvg5wsg8-unsplash.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/10/18-christian-wiediger-nmgzvg5wsg8-unsplash.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Bear Pride 2020 - Schedule</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2020/10/05/bear-pride-2020-schedule/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Bear Pride 2020 - Schedule" /><published>2020-10-05T21:07:05.000Z</published><updated>2020-10-05T21:07:05.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2020/10/05/bear-pride-2020-schedule</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2020/10/05/bear-pride-2020-schedule/"><![CDATA[<p>#COVID19 forced us to reinvent this event in something smaller, focus on the local community, and our direct neighbor instead of a truly international event. But Luxembourg isn’t already international after all?</p>
<p>This year, we&#39;ll do then only smaller events:</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/672328533407898">OctoBEARFest</a> on Friday at Bar Rouge. It&#39;s <strong>mandatory</strong> to <a href="https://tickets.out.lu/e/5/octobearfest">reserve your seat here</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/778314932999822">Diner spectacle</a> with a bearbecue at Knokke Out on Saturday. <a href="https://tickets.out.lu/e/4/bear-pride-2020-diner-spectacle">Reservation is also <strong>mandatory</strong></a> since we need to put the table and order food and everything a few days before. You have until Monday the 12th.</li>
<li>A brunch, probably at Mama Shelter or any nice place doing brunch in Luxembourg-city. We&#39;re still trying to figure it out so, please, <a href="https://thibault.typeform.com/to/aCoySXkI">RSVP here</a> if you&#39;re interested.</li>
</ol>
<p>Find the entire details of the bear pride on the <a href="/bearpride">BEAR PRIDE</a> section of the site.</p>
<p>The menu for the Diner spectacle is just below ⤵️</p>
<img src="/uploads/2020/10/05-red-and-white-bordered-valentine-s-day-food-and-drink-menu.png" class="ui fluid image" alt="menu of the bearbecue"/><p>Any questions? <a href="mailto:woof@bears.lu">Reach us</a> by email!</p>
]]></content><author><name>thmil</name></author><category term="news" /><category term="pride" /><category term="events" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[#COVID19 forced us to reinvent this event in something smaller, focus on the local community, and our direct neighbor instead of a truly international event. But Luxembourg isn’t already international after all?]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/10/05-bear-pride-2020.png" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/10/05-bear-pride-2020.png" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Mr Bear 2020 will stay for another year</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2020/09/22/mr-bear-2020-will-stay-for-another-year/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Mr Bear 2020 will stay for another year" /><published>2020-09-22T20:50:52.000Z</published><updated>2020-09-22T20:50:52.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2020/09/22/mr-bear-2020-will-stay-for-another-year</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2020/09/22/mr-bear-2020-will-stay-for-another-year/"><![CDATA[<p>Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Paul, our Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2020 was facing a very complex and unique year, with a lot of challenges when it comes to community representation when you cannot travel and meet people.</p>
<p>Of course, he did very well online with digital drink, videos, and many other activities and he was one of the first on deck when the lockdown was over and we were able to meet in real life again.</p>
<p>However, the administrative board feels it would be not acceptable to organize a big event in 2020 with a new election, not with the actual still ongoing pandemic. And feels also Paul could benefit from a little more time. It happened in the past, when Thibault, Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2016 got ± 6 more months when we re-aligned our election with the European agenda.</p>
<p>You can <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTVi53zjLk04DUisCcpayHbeaOcH95TcHrQnVaD3teXJDlU_2fQTz7cpZ1CM2VnvFU_NuF9qrBFh9xE/pub">read the decision here</a>.</p>
]]></content><author><name>thmil</name></author><category term="news" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Paul, our Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2020 was facing a very complex and unique year, with a lot of challenges when it comes to community representation when you cannot travel and meet people.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/09/22-estee-janssens-zni0zgb3bkq-unsplash.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/09/22-estee-janssens-zni0zgb3bkq-unsplash.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Le sexe pendant le COVID19</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2020/06/17/le-sexe-pendant-le-covid19/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Le sexe pendant le COVID19" /><published>2020-06-17T16:44:39.000Z</published><updated>2020-06-17T16:44:39.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2020/06/17/le-sexe-pendant-le-covid19</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2020/06/17/le-sexe-pendant-le-covid19/"><![CDATA[<p>La situation sanitaire que nous traversons est exceptionnelle. Même si nous entrons dans une phase de déconfinement, le COVID-19 est malheureusement toujours présent. Si nous voulons limiter sa propagation, il convient donc d’adapter nos pratiques dans la mesure de ce qui est possible pour chacun-e d’entre nous.</p>
<p>AIDES n’a jamais été là pour juger ou contraindre qui que ce soit. Ce document a pour but de donner à chacun des clés pour réduire au maximum les risques de transmission du Covid-19 dans le cadre sexuel. Ces conseils sont répartis en 3 séries :</p>
<ul>
<li>Des conseils d’ordre général liés à la sexualité en temps de COVID-19</li>
<li>Des conseils pour bien organiser un plan sexe en temps de COVID-19</li>
<li>Des conseils liés à la pratique du Chemsex en temps de COVID-19</li>
</ul>
<p>Télécharger le document en PDF</p>
<p><img src="/uploads/2020/06/17-sexualite.png" alt=""></p>
<h2>Sexualité en temps de covid-19</h2>
<p><strong>LA PERSONNE LA PLUS SÛRE C’EST SOI-MÊME</strong><br>La masturbation et l’utilisation de sextoys restent les moyens les plus safe de se faire plaisir pendant l’épidémie.</p>
<p><strong>FAVORISER LA SEXUALITÉ VIRTUELLE</strong><br>Plans cam, sextos, nudes, vidéos... À chacun-e de décider quoi dé- voiler et à qui. Prudence aux risques de divulgation !</p>
<p><strong>LIMITER LE NOMBRE DE PARTENAIRES</strong><br>Éviter autant que possible les partouzes et privilégier un·e partenaire unique pendant l’épidémie.</p>
<p><strong>ÉVITER TOUT RAPPORT SEXUEL EN CAS DE SYMPTÔMES</strong><br>En cas de toux et de fièvre, remettre le plan à plus tard, éviter tout contact et appeler un médecin.</p>
<p><strong>PENSER INDIVIDUEL ET COLLECTIF</strong><br>Prendre ses précautions, c’est se protéger soi-même, c’est aussi limiter la propagation de l’épidémie auprès de personnes vulnérables et en cas de facteurs aggravant.</p>
<p><strong>NE PAS STIGMATISER LES PERSONNES PORTEUSES DU COVID-19</strong><br>Tout comme pour le VIH ou les IST, la stigmatisation des personnes malades ou infectées est condamnable, y compris légalement.</p>
<p><strong>LE VIH ET LES IST SONT TOUJOURS LÀ</strong><br>Penser aux moyens de prévention habituels : préservatifs, Prep, traitement d’urgence, Tasp... Plus d’infos sur <a href="https://aides.org">aides.org</a></p>
<p><strong>FAIRE UN DÉPISTAGE DU VIH ET DES IST</strong><br>La période de confinement a ralenti les épidémies de VIH et d’IST, c’est le moment idéal pour faire le point et pour briser les chaines de transmission !</p>
<p><img src="/uploads/2020/06/17-plan-sexe.png" alt=""></p>
<h2>Plan Sexe</h2>
<p><strong>ÉCHANGER LES NUMÉROS DE TÉLÉPHONE</strong><br>Cela permet de se prévenir en cas de symptôme ou d’infection au Covid-19. Verbaliser son souhait d’être mis au courant.</p>
<p><strong>PRENDRE UNE DOUCHE AVANT ET APRÈS LE PLAN</strong><br>Proposer au partenaire d’en faire autant. Ne jamais utiliser d’eau de javel sur la peau. À minima, se laver les mains le plus souvent possible.</p>
<p><strong>EMBRASSER LE MOINS POSSIBLE</strong><br>Le baiser peut transmettre très facilement le Covid-19. Éviter au- tant que possible d’embrasser pendant cette période.</p>
<p><strong>EVITER LA SALIVE POUR LUBRIFIER</strong><br>La salive est hautement contaminante. Utiliser plutôt du gel et en dosette si possible.</p>
<p><strong>PROTÉGER LE SEXE ORAL</strong><br>Protéger la fellation avec un préservatif, l’annulingus avec un carré de latex (un préservatif découpé fera l’affaire).</p>
<p><strong>PORTER UN MASQUE</strong><br>Le port d’un masque est possible dans le cadre de certaines pratiques. Quand ce n’est pas le cas, éviter les positions en face à face.</p>
<p><strong>FAIRE UN COUP DE MÉNAGE APRÈS LE PLAN</strong><br>Nettoyer les surfaces, les robinets, les poignées de portes, changer les draps et ouvrir la fenêtre pour aérer.</p>
<p><strong>EN CAS DE PLAN EN EXTÉRIEUR</strong><br>Sans accès à un point d’eau, prévoir des lingettes désinfectantes pour la peau, du gel hydroalcoolique ou le port de gants.</p>
<p><img src="/uploads/2020/06/17-chemsex.png" alt=""></p>
<h2>Chemsex</h2>
<p><strong>POSER DES LIMITES ATTEIGNABLES</strong><br>Le contexte anxiogène peut pousser à augmenter sa consom- mation. Ex : pour une consommation 2 fois par mois en période normale, essayer de garder le même rythme.</p>
<p><strong>FAIRE DES PAUSES DANS LA CONSOMMATION</strong><br>Aménager des temps de repos sans produit. En descente, ne pas hésiter à contacter des proches, à faire un peu d’exercice, à s’hydrater.</p>
<p><strong>ÉVITER DE STOCKER DE GROSSES QUANTITÉS</strong><br>Résister au « craving » et mettre des limites à sa consommation peut être compliqué lorsque le produit est à portée de mains.</p>
<p><strong>GARDER DES REPÈRES DANS LA JOURNÉE</strong><br>Essayer d’installer une routine. Ex : se lever et se coucher à des heures régulières, se doucher, s’habiller, faire trois repas par jour...</p>
<p><strong>ÊTRE PRUDENT AVEC LE PRODUIT ACHETÉ</strong><br>Celui-ci peut avoir changé en raison du contexte. Tester de petites quantités avant de reprendre une consommation habituelle.</p>
<p><strong>NE PAS PARTAGER LE MATÉRIEL DE CONSOMMATION</strong><br>AIDES continue de distribuer ou d’envoyer par voie postale du ma- tériel de consommation stérile et à usage unique (roule-ta-paille, seringues, cup...) : RDV sur <a href="https://aides.org">aides.org</a></p>
<p><strong>CONSO EN SOLO : PRÉVENIR UN-E PROCHE</strong><br>Nettoyer les surfaces, les robinets, les poignées de portes, changer les draps et ouvrir la fenêtre pour aérer.</p>
<p><strong>EN CAS DE MAL-ÊTRE, CONSULTER UN MÉDECIN OU UNE ASSOCIATION</strong><br>Ne pas hésiter à se faire aider. Éviter les sevrages en solo, tout comme la consommation d’anxiolytiques ou d’autres médicaments sans avis médical.</p>
]]></content><author><name>thmil</name></author><category term="prevention" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[La situation sanitaire que nous traversons est exceptionnelle. Même si nous entrons dans une phase de déconfinement, le COVID-19 est malheureusement toujours présent. Si nous voulons limiter sa propagation, il convient donc d’adapter nos pratiques dans la mesure de ce qui est possible pour chacun-e d’entre nous.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/06/17-sexe-covid19.png" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/06/17-sexe-covid19.png" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">HIV Autotest now available at Red Cross </title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2020/05/03/hiv-autotest-now-available-at-red-cross/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="HIV Autotest now available at Red Cross " /><published>2020-05-03T12:52:42.000Z</published><updated>2020-05-03T12:52:42.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2020/05/03/hiv-autotest-now-available-at-red-cross</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2020/05/03/hiv-autotest-now-available-at-red-cross/"><![CDATA[<p>Long story short, the Red Cross is sending for free autotest to keep on the testing during COVID-19. To get it you can phone call 27 55 4500 between 2 pm and 5 pm during the week or send an email to <a href="mailto:hivberodung@croix-rouge.lu">hivberodung@croix-rouge.lu</a>. You&#39;ll be in touch with a professional who&#39;ll explain how to use the autotest.</p>
<hr>
<p><em>Luxembourg, 10 avril 2020 -</em> <strong>Suite à l’épidémie de COVID-19, le service HIV Berodung de la Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise s’est vu contraint d’annuler toutes ses activités de dépistage jusqu’à nouvel ordre. Néanmoins, afin de maintenir un accès facilité au dépistage du VIH et que chacun puisse réaliser un dépistage VIH, le service HIV Berodung lance dès ce mardi 14 avril un service de commande et d’envoi d’autotest du VIH gratuit.</strong></p>
<p>Pour bénéficier de ce service et recevoir un autotest, il suffit de téléphoner au service HIV Berodung au 27 55 – 4500 de 8h à 12h et de 14h à 17h ou d’envoyer un mail à l’adresse <a href="mailto:hivberodung@croix-rouge.lu">hivberodung@croix-rouge.lu</a>. La personne sera alors en contact avec un professionnel du service qui prendra ses coordonnées et répondra à toutes les questions relatives au fonctionnement de l’autotest.</p>
<p>Pour plus d’information sur l’autotest : <a href="http://www.aids.lu">www.aids.lu</a>, Rubrique « Autotest ».</p>
<p>Ce service est gratuit et est proposé dans le respect du secret professionnel, toutes les informations transmises seront traitées en toute confidentialité.</p>
<h3>La Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise</h3>
<p>La mission de la Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise est « d’améliorer les conditions d’existence des personnes vulnérables ». Ses milliers de bénévoles et ses plus de 2 400 professionnels en font un acteur majeur dans les domaines de la Santé, du Social, de la Jeunesse et de l’Humanitaire.</p>
<p>La Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise est ainsi engagée dans des activités aussi diverses que l’aide humanitaire internationale d’urgence, les soins à domicile, la transfusion sanguine, la réhabilitation, l’accueil de personnes âgées ou dépendantes en centres de jour ou intégrés, l’assistance sociale, l’accueil des migrants et réfugiés, l’aide individuelle aux personnes en difficulté, les maisons relais et les maisons de jeunes ou encore les services thérapeutiques socio-familiaux.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="prevention" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Long story short, the Red Cross is sending for free autotest to keep on the testing during COVID-19. To get it you can phone call 27 55 4500 between 2 pm and 5 pm during the week or send an email to hivberodung@croix-rouge.lu. You&#39;ll be in touch with a professional who&#39;ll explain how to use the autotest.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/05/11-united-nations-covid-19-response-DZL1pR-htwo-unsplash.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/uploads/2020/05/11-united-nations-covid-19-response-DZL1pR-htwo-unsplash.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Survey: Bear Calendar</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2019/12/22/survey-bear-calendar/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Survey: Bear Calendar" /><published>2019-12-22T16:51:28.000Z</published><updated>2019-12-22T16:51:28.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2019/12/22/survey-bear-calendar</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2019/12/22/survey-bear-calendar/"><![CDATA[<p>Hello all of you 😃</p>
<p>We have this little crazy idea to maybe create a calendar featuring bears and selling it. We are exploring and questioning a lot about how to do it, that&#39;s why today we are asking you, directly, your opinion.</p>
<div class="typeform-widget" data-url="https://thibault.typeform.com/to/wHN8QP" style="width: 100%; height: 500px;"></div> <script> (function() { var qs,js,q,s,d=document, gi=d.getElementById, ce=d.createElement, gt=d.getElementsByTagName, id="typef_orm", b="https://embed.typeform.com/"; if(!gi.call(d,id)) { js=ce.call(d,"script"); js.id=id; js.src=b+"embed.js"; q=gt.call(d,"script")[0]; q.parentNode.insertBefore(js,q) } })() </script> <div style="font-family: Sans-Serif;font-size: 12px;color: #999;opacity: 0.5; padding-top: 5px;"> powered by <a href="https://admin.typeform.com/signup?utm_campaign=wHN8QP&utm_source=typeform.com-720-Pro&utm_medium=typeform&utm_content=typeform-embedded-poweredbytypeform&utm_term=EN" style="color: #999" target="_blank">Typeform</a> </div>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="survey" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Hello all of you 😃]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/manasvita-s-9q5vptie2ty-unsplash.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/manasvita-s-9q5vptie2ty-unsplash.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Semaine Internationale de dépistage</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2019/12/01/semaine-internationale-de-dépistage/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Semaine Internationale de dépistage" /><published>2019-12-01T22:45:41.000Z</published><updated>2019-12-01T22:45:41.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2019/12/01/semaine-internationale-de-dépistage</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2019/12/01/semaine-internationale-de-dépistage/"><![CDATA[<p>🤔 C&#39;est quoi une pratique à risque? Nouvelle brochure de la Croix Rouge Luxembourg , disponible dans les soirées Fairytails, Banana et Woof Luxembourg et <a href="/assets/img/uploads/brochure.pdf">en téléchargement ici</a></p>
<p>💦Liquide corporel + 🩸ouverture corporelle + ☝️contact = risque.
Sucer? Lécher? Baiser? Sextoys, fisting et chemsex? Découvrez comment vous protéger.</p>
<p>💡 Et n&#39;oubliez pas, un dépistage tout les 6 mois pour connaitre votre status (et pas que sérologique 😉)</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Ton risque VIH date de moins de 72h?</strong> Rends-toi au plus vite au <a href="http://chl.lu">Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg</a> pour le traitement d&#39;urgence PeP (Post Exposition)! <strong>N&#39;attends pas. Le traitement est gratuit et anonyme.</strong></p>
<p>🕐24h/24 7j/7
📍Service national des Maladies Infectieuses, Unité de soin U20 (2e étage).
📞<a href="tel:44118348">4411 8348</a> ou <a href="tel:44112730">4411 2730</a></p>
<p>💭<strong>Comment ça marche ?</strong> Tu vas avoir une prise de sang pour faire un dépistage et des comprimé pour les premiers jours. Ensuite, suivant ton analyse et le risque (tu va devoir parler de ta prise de risque) tu continueras ou pas le traitement. Une prise de sang à la fin sera faite pour confirmer que le traitement a bien fonctionné.</p>
<hr>
<p>🤔 <strong>Tu penses à démarrer un PreP</strong> (traitement pré-exposition au VIH, permet de te protéger contre la transmission du virus) ? Contacte le Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (service national des maladies infectieuses) pour plus d&#39;infos et un rdv avec un médecin qui prescrit la PreP. Le traitement est pris en charge par la CNS.
📞 <a href="tel:44113091">4411 3091</a></p>
<p>Il y a aussi des brochures d&#39;informations aux soirées Fairytails, Banana et Woof Luxembourg. Sinon, tu peux toujours nous contacter pour nous poser tes questions 😃</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Besoin de faire une analyse sanguine complète</strong>, sans ordonnance, anonyme et gratuite au Grand Duché pour te dépister (toutes les IST, pas que le VIH)?</p>
<ul>
<li>📍Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg 🗓 24h/24h 7j/7j</li>
<li>📍Laboratoire National de Santé à Dudelange 🗓 lun-ven de 7h30 à 15h</li>
<li>📍Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch à Esch sur Alzette 🗓 lun-ven de 7h à 17h</li>
<li>📍Centre Hospitalier du Nord à Ettelbrück 🗓 lun-ven de 10h à 14h</li>
</ul>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="prevention" /><category term="news" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[🤔 C&#39;est quoi une pratique à risque? Nouvelle brochure de la Croix Rouge Luxembourg , disponible dans les soirées Fairytails, Banana et Woof Luxembourg et en téléchargement ici]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/img_20191207_114853.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/img_20191207_114853.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Paul Feitler, Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2020</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2019/10/20/paul-feitler-mr-bear-luxembourg-2020/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Paul Feitler, Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2020" /><published>2019-10-20T16:59:42.000Z</published><updated>2019-10-20T16:59:42.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2019/10/20/paul-feitler-mr-bear-luxembourg-2020</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2019/10/20/paul-feitler-mr-bear-luxembourg-2020/"><![CDATA[<p>👉Paul Feitler is Mister Bear Luxembourg 2020! 👈</p>
<p>🎉 Congratulation to him and to all the 4 contestants for their participation.</p>
<p>Thanks million times to the 🌟main sponsors: ProudBears.com BEAR WEAR online-shop &amp; Bear bar El Hombre, our partner who gave 🎁 amazing gifts to our candidates: LEIWE BOY, XL Sauna &amp; Lounge, RED Sauna <a href="http://www.redsauna.fr">www.redsauna.fr</a>, Les Ours de Paris, AUB Bear Wear, Superfurry - Your #1 Stop Beard Care Shop., BEARWWW, ProudBears.com BEAR WEAR online-shop, Zenhit &amp; <a href="http://www.wbear.lgbt">www.wbear.lgbt</a> !</p>
<p>Thanks to all the venues who host us: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/barrougeluxembourg">Bar Rouge Luxembourg</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theroomlux">The Room</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaserGameEvolution.officiel">Laser Game Evolution Howald</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BounewegerStuff">Bouneweger Stuff</a> for the lovely brunch.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone who attend our event. We are so happy to had you here, hope you had a great time and wish to see you again next year (and during the year in the other european bear events, checkout <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestbearpartieseurope/">Best Bear Parties in Europe 🇪🇺 🐻</a>) #BEARCIRCUIT.</p>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="news" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[👉Paul Feitler is Mister Bear Luxembourg 2020! 👈]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/paul-10.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/paul-10.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry><entry><title type="html">Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2020 Election pictures</title><link href="https://bears.lu/news/2019/10/18/mr-bear-luxembourg-2020-election-pictures/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Mr. Bear Luxembourg 2020 Election pictures" /><published>2019-10-18T18:33:00.000Z</published><updated>2019-10-18T18:33:00.000Z</updated><id>https://bears.lu/news/2019/10/18/mr-bear-luxembourg-2020-election-pictures</id><content type="html" xml:base="https://bears.lu/news/2019/10/18/mr-bear-luxembourg-2020-election-pictures/"><![CDATA[<p>Pictures are online. Thanks to a lot of you, we have a lot of community contribution. So there&#39;s several albums available online. Stay tuned for more albums comings. Meanwhile, here&#39;s the first ones.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/luxembourgbears/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=2585355011522352">Rodrigue&#39;s Election Album</a> (on Facebook)</li>
<li><a href="https://woofmenonly.com/gallery/woof-17-bear-pride-2019-community-edition/">Rodrigue&#39;s Album for Woof men-only party</a> 🔞</li>
<li><a href="https://woofmenonly.com/gallery/woof-17-bear-pride-2019/">Woof men-only party official pictures</a> 🔞</li>
</ul>
]]></content><author><name>clawfire</name></author><category term="news" /><summary type="html"><![CDATA[Pictures are online. Thanks to a lot of you, we have a lot of community contribution. So there&#39;s several albums available online. Stay tuned for more albums comings. Meanwhile, here&#39;s the first ones.]]></summary><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/img_2732.jpg" /><media:content medium="image" url="https://bears.lu/assets/img/uploads/img_2732.jpg" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" /></entry></feed>