15 Photos of Mr. Bear Europe, Confronting Disabilities

Thanks to photographer Bernard Andre for bringing us these photos of the inspiring Mister Bear Europe. Jerome is visually impaired, and how he releases his experiences brings people greater awareness of the every day lives of people with disabilities.

Below, a statement from Jerome that we leave unedited:

A year after being elected Mister Bear Auvergne Rhone-Alpes in France, on March 24th, 2018 I am extremely happy to be recently elected, on May 4th 2019 in Padova Italy, Mister Bear Europe 2019.

Being visually impaired is something complicated: we are not sighted, but we are not blind either ... It's an in-between that we must explain to others, answer questions like "but here you see me ?" There is not an evening where I do not have to answer your questions, but I'm used to it.

Personally, the most difficult part is not seeing body language. A nod, a wink, a sign to show a direction ... it's always a complicated time when you arrive in a new place, but there is often a good soul to give a hand!

Being Mister Bear Europe is also a way to advocate for a better acceptance of people with disabilities.

I have decided to work this year on a better integration of people with disabilities in the LGBT community. A few months ago, I met in an election a deaf, mute, and blind young man. He speaks in sign language directly in the hand of his translator. He explained to me that I was an example for him. That day I really realized that I was privileged. It's for people like him that I want to fight. It will be a major axis of my year.

With Love, Jerome.

For more information about the newly elected Mister Bear Europe, see his Facebook and Instagram. For Mister Bear Rhone-Alpes: Facebook, and website grrrizzlyon.fr.

For more of Bernard Andre's work see his web site, Instagram, and Facebook.