In the rugged landscapes of Northern Ireland lives Chris “Big Bear” McNaghten, the country’s only openly gay bear strongman, whose story is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. Chris excels not only in lifting weights but also in building bridges between communities through his courage and openness.
In 2018, he made the decision to come out publicly. That same year, he met Jon, a young Black mechanic, on an online dating platform. Jon was living in the bustle of London at the time, but their whirlwind romance soon brought him to Northern Ireland to start a new life with Chris. Their relationship didn’t go unnoticed: the couple appeared on MTV’s True Love or True Lies reality show, where viewers got a glimpse into the genuine and supportive dynamic of their love.
However, Chris’s coming out was more than a personal milestone. Since then, he has actively used his platform to share his experiences and combat prejudice through public speaking engagements. He speaks at numerous forums about what it means to live as a gay bear in a world still shadowed by stereotypes. His words inspire not only members of the queer community but anyone who has ever struggled with self-acceptance.
His sporting career is no less ambitious. Chris isn’t content with being Northern Ireland’s—or perhaps the world’s—strongest gay man. His goal is nothing short of claiming the title of the world’s strongest man. True to his “Big Bear” nickname, Chris’s determination and strength shine through in strongman competitions just as much as they do in other areas of his life.
Chris McNaghten’s story is a reminder that true strength lies not only in physical prowess but also in courage, love, and standing up for one’s community. Northern Ireland’s bearish strongman lifts not just weights but also hearts, all while fighting for a more accepting world—and perhaps soon reaching the top of the global stage.
these guys are lovely . can we be friends