PRESS RELEASE - Bears International Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Tallinn Bearty 2026 – Upcoming Announcement of Tupilak / ILGCN / Bears International Awards

Tallinn, Estonia – April 2026 

Tallinn Bearty, together with the Nordic queer cultural network Tupilak and the International Lesbian & Gay Cultural Network (ILGCN), is proud to announce that the annual Bears International Awards will once again be presented during Tallinn Bearty 2026, the year of our music edition.

These three honorary awards—Calais, Hyacinthus, and Iolaus—celebrate the heart, courage, and creativity of individuals whose contributions have significantly strengthened and enriched the global Bear and LGBTQ+ communities.

The Awards

• The Calais Award Recognizing outstanding work in international contacts and networking. This award honors an individual whose efforts have built bridges across borders, fostered global connections, and strengthened international LGBTQ+ cultural exchange.

• The Hyacinthus Award Dedicated to excellence in art and culture within the Bear community. This award highlights creative leadership, cultural innovation, and contributions that shape and elevate Bear visibility and artistic expression.

• The Iolaus Award Honoring special courage. This distinction is given to someone whose personal bravery, resilience, or public advocacy has made an extraordinary impact on their community and beyond.

Official Reveal – April 17th, 2026

The names of this year’s laureates will be officially announced on April 17th, 2026, during the award presentations at Tallinn Bearty 2026 Music.

The 2026 edition of Tallinn Bearty, dedicated to Music, will bring together artists, activists, cultural workers, and community members from across the world for a celebration of queer culture, creativity, and solidarity.

We invite the media, community members, and international partners to join us on this special day as we honor three remarkable individuals whose work continues to inspire the global Bear movement.

About Tallinn Bearty

Tallinn Bearty is an annual international festival celebrating Bear culture and queer creativity. Each year focuses on a specific artistic discipline—visual arts, music, or cinematography, rotating on a tri‑annual cycle. The 2026 edition is dedicated to Music.

Media Contact

Tallinn Bearty Team +37256155494 tallinnbearty@icloud.com