Tom Goss is Here for the "Nerdy Bear"

By Denny Patterson

An ode to the fuzzy nerd, Tom Goss’s new summer anthem “Nerdy Bear” pays homage to the subset of plussized gay men who enjoy super heroes, playing video games, and wearing cute glasses along with clever graphic tees. A pop track with a big, snappy sound and an infectious melody, listeners will feel like they are sliding into silk sheets. According to Goss, “Nerdy Bear” is authentic to his experience and relays his unique perspective that beauty doesn’t fit a standard mold. “From my experience, they tend to be gentle and warm,” he said. “They want to have a good time, they’re easy to get to know, and, of course, they’re cuddly. To me, that’s a winning combination.” OutClique had the opportunity to chat more with Goss about the track, his love for big boys, and what more the LGBTQ+ community needs to do to embrace body positivity.

NERDY BEAR - Photo Credit: Molly Obrien

Denny Patterson: Hi, Tom! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me about your new summer anthem, “Nerdy Bear.” Can you tell us more about the concept and inspiration?

Tom Goss: A friend of mine wrote to me and said that he had a dream that I wrote a song about a shy, nerdy bear. I thought it was a wonderful idea. I had recently joined a Facebook group called “Bears Be Gaming,” and reading the posts in the group were making me very happy. I have always loved nerdy bears, and it was about time someone gave them the love they deserve.

DP I cannot wait for people to hear this tune, and the video is hysterical! You even got to show off your basketball skills and pull off some drag. How much fun was it to create this video?

TG

It was so much fun! I have spent the past couple years writing very serious songs and making very serious videos. It was nice to goof around and have a good time. I have never considered myself much of a basketball player, but it sure looks like I know what I’m doing!

DP

Why do you think we need a song like “Nerdy Bear” right now?

TG 2020 is rough! No doubt about that, but we still love what we love, that hasn’t changed. We cannot forget the things that make us smile.

DP

What do you hope audiences take away from “Nerdy Bear?”

TG Firstly, I want people to smile. That is important, but more than that, I want people to see how fun, cuddly, and sexy nerdy bears are. Because let’s face it, they are!

DP

What do you love the most about a nerdy bear?

TG My favorite thing about nerdy bears is that they are not afraid to love what they love, even if it’s not what’s “cool.” Being passionate about what you love is, to me, the most desirable trait in a person. I want everyone to live wildly, regardless of what the outside world thinks of that love. What you love is what makes you unique, interesting and attractive. Nerdy bears do that in spades.

DP

Have you always been into bears and plus-size men?

TG

Yes. They are so very beautiful to me.

DP There is still a lot of fat shaming and negativity in the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to weight. What more can we do to push body positivity?

TG For me, it means making art where my object of desire is the kind of man I would find attractive, like bears, chubs, cubs, etc. Beauty is learned. We weren’t born thinking only thin people are attractive, we were taught that. Throughout our life, every time we saw a beauty ad, it was a thin person being photographed. Every time we saw a movie with a romantic lead, it was a thin person as the lead. Every object of romantic desire has been a thin person. Our representations of people of size have always been something to be fixed, comic relief, or villains.

Luckily, we can learn to see beauty in a different light. If people start seeing different body shapes being presented beautifully, or in a romantic setting, we will start seeing people of size in a more positive, beautiful, and romantic light. It’s really that simple. The same goes for people of color. Stop presenting beauty as thin and white, and people will stop

DP

Have you always had a passion for singing and songwriting?

TG I grew up as an athlete, and sports will always be my first love, but music has become my life. More than that, music, songwriting specifically, has been instrumental in helping me become an emotionally adjusted human being. I haven’t always been that.

DP What more do you hope to accomplish with your platform as an openly gay artist and advocate for the bear community?

TG That’s a good question. I have never thought about it in those terms. I hope to create positive, uplifting, and thoughtprovoking art. I hope to be a good husband and friend. I hope to be happy. I think if I continue to do those things, I will attain my goals.

DP You were doing a live stream on GROWLr called “Friday Night Live” during Pride month. Are you still doing that?

TG Not every Friday, but I am still performing live on GROWLr and Facebook. Hope to see you there!

DP

Are there any other upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?

TG I just directed my first music video for an artist other than myself, “Covet” by Jaake Castro. That was a blast! I hope to do more of that this year. I have spent so much time working for, and talking about myself, it is nice to have the opportunity to help other queer artists find their voice. I am going to be focusing more energy on that in the upcoming year.

To stay up to date with Tom Goss, follow him on social media and at www.TomGossMusic.com. “Nerdy Bear” is now available on all major digital platforms. The music video is on YouTube.