A video offering lighthearted advice to gay men if they come across a woman while hiking has gone super viral online. 

It was posted by well-known gay TikTok and YouTube creator Stan Chris (top, center). 

Many women, if they find themselves somewhere isolated and alone, feel anxious if they come across a strange man. The question “Man or bear?” went viral earlier this year after it was posted online. TikTok account @screenshothq asked several women on the street: “Would you prefer to be stuck in a forest with a man or a bear?” Most of the women said they’d feel safer with a bear. 

@screenshothq The question of being stuck in a forest with a man or a bear is circulating on TikTok right now and sparking some interesting conversation…. we know what our answer would be 🐻🌳 #manvsbear #tiktok #tiktoktrend #trending #challenge #streetinterview #voxpop ♬ Terror Music (Scary Song) – IMPERIUM RECORDS

The Stan Chris video plays on the fact that women are likely to feel far less anxious around gay men. Gay guys also want women to feel at ease around them. It offers some supposedly-subtle ways for gay men to make their sexuality known, such as ballroom dance gestures, bitching about men, or other stereotypical gay behaviors. 

@stanchrissss the last one 😭 @Chrisxquick @Beefyotter ♬ original sound – stanchris

The video racked up over 27 million views in less than two days. 

It’s also gone viral on X. 

The internet reacts

Although probably intended as a light-hearted skit, it seems to have struck a chord — especially with women. 

One woman commented, “I know this is a joke but it would genuinely make me feel so safe and supported.” Her comment has over 600,000 likes. 

“These are the ‘bears’ we choose ❤️😭,” said another, prompting 200,000 likes. 

One woman added, “One time I was hiking pregnant with my friend and saw 2 guys and they looked at me and go ‘yes mama hike that baby ouuuuuut’🤣🤣.”

Some gay guys commented that they do actually make their sexuality known if they find themselves in a similar situation. 

INTO reached out to Stan Chris to ask him how he felt about the response to the video.

“It’s been crazy and honestly I didn’t expect it at all.

“I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to a dialogue about respect and safety, and I hope this video encourages more people to think about how their actions can positively impact those around them, even in small, seemingly funny ways,” he said via email.

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