CONTEST FAQs

What is the Bare Chest Calendar?

The Bare Chest Calendar is a fun and dynamic fundraising project based in San Francisco. Since 1985, the Bare Chest Calendar has and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the AIDS Emergency Fund and Positive Resource Center. Calendar Men are selected through a series contests between January and May of each year, culminating at a pageant-style Final Competition in May. Once selected the Calendar Men make commitment to sell Calendars and appear at a series of fundraising and promotional events during the Calendar season from May through December.

How do I get on the Calendar?

There are three basic steps. Step One: Attend an Orientation. Step Two: Compete in a Semi-Final Contest at the Powerhouse. Step Three: Compete in the Finals.

Am I eligible to compete?

Contests are open to men of all ages and all races, who live in the Bay Area, who possess an interest and willingness to appear on the Calendar and who want to make a difference in their community by committing to a dynamic schedule of promotional and fundraising activities and other volunteer tasks throughout the Calendar Season. The Calendar Season begins in May and ends December 31st.

Can I just show up to enter on
Contest night?

No. The first step of the process is to attend an Orientation. The purpose of the Orientation is to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about competing. All your questions will be answered.

Do I have to get on stage?

Yes, but only during the Contests, as part of the selection process. The contests are geared to be an enjoyable experience for all Contestants. If chosen to be a Calendar Man, you will not be required to be on stage.

Do I have to have a big, flawless chest to get selected for the Calendar?

No. This is not the ‘Big’ Chest Calendar. We are looking for attractive, fun and committed guys, who have the willingness to show off their chest, diligence to raise a lot of money and integrity to keep their commitments. If you’re a friendly guy, who likes showing off, this could be just the volunteer opportunity you were looking for.

How will I be scored at the Contest?

Scoring for the Semi-Finals is based on five categories: Salesmanship, Overall Participation, Responsibility, Raffle Sales Amount and Stage Presence. Scoring for the Finals is based on these five categories: Overall Participation, Responsibility, Physical Aesthetics, Raffle Sales Amount, Stage Presence.

What kind of commitment will I
need to make to compete?

The Calendar Men commit to attend all nine of the required fundraising events between May and December. Additionally, there are nine other required events and/or meetings that help make the year run smoothly including: Calendar Man Orientation, Calendar Man Photoshoot, Meet and Greet, Pride Float Building as well as regularly scheduled ‘Check-in’ meetings. There are 14 optional events that Calendar Men can choose to participate in as their availability and energy permit. We strongly recommend that Calendar Men only make the commitments they can keep. You do not need to commit to all required events to compete. If you know at this time that you can make most or all of the required events, then we welcome you to compete. You will make a final commitment to the required events if you make it into the Finals. So we ask that going forward you remain aware of other commitments you make that might conflict with your possible commitment as a Calendar Man.

Do yo have what it takes?
Email for Applicant Packet and to schedule an Orientation.