Move Over, Bears! This Viral Video is Giving Gay Men the Blueprint on How to Make Women Feel Safe While Hiking — And It’s Hilariously Spot-On

We all know how it goes: you’re hiking, enjoying the view, when suddenly you spot a man up ahead on the trail. Cue the internal alarm bells ringing like crazy. You start mentally planning your escape route, checking your phone’s signal, and debating whether to casually break into a sprint in the opposite direction.

For many women, it’s a universal experience—one that Stan Chris, a TikTok creator known for his hilarious and relatable skits, has brilliantly tapped into with his latest viral video. The clip, which racked up over 27 million views in less than two days, gives gay men a crash course in how to make women feel safe when passing them on a hiking trail. And we’re living for it.

“Man or Bear?” The Struggle is Real

Earlier this year, the question “Man or Bear?” took over social media. When asked if they’d rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear, the overwhelming majority of women picked the bear. And it wasn’t just a joke. For many women, the presence of a strange man in a secluded area is more terrifying than a wild animal encounter.

Stan Chris’s video acknowledges this fear while offering a tongue-in-cheek solution: if you’re a gay man and you happen to be hiking, why not make it abundantly clear? You know, throw in some dance moves, hold your boyfriend’s hand, or loudly declare, “My glutes haven’t been this worked out since my ex-boyfriend!” Simple, yet effective.

What the Video Gets Right About Gay Men and Allyship

The skit is filled with gestures that are unmistakably, well, gay. From ballroom-inspired moves to casually pointing out a tiny Gay Pride tattoo on a bicep, the video plays up all the stereotypes — but in a way that’s meant to disarm rather than mock. The idea is that if women can quickly clock that you’re not a threat, they’ll be more at ease.

One of the most relatable moments? When a character gushes over a woman’s “hot boyfriend” while passing by. It’s the kind of over-the-top compliment that would have any woman letting out a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding.

For many women who watched the video, it struck a chord. As one viewer commented, “I know this is a joke, but it would genuinely make me feel so safe and supported.” And she’s not alone — that comment has over 600,000 likes.

The Manosphere and the ‘Not All Men’ Debate

Unsurprisingly, not everyone found the video funny. You can almost hear the collective eye-roll from the manosphere and “not all men” apologists. And sure enough, the usual comments followed, with cis, straight men pointing out serial killers that were gay or throwing in comments about how they would feel in danger.

But the fact remains: safety is about perception, not intention. Women aren’t saying that every man they pass is a danger—they’re saying that the statistics, their lived experiences, and the stories they hear every day have taught them to always be on guard. It’s not about individual men. It’s about a societal reality.

Stan Chris, for his part, gets it. When INTO asked him about the overwhelming response to the video, he said, “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.”

How These Gay Men Are Bringing Humor to a Serious Topic

The beauty of Stan’s skit is that it manages to address a very real issue in a way that feels lighthearted and inclusive. It’s a reminder that, yes, women are on high alert, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find humor and connection in the ways we interact with each other. By leaning into the comedy and embracing what makes people feel safe, Stan’s video has opened up a conversation that’s long overdue.

As one viewer put it, “These are the ‘bears’ we choose ❤️????.”

So, the next time you’re out on a hike and you spot someone breaking into a runway walk while loudly proclaiming their love for Heartstopper, just know—they’re doing it for you, girl. Stay safe out there.