There’s always room for more queer joy—especially the kind that’s loud, proud, and wearing a mustachioed Daddy t-shirt. In this edition of Hunky Business, I'm featuring Ben Deane-Schierloh, the artist and creative force behind That’sBearlyArt—a shop serving up kinky, nerdy, and delightfully silly designs with a whole lot of heart. From sex-positive parodies to a mission rooted in queer family and resilience, Ben’s story is as inspiring as it is hilarious. Stick around—you’re gonna want to meet this dad-in-the-making.
THE QUESTIONNAIRE
Q: Who are you, where are you based, and how has being part of the LGBTQ+ community shaped your journey?
A: I'm Ben Deane-Schierloh, a Philadelphia-based artist who identifies as queer. That's a big part of my story as a business owner too, as all my art work has a queer lens, and proceeds from my business directly fund my goals of becoming a Dad alongside my husband.
Q: What is the name of your business, and what do you offer?
A: At ThatsBearlyArt, I offer t-shirts and art prints featuring silly, kinky and nerdy queer designs. I sell shirts in sizes up to 5XL and charge equally for all body types, which is important to me. I also do commission work: portraits, chibi/cartoon art, pet pictures, logo design and NSFW portraits too.
Q: How would you describe the vibe or style of your offerings?
A: My asthetic is bright, colorful and silly. I love to make people laugh with my designs, and bring joy through humor and sex positivity.
Q: Who is your typical customer, and what do you love about them?
A: The biggest supporters of my business are those that love queer art and queer families. I've managed to meet so many people who are inspired by our struggle to become Dads, or learn about the obstacles. These people see firsthand that queer resilience comes from joy and laughter, being unashamed of our sexualities; I think my art resonates with people that are free in that way. They can support a cause they care about while having some fun with it.
Q: Do you have a personal favorite product or service you offer? If so, what makes it special?
A: My favorite product always ebbs and flows, but usually it's my "It's-a-me, Daddy-O!" t-shirt parodying a famous moustachio-d plumber. It was one of my earliest designs, it became a best seller, and it represents perfectly my love of gaming, bears/leather culture, and my desire to be a Daddy (albeit in a different way than the shirt suggests, perhaps!) In addition, I love commission work because it challenges me to try new things, explore new styles, and broaden my artistic horizons.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of running your business?
A: Belonging. I've often struggled with not feeling "queer enough" in queer spaces, and this business has really helped me come into my own, and be proud of who I am. I see people who love my work and who resonate with it, who listen to our story and empathize or want to support, and it reminds me how important and diverse our LGBTQ+ community can be. There's no one way to be queer, but our struggles affect us all. That helps create a strong sense of community.
Q: What challenges have you faced as an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
A: I'm awful at social media. That's one thing that's been tough, is getting the same online community that I've found at in person events. It's hard to break out online, especially in a world dominated by algorithms that don't want to highlight queer creators. But I'm a problem solver, and I love taking time to figure out a plan of action and make improvements. Every day I can iterate further towards my goals is a good day.
Q: If you could go back in time to when you started your business, what’s the one thing you’d do differently, knowing what you know now?
A: Ha! The admin. I was so woefully underprepared for my first tax season as a business owner. I don't think folks realize the amount of this business that is just admin, staring longingly at the iPad I wish to pick up and draw on instead!
Q: What’s a customer success story that stands out to you?
A: I am still in shock, but one year after being in business I was commissioned to develop the Philadelphia Pride logo for 2024 (and later 2025). Someone stopped by my stall at an event, saw my work and read about my story and mission, and said "will you be vending at Pride next year?" So I told them I had applied and was waiting to hear back. Turns out, this person was the one calling those shots, and got me a spot and a phenomenal opportunity to showcase my work on a grander scale. I got featured on CBS Philadelphia local news, and even as part of a Queer History piece they did that also featured the legendary Sapphira Cristál. It was very surreal, but so very validating.
Q: What’s the most rewarding thing about working with your customers?
A: Laughter, honestly. It sounds corny, but even if someone doesn't buy something, I absolutely LOVE hearing them laugh because of my work.
Q: What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?
A: I don't believe cranes (for building) are real :P I mean, have YOU ever seen one being constructed?? They just appear in the middle of a city like a giant giraffe overnight. Witchcraft, I tell ya!
Q: If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
A: This is tough!! I'd have to say "Independently Owned" performed by Alex Newell for the musical "Shucked" - it's a song about being independently owned, which of course applies to my business. But more than that, it's about relying on yourself and your own strengths, and being authentically you. That's something I still struggle with sometimes, but something that I think my business helps me to express: being proud of all that I am. Whether that's a nerd, someone who enjoys my sexuality, enjoys to laugh, who wants to parent, and more.
Q: Where can people find you online?
- https://thatsbearlyart.com
- @thatsbearlyart (BlueSky, Insta)
Ben’s work is a reminder that queer art doesn’t have to choose between being heartfelt and hilarious—it can be both. I’m so glad I got to spotlight That’sBearlyArt in this series, and I hope you’ll check out his shop, follow along on socials, and maybe even snag a tee that makes you laugh out loud. Supporting queer artists like Ben helps keep our community creative, connected, and just the right amount of ridiculous—in the best possible way. 🐻💖
Got a favorite queer-owned small business you think I should feature next? I’m always on the lookout for more hunky, funky, fabulous folks to spotlight. Drop me a line—I’d love to hear from you!
Christian from Hunky Tops
Founder
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