The "Bear" movement is a subculture among gay/bi males that has its own set of identity, codes, and culture. "Bears" project an image of masculinity and embrace men who have body hair, and/or are heavy-set. They are counter-culture from the gay stereotype which is that of femininity, flamboyance, and a thin/smooth physique.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Word of the Gay: "Bear"
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9 comments:
This makes me think we need a handbook of LGBT words for str8 people and, well, all of us. Or do all these words fracture us? We don't all seem to get along. IMO
Diane - There are so many words that have been created over time, it's fascinating really. I think some of its divisive but it also just shows how diverse we are as a community, diversity is healthy in my opinion.
I would love a handbook of LGBT words. I did know this one however since my dad was a bear.
yea,perhaps one day, all these word of the gay phrases can go into a book! that'll be awesome!
Over the years the definition of the bear has become more and more inclusive. These days there are many sub-types of including otters, wolves, cubs, grizzlies, polar bears and muscle bears to name a few.
To show support for this broad community we integrated a logo at Bearotic.com that randomizes images of all kinds of bear men on every page load.
As a newly out gay (bear) male, I'm happy you post these, since I'm still trying to figure out what things mean, lol.
bearotic - i have heard those other terms, what is a wolf though?
If I were a guy, I'd be a bear-admirer for sure. Probably a bear myself, too, because men in my brother's family tend to be stocky and hairy. I'm actually surprised that bear-type men don't have more admirers among gay and bi men--they have all those wonderful secondary male traits on full display. Just one of those things I'll never get since I'm a woman, I guess.
By the way, my male celebrity crush, NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, is very bearish.
lol cracker I clicked the link, yes Tony Stewart would def be considered a bear.
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