Monday, August 11, 2008

Word of the Gay: "Bear"

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.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

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

Queers United said...

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.

Anonymous said...

I would love a handbook of LGBT words. I did know this one however since my dad was a bear.

Anonymous said...

yea,perhaps one day, all these word of the gay phrases can go into a book! that'll be awesome!

Anonymous said...

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.

Joie Mayfield said...

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.

Queers United said...

bearotic - i have heard those other terms, what is a wolf though?

CrackerLilo said...

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.

Queers United said...

lol cracker I clicked the link, yes Tony Stewart would def be considered a bear.

Post a Comment