Bear" is an LGBT slang term that refers to members of a subculture in the gay and bisexual male communities and to an emerging subset o...
Bear" is an LGBT slang term that refers to members of a subculture in the gay and bisexual male communities and to an emerging subset of LGBT communities with events, codes, and a culture-specific identity.Some say the term "bear" originated with Richard Bulger, who, along with his then partner Chris Nelson (1960–2006) founded Bear Magazine in 1987. However, there is some contention that the term "bear", along with many of the conventions of the subculture, predate Bulger's creation of "Bear Magazine." They argue that "bear" was the product
of many individuals working together as well as independently over time. Indeed, George Mazzei wrote an article for The Advocate magazine in 1979 called "Who's Who in the Zoo?", that characterized homosexuals as seven types of animals, including bears.
Bears are almost always gay or bisexual men. Increasingly, transgender or transsexual men (trans men) and those who shun labels for gender andsexuality are also included within bear communities.Bears are commonly, but not always heavy-set men and are often characterized as having hairy bodies and facial hair; some are also muscular; some project an image of rugged masculinity in their grooming and appearance. Some bears place importance on presenting a hypermasculine image and may shun interaction with, and even disdain, men who exhibit effeminacy. The bear concept can function as an identity, an affiliation, and there is ongoing debate in bear communities about what constitutes a bear, however a consensus exists that inclusion is an important part of the bear community.
Younger or smaller men who identify with bear culture may also be labelled as cubs. "Overweight" or "Obese" men are labelled as "chubs". The border line between Bears and Chubs is very thin and fluctuating.
TERMINOLOGY OF BEARS
- Cub – a younger (or younger looking) version of a bear, typically but not always with a smaller frame. The term is sometimes used to imply the passive partner in a relationship. Can be hairy or hairless.
- Chub – A chub is an overweight or obese gay man who identifies as being part of the related chubby culture. Although there is some overlap between chubs and bears, chubs have their own distinct subculture and community. There are bars, organizations and social events specifically catering to this subculture, which allows members of the community to socialize with each other and develop social networks. In the last several years, large regional social events have developed. They often feature pageants much like beauty pageants but more sexual in attitude in which titles are given to winners, like "Mr. Chubby International" and "Mr. Chaser International". In the United States, there is an annual national event, Convergence, as well as several annual regional gatherings. There is also an annual event in Europe called European Big Men's Convergence. These events are held in different cities each year and are usually hosted by that city's local big men's organization.
- Otter – A slimmer or less hairy bear regardless of age.
- Lion – A bear (regardless of age), typically with long red or blond hair.
- Chaser - Somebody who is attracted to bears and/or chubs but is not part of the bear culture. Younger versions of "chasers" are sometimes called "pups".
