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The most common definition of a „bear” is a man who is hairy, has facial hair, and a cuddly body. However, the word „Bear” means many things to different people, even within the bear movement. Many men who do not have one or all of these characteristics define themselves as bears, making the term a very loose one. Suffice it to say, „bear” is often defined as more of an attitude than anything else - a sense of comfort with our natural masculinity and bodies that is not slavish to the vogues of male attractiveness that is so common in gay circles and the culture at large.
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A chaser is generally an average-weight male who is attracted to stocky, chubby, fat or obese males. However, some of the latter also consider themselves as a chaser since it is quite common for either a stocky, chubby, fat or obese male to be attracted to the same. Otter: a man who is hairy, but is not large or stocky - typically thinner, or with lean muscle. Also typically identified by an energetically playful and flirtatious manner. Slimmer version of a Bear with little pockets of fat like love handles or a tiny gut, but not as lean as a Wolf. |
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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. May not be as hairy but generally has facial hair. |
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Bears tend to have hairy bodies and facial hair; some are heavy-set; some project an image of working-class masculinity in their grooming and appearance, though none of these are requirements or unique indicators. Some bears place importance on presenting a hyper-masculine image and may shun interaction with, and even disdain, men who exhibit effeminacy. Grizzly Bear: an older Bear, often with a large, wilder beard. Muscle Bear (Musclebear): a man who identifies as being a Bear, sporting a beard or goatee, hairy body, and is generally muscular. Linebacker build, a mix of muscle and fat. Polar Bear: is an older bear with white or grey body hair and beard. |
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Gainer: A person who is sexually turned on by the fantacy or reality of gaining weight, getting fat or being fat. This term is used mainly in the gay male community. I happen to be a gainer! |
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The chubby community is a subculture in the gay community. Chubbies are gay men who are overweight or obese. Although there is some overlap between the chubby community and the bear community, the chubby culture is its own distinct subculture and community. |
bear history
In the beginning there were no bear clubs, there were few formally organized groups in the earliest days. The bear community originated in the 80's by men who felt that mainstream gay culture was unwelcoming to men who did not fit a particular bodily norm (thin, hairless, gym toned and young). The opening of the Lone Star Saloon in San Francisco in 1989 is viewed by many as the most significant event in establishing the bear community. Known as „Bear Bar U.S.A.” - and for some people as mecca - gay men tell stories of visiting the bar and for the first time seeing men who looked as they did. Lone star was located in the South of Market district of San Francisco along with other bars in the area, which were primarily Leather bars.
In the begining, Lone Star was frequented by the Rainbow Motorcycle Club and other bikers. The Rainbow Motorcycle Club was another key element in the formation of SF's Bear community. They weren't into fashion leather - only biker leathers. The original Lone Star was closed due to the October 'quake of '89 and opened shortly after in its present location. When the original owner Richard died, it was sold by his survivors to the bar's present owner.
Today's bear runs are an outgrowth of the motorcycle runs of the 50's and 60's.
Originally, Bear had nothing to do with size - they weren't a group of guys that went to the gym but neither were most of them big Girth & Mirth sized. That is evidenced by the early couple years of Bear Magazine where there were many thinner guys featured as „models” in the magazine. Many of the „centerfold models” were just guys that hung out at the Lone Star back then. Common denominator was facial hair and a masculine, friendly attitude. But the simplest definition of Bear comes from that magazine's tag line - „Masculinity Without the Trappings” - a line that was coined by the original owner of Bear Magazine, Richard Bolger.
Girth and Mirth members started to merge in with the bear community in the early-90s. Bears eventually began to be associated with size. In recent years, websites like Lazy Bear Weekend have had a huge impact on the so-called definition of a „Bear”, further dividing much of the community into 2 camps (gym and no gym - or muscle and chub). Bear Magazine was sold in the 90s. It became more of a showcase for porn stars. American Bear was the next magazine on the scene aimed at our community.
The early Bear gatherings in San Francisco were called Bear Expo. Many of the men involved in putting those on created International Bear Rendezvous so the funds could go to charity. By the mid-90s the triple crown of Bear events was considered to be IBR in SF, Bear Pride in Chicago and Bear Bust in Orlando. Many men traveled the circuit making new friendships and renewing old ones. By that time Bear Clubs were all over the US and beyond. - The Complete Bear