What is a bear in gay slang?
Q: What is a bear in gay slang?
A: A bear is a hairier and/or heavy-set gay or bisexual man who typically projects an image of rugged masculinity.
Q: Are there different labels for different kinds of bears?
A: Yes, there are different labels for different kinds of bears based on amount of fat, muscle, hair, masculinity, and age. Common labels include Cubs, Otters, Chasers, Muscle-Bears and Chubs.
Q: How do Bears often form clubs?
A: Bears often form clubs modeled on biker clubs where they can hang out with their own kind. These clubs may have bylaws, membership requirements and charities that they support. They may also host bear-related events such as "Mr. Bear" male beauty contests.
Q: Is there discrimination within the Bear Community?
A: Yes, due to what bears are most often attracted to exclusion of certain types of people has occurred in the past. In particular some Bears have not welcomed Chubs at their events because they favor fat as a bear which is less definitive of the group.
Q: Is the majority of Bears white?
A: Yes, the majority of Bears are white due to prior Gaelic views on the bear animal and masculinity as well as genetics which favors white men aesthetically and sexually when it comes to hairiness being regarded as a standard physical attractiveness.
Q: Are there any publications that focus on the Bear Community?
A: Yes, although typically excluded from mainstream gay media there are several publications that exist for the Bear Community such as Bear World Magazine which cover topics related to the lifestyle and celebrate it as a whole. There is also a genre of manga called Bara or Gei Komi which focuses on gay romance between bigger more masculine men though this has never been translated into anime yet.
