In gay culture, a bear is a man who is fat, hairy, or both. [2] The bear concept can function as an identity or an affiliation, and there is ongoing debate in bear communities about what constitutes a bear.

One of the many long-standing gay subcultures, a bear in an LGBTQIA+ context is a large, hairy queer man who self-identifies with the 'bear' label. Being a bear combines gender expression, gender identity, and sexuality; a large, hairy straight man would not be a bear. [1]

The International Bear Brotherhood Flag, also known as the bear flag, is a pride flag designed to represent the bear subculture within the LGBTQIA+ community. The colors of the flag—dark brown, orange/rust, golden yellow, tan, white, gray, and black—symbolize species of animal bears throughout the world. [1]

Nov 26, 2024 · In gay culture, in particular in the gay male subculture, gay bears, more commonly referred to as just a bear, is a larger – and often hairy – bisexual or gay man who is seen to portray or display a form of untamed, rugged, wild masculinity, often with a full beard, chest hair, and a lot of other body hair.

Bear is a gay slang term. It describes a hairier and/or heavy-set gay, bisexual or pansexual man. A bear typically projects an image of rugged masculinity. Some bears present a very masculine, over-the-top image of a ruggedly masculine man.

Feb 8, 2021 · A “cub” is a younger, perhaps smaller, less experienced bear, sometimes interpreted as a bottom sexually. Conversely, a “daddy” is an older, more mature bear, usually a top sexually.

Jul 10, 2024 · The bear identity within the LGBTQ+ community is a powerful example of how diversity and acceptance can create a vibrant and supportive subculture. By embracing body positivity and redefining masculinity, bears challenge …

Sep 24, 2020 · The bear community has recently begun to accept transgender men and non-binary people as bears if they want to identify that way because inclusion is critical to the International Bear Brotherhood.

Nov 25, 2023 · Tucked within the vibrant rainbow of the LGBTQ+ community is a group that exudes strength, warmth, and a down-to-earth sense of self: the bear community. A unique culture that has matured and...

Apr 4, 2024 · Within gay culture, there is a much more elaborate bear community. Because there are now so many different types of bears, some feel discriminated against. During some events, chubbier guys are excluded so that more muscular bears may participate.