What's all this about Bears?

I am a bear.

Bear?  As in paws and sharp teeth? 

Just by looking at me, you can tell that I am a bear of a man.  Other "looks-like-a-bear" men include:

Richard Karn Actor, Game-Show Host	Luciano Pavarotti Opera Tenor	John Goodman Actor, Producer

Gay men use the term "Bear" to describe the particular look of a man.  I'm a gay man, out-of-the-closet, and so on.  Even so, that's sometimes a shocker to many who know me (or knew me).  It's no big deal -- nothin' to see here -- move along.  Because, while I'm gay, being gay isn't what defines me.  I'm also conservative; I love God and He loves me; and I'm a football fan.  It's always a good idea to try to avoid thinking in stereotypes when you consider individuals. 

In a group defined by its sexual attraction (e.g., gay men), many attributes considered "sexy" help define its subgroups.  Bears are a subgroup of the gay population.

In addition to being gay, size is another defining trait.  I'm big.  Beefy.  Heavy.  Yeah, even fat, (dammit)!  Bears generally have "mass," whether it be muscle, bone, or cream-filled doughnuts.  While bears may have sworn off Jenny Craig for life, they still care about their looks and make the most of what they have.  

Hair is another.  Chest, arms, back -- the more hair, the better, as far as bears go.  I'm covered with hair.  Few bears desire to shave it off.  The only place a bear might trim his hair is on the top of his head or in making the beard look "purdy."

That's about it for typical defining qualities, but there are some minor ones.  Bears are usually quite physical and playful.  They may like to rough-house.  Many of us like to touch and be touched.  We often see flannel and levis as a positive fashion statement.  With bears, function and comfort usually wins over form and style.  Again, stereotypes are often wrong -- not every bear fits this description.

The local bear club is the center of a bear's community activity.  Besides being a place to meet other bears, it's an organization of service.  For example, the local bear club raises funds for AIDS charities and also supports bear exhibits at the zoo.

Some subspecies of our version of bears:  Cubs, Otters, and Wolves are names for gay men who identify with bears but have less size or hair, or are just too damn cute to be grizzly.  So even though bearness attributes are physical, being a bear is largely a state of mind.

PS:  No, I don't think that Richard Karn, Luciano Pavarotti, and John Goodman are gay.

The next page has stuff just for bears about me.  Don't worry, mom, I'm not running a porno site.  The following pages are by an adult bear for adult bears and explores that side of me. If that's not you, click elsewhere. If you continue, remember that you wanted to read it.  'Nuff said!

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