What is a Bear? (Public Post)

[thatfatboy]

Background:Sometimes when the discussion turns to those things "bear" related with those not in the know, sometimes it is a good idea to give a general broad definition of what a "bear" is to me. Normally, what I tell folks is that a "Bear" is a member of a gay subculture (Bear Community) that tends to have the physical characteristics of a

Comments

[toppercub]

Well, let's see here.... To answer your questions

[ncsapphirebear]

I think there is a definite physical component: Some combination of obesity + facial hair + body hair. It's contentious matter as to what degree of each of these is needed - and in what combination - for someone to qualify as a bear. It's almost easier to define a bear by what he is NOT, rather than what he is. The attitude part comes into play insofar as bears not purposely conforming to the more common twinkish gay stereotypes (no offense to my proud twink friends!) but rather allowing a more naturally masculine body type to develop. But then, some would argue that a trim, fit body type is every bit as naturally masculine as a pudgy hairy one. (I personally prefer the later.) Given the wide variety of "attitudes" one encounters in the bear community - from gregarious grizzlies to überfestive bear-queens and all sorts of men in between, I would say that the physical component becomes the defining common denominator of beardom - whether rightly or wrongly so.

[thatfatboy]

But I have given you a facial...

Oh... not that kind of facial.

Is a post bear a bear with a post up his ass? I know folks that could do that with ease.