What Makes a Bear a Bear?

Does it make you a bear if you are a hairy guy? Are you a bear if you are a bigger guy? Does Bear mean that you are masculine? What Makes a Bear a Bear?

In this post, I examine what I think makes a bear a bear. Some of the answers you will agree with and some you might question. Again, this is just what I believe makes a bear. You are might have your opinion, but this is mine.

He is my simple definition: If you respect other in and around the gay community and are willing to be inclusive, than congratulation you are a a Bear!

Of Course there is a lot more to that. I think of Bears as the Punk Rock of the gay community. Maybe a bunch of misfits that have been told no by the Establishment, yet ban together to say "we will rise above and be counted." 

But a better way to tell you what makes a Bear a Bear is tell you what I think doesn't make a Bear.

1) Being Rude: A Bear should never stare down someone for who they are. A bear should never hate a twink for being a twink. A Bear should never do nothing when they see a new bear in the group. They should welcome them with open arms and give them a bear hug. A bear doesn't judge someone because of how someone looks. The only reason a bear should be rude is if someone is being negative and being rude first. Don't Poke A Bear!

2) Being Exclusive: A Bear doesn't just hang out with the same group of bears over and over. He grabs a newbie and asks him to join in the brotherhood. Bears look after each other, regardless of how long you have know each other. A Bear tries to sit by the newbie at a Lunch or a Potluck and gets to know them. A Bear makes other feel welcome because they know what is like to be brushed off for being  "different"

3) Judgemental: A Bear doesn't Judge. He knows what is is like to be Judged

You will notices I didn't put that A Bear isn't a Twink, an Otter, A Transsexual, A Drag Queen, A Straight Guy....... (I can go on if you want) but if anyone of these types of people wanted to show respect and help their fellow man, well that makes them a bear.

If you believe in yourself and others and want to be in a brotherhood that helps each other, than that makes you a Bear. Any
thing less would be called sad.