Bear 101

A Bear in the gay community is described as a large, hairy man who projects an image of rugged masculinity. Even those bears are a subculture of the gay community, there can be some subcultures in the subculture. Wikipedia describes the different groups as the following:

• Cub – a younger (or younger-looking) version of a Bear, typically, but not always, with a smaller frame. The term is sometimes used to imply the passive partner in a relationship.
• Ewok - A bear of short stature, but not younger.
• Otter – A slimmer or less hairy Bear regardless of age.
• Chaser - Somebody who is attracted to Bears and/or chubs but is not part of the Bear culture.
•  Chub - A heavy-set man who might be described as overweight or obese. These men are also a distinct subculture within the gay community, and may or may not identify with the Bear movement.
• Teddy - A fully hairy bear. Chest, back, beard, everything is hairy.
• Musclebear - A Bear whose size derives from muscle rather than body fat.
• Panda (or panda bear) - A Bear of Asian heritage.
• Polar bear - An older Bear whose facial and body hair is predominantly or entirely white or grey.
• Wolf - A slimmer Bear, with the behavioral characteristic of sexual assertiveness or aggression.

Even though these subcultures are in the bear community, this doesn't mean you need to fit in one of this categories to be a Bear. Some people believe that being a bear is a state of mind. They believe that if you are inclusive, supportive and nice to others, you are a Bear. The Bear movement started as an alternative to the stereotypes of the clean cut pretty boy look that comes with the gay community.

I believe in a combination of all the above. Most importantly, I believe in the idea of respecting people for who they are. A lot of guys that think of themselves as Bears were once ostracized from the gay community. Why would they then ostracize someone else from there group. That is not the definition of a Bear.