Bears: the birth of a movement
The story of gay bear culture is one of challenging norms and redefining beauty standards within the LGBTQ+ community. At its heart, it's about how thicker, hairier men created their own space in a world that often overlooked them.
The birth of bear culture
The origins of bear culture can be traced back to the late 1950s and 1960s. While 'beefcake' magazines like Physique Pictorial popularised a hyper-masculine aesthetic, a quiet revolution was taking place within the community. The term 'bear' first emerged in a gay context in 1966, found in the minutes of a Los Angeles motorcycle club.
The early 1970s marked a significant shift. Men who did not conform to the slim, smooth ideal of mainstream gay culture began seeking spaces where they felt accepted and desired. These informal gatherings were more than just social events; they served as vital lifelines, addressing a fundamental need for belonging.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1976 when an ad appeared in the Berkeley Barb, a counter-culture newspaper. The ad called for 'chubbies and chubby chasers [to] unite'. The ad led to the formation of the first 'Girth and Mirth' group in San Francisco. This group became a beacon for larger men and those who appreciated them, establishing a model for similar groups.
Solidarity and growth
The 1980s brought significant changes for the gay community. In 1979, The Advocate magazine published an article titled 'Who's Who at the Zoo?', which categorised gay men into different animal types. The article was the first time the term 'Bear' appeared in a national publication, giving the community unprecedented visibility.
As the decade progressed, bears adopted a powerful symbol: men began bringing teddy bears into bars and clubs. This seemingly innocent act held deep meaning. In an era when coloured handkerchiefs indicated sexual preferences, the teddy bear represented a desire for affection and companionship. As bear historian Les Wright noted, the bear symbolised "Cuddling... [the bear meant] I am a human being; I give and receive affection."
The AIDS crisis of the 1980s had a profound impact on the emerging bear community. Faced with unimaginable loss, bears came together to offer support and solidarity, forming chosen families. The shared trauma of the AIDS crisis strengthened the community's commitment to inclusivity and mutual care.
Bear, Issue 10, 1990. Cover features Jim Donahue, photograph by Chris Nelson
1987 saw the launch of Bear Magazine by Richard Bulger and Chris Nelson. The Bear magazine was an important moment for bear visibility. The magazine celebrated thicker, hairier men's beauty, directly challenging mainstream gay media's narrow beauty standards.
Bear culture positioned itself as an alternative to conventional gay aesthetics, embracing natural and working-class masculinity. Body hair, beards and larger physiques became points of pride, distinguishing bears from the carefully groomed ideals common in other parts of gay culture.
A growing community
The late '80s and early '90s saw bear groups springing up across cities. These groups drew on traditionally masculine imagery. Think lumberjacks, construction workers and bikers. Cementing the connection between bear culture and working-class masculinity.
As the movement grew, so did larger gatherings. San Francisco's International Bear Rendezvous evolved from the International Bear Expo, becoming an important event where bears could celebrate their identity and create connections.
The UK bear scene developed its own character. One of the earliest groups, 'Chubbies and Bears', found its first home at London's Mortimer Arms on Tottenham Court Road before establishing itself at The Empire in Holborn.
These gatherings and organisations created safe spaces for bears to meet, celebrate their bodies and build lasting friendships. They laid the foundation for today's global community. While physical spaces grew, bears discovered new ways to connect, turning to Usenet newsgroups and email lists to reach beyond geographical boundaries.
In my next post, we'll explore how the bear community has grown and adapted in the digital age, building on these early digital foundations to revolutionise how bears meet, connect and find belonging.
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