Blog
The Bear Pride flag
In 1995, a psychology project at Mary Baldwin University gave birth to a powerful symbol of identity. The Bear Pride flag emerged from Craig Byrnes and Paul Witzkoske's collaborative effort. From a local project to a globally recognised symbol, the flag embodies the bear community's resilience. With seven stripes reflecting bear fur colours, it tells a remarkable narrative of community, visibility, and self-acceptance – celebrating diverse masculine identities that had long been marginalised.
Bears: the digital revolution
From hidden forum posts to worldwide celebrations, the internet revolutionised bear culture in the 1990s. In these first online chat rooms, isolated individuals discovered their global family and shared experiences that were once impossible. As digital connections grew into real-world gatherings like the International Bear Rendezvous, a vibrant worldwide community emerged.
Bears: the birth of a movement
Journey through the untold story of bear culture, from a single motorcycle club meeting in 1966 to a worldwide movement. Discover how thicker, hairier men challenged gay beauty standards, finding solidarity amidst the AIDS crisis, and transformed teddy bears into powerful symbols of affection and belonging. A story of revolution that changed LGBTQ+ culture forever.
The joy of Jocktober
Ever scrolled through social media and discovered a sea of hairy bums? Welcome to Jocktober! From protecting Boston cyclists to becoming a symbol of gay pride, discover how this humble garment evolved into an annual celebration of body positivity, defiance and self-acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Pride flag
From Gilbert Baker's original 8 colours to today's inclusive Progress Pride flag, discover how our rainbow banner evolved alongside our growing LGBTQ+ family. Each iteration tells a story of visibility, resistance, and hope - reflecting our community's journey from the dark days after Harvey Milk's assassination to today's colourful celebration of diversity.
