The Bear Society
“Bear” is an LGBT slang term that refers to members of a subculture in the gay and bisexual male communities and to an emerging subset of LGBT communities with events, codes, and a culture-specific identity. Some say the term “bear” originated with Richard Bulger, who, along with his then partner Chris Nelson (1960-2006) founded Bear Magazine in 1987.
Some bears place importance on presenting a hypermasculine image and may shun interaction with, and even disdain, men who exhibit effeminacy. The bear concept can function as an identity, an affiliation, and there is ongoing debate in bear communities about what constitutes a bear, however a consensus exists that inclusion is an important part of the bear community.
Some slang terms relating to the bear community include the following:
Cub – a younger version of a bear, typically but not always with a smaller frame.
Chub – A chub is an overweight or obese gay man who identifies as being part of the related chubby culture.
Otter – A slimmer or less hairy bear regardless of age.
Lion – A bear (regardless of age), typically with long red or blond hair.
Chaser Somebody who is attracted to bears and/or chubs but is not part of the bear culture.
Daddy An older bear that is fit
