Bear Pride Flag

In male gay culture, Bear Pride (a bear) is often a larger, hairier man who projects an image of rugged masculinity. Bears are one of many LGBT communities with events, codes, and a culture-specific identity. However, in San Francisco in the 70’s any hairy man of whatever shape was referred to as a ‘bear’ until the term was appropriated by larger men and other words had to be found to describe hairy other-shaped men such as otter (slim) or wolf (medium-build).

At the onset of the bear movement, some bears separated from the gay community at large, forming “bear clubs” to create social and sexual opportunities for their own. Many clubs are loosely organized social groups; others are modeled on leather biker-patch clubs, with a strict set of bylaws, membership requirements, and charities.

For more reference to the Pride community and the LGBTQ flags associated with them, please click here.