The Reason I Embraced My Inner (and Outer) Gay Bear

Guest post by Albert Harrison:

Hi there, I’m a gay bear and I want to talk to you about my experience as a member of this amazing community. You see, before I found the bear community, I felt like an outsider in the LGBTQ+ world. I was always body shamed by younger, thinner, hairless gay men and it took a toll on my self-esteem.

But then, I discovered the gay bear community and it changed everything. I finally found a place where I felt accepted and appreciated for who I am. You see, in the bear community, we celebrate all body types, sizes, and ages. We reject societal norms and promote self-love and body positivity. As one bear put it, “We may not all have six-packs, but we’ve got a whole lotta heart!”

I remember the first time I went to a bear event, I was nervous and unsure of what to expect. But as soon as I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. I was surrounded by other bears who looked like me and it was a liberating experience. I finally felt like I belonged.

And that’s the thing about the bear community, it’s not just about physical appearance, it’s also about attitude. We embrace our masculinity and ruggedness, and we’re not afraid to be ourselves. As another bear put it, “We may be big, hairy, and rugged, but we’ve got the hearts of gold.”

The bear community is a much-needed challenge to the narrow and unrealistic beauty standards that are often imposed on gay men. In mainstream society, the media constantly bombards us with images of youthful, thin, and smooth-skinned men as the epitome of beauty and attractiveness. However, these standards are not only unrealistic, but they also ignore the diversity of human bodies and contribute to body shaming and negative self-image.

Bears offer a refreshing and empowering alternative to these oppressive beauty standards. By celebrating all body types, sizes, and ages, the bear community celebrates diversity and promotes self-love. The message is clear: beauty comes in many different forms, and everyone is deserving of love and respect.

In the bear community, there’s no pressure to conform to unrealistic body standards. Instead, bears embrace their natural bodies, flaws and all. They show that being big, hairy, and rugged can be just as attractive as being youthful, thin, and smooth-skinned. In this community, there’s no such thing as a “perfect body.” Instead, everyone is celebrated for their unique qualities and individuality.

The bear community is also a celebration of masculinity. In a world where masculinity is often shamed or portrayed as toxic, bears embrace their masculine qualities and show that being a rugged, hairy, and strong man is not only acceptable but also attractive. They reject the notion that masculinity and femininity are opposite and instead celebrate the diversity of gender expression and identity.

But it’s not just about promoting a different ideal of beauty, it’s also about promoting a different ideal of sexuality. We challenge the stereotype that gay men are only attracted to youthful, thin, and smooth-skinned bodies. We show that attraction is diverse and that masculinity and ruggedness can be just as sexually appealing as any other physical attribute.

Being a bear has been an incredible journey for me. I’ve found acceptance, love, and a sense of belonging in a community that celebrates diversity and promotes self-love. So, if you’re a big, hairy, rugged gay man who’s tired of feeling like an outsider, come join us in the bear community. We may not have all the answers, but we’ve got a whole lotta love to give.