BEAR, ONE OF MANY LGBT COMMUNITIES WITH CULTURE-SPECIFIC IDENTITY.

In male gay culture, 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.

BEARS are almost always gay or bisexual men. However, as LGBT culture and modern slang has taken on a wider appeal in modern society, it is possible to call a hairy and burly straight man a bear (although they would not be strictly part of the gay bear community).

Some slang terms relating to the Bear community include the following:

• Cub – a younger (or younger-looking) version of a bear, typically, but not always, with a smaller frame.
• Daddy – A mature bear who is often looking for a cub (or a younger man) for a relationship.
• Pocket Bear – A bear of short stature.
• Otter – A slimmer or less hairy bear regardless of age.
• Chaser – Somebody who is attracted to bears and/or chubs but is not part of the bear culture.
• Chub – A heavy-set man who might be described as overweight or obese.
• Teddy – A fully hairy bear. Chest, back, beard, everything is hairy.
• Musclebear – A bear whose size derives from muscle rather than body fat.
  
• Black Bear – A bear of African descent.
• Polar Bear – An older bear whose facial and body hair is predominantly or entirely white or grey.