Bear Week Diaries

9/26/2025

When one hears the word “Bear,” many different images come to mind, from majestic grizzlies to cuddly pandas to a Chicago football team and even a cartoon character named Yogi. But, for those in the LGBTQ+ community, the term “Bear” has a different meaning: it refers to a subculture of this diverse constituency made up primarily of big, burly, furry men known for their beards and bellies, masculine gents often compared to lumberjacks. And, despite their plentiful ranks, Bears are also largely unknown outside of the gay world (and often not especially well known inside it, either). However, their somewhat inconspicuous nature aside, Bears are famous for their well-attended unabashed social gatherings, weekend (or longer) celebrations (often called “runs”) characterized by prolific drinking,