The most common definition of a "bear" is a man who is hairy, has facial hair, and a cuddly body. However, the word "Bear" means many things to different people, even within the bear movement. Many men who do not have one or all of these characteristics define themselves as bears, making the term a very loose one. Suffice it to say, "bear" is often defined as more of an attitude than anything else - a sense of comfort with our natural masculinity and bodies that is not slavish to the vogues of male attractiveness that is so common in gay circles and the culture at large.
Now not all bears are considered to be hairy or chubbish. Some of us are more svelt and some cubs are even hairless (the horror!). Then there's the chasers, the otters, the wolves.
Now not all bears are considered to be hairy or chubbish. Some of us are more svelt and some cubs are even hairless (the horror!). Then there's the chasers, the otters, the wolves.