Pawing around with Cubbie T
Bears = Bears
Many of us go through a big part of our lives not even realizing that we are thought of as bears. Whether you are out or not, it often takes another member of the community mentioning the group, before you even recognize that you do classify in a genre. Once again, not fitting into the norm of a community, we all are looking for a place to belong. Something that signifies who we are, but why does that mean we need to wave a label over our heads, that says "I am a bear", and I fit into this group. Does this not stereotype even more? I have always felt that as a gay man, I do not need to be labeled as one. I feel I am just a man who happens to love the same sex. I like their look, their bodies, their nature, and their persona.
While the whole time, I am proud to be gay, but I am not always so proud to divide the gay community up again. I am a hairy, beefy man who does fit their stereotype of a bear, but does it have to be every part of who I am in this community? What do you think? Do you see the relevance of, once again, disecting a community into more parts? While I do acknowledge that I am a bear and that I agree with the definition of one, it doesn't define me as a person. I love the bear and feel compelled to be a part of this clique of friends. However, these guys are ultimately chosen as friends because of who they are on the inside and not on the outside!
Many of us go through a big part of our lives not even realizing that we are thought of as bears. Whether you are out or not, it often takes another member of the community mentioning the group, before you even recognize that you do classify in a genre.