Understanding the Bear Movement in Gay Male Culture

Redefining Masculinity

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3607804
AutoresEric Manley (University of Memphis), Heidi M Levitt (0000-0001-9447-1484, University of Memphis), Heidi Levitt, Chad M Mosher (University of Memphis), Chad Mosher
Ano2007
Volume53
Fascículo4
Páginas89-112
Data de publicação2007-09-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918360802103365
PMID18689193
OpenAlexW1638413414
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas49
Referências citadas10

The bear movement emerged in the gay male culture of the 1980s, but little research on this group has been conducted. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the meanings and functions of bear identity. Six bear-identified men participated in intensive interviews investigating this question. Results suggest that men who identify as bears consciously adopt a masculine aesthetic that signifies values of self-acceptance and maturity. The participants described the acceptance of diverse body shapes and ages within the bear community as leading to positive self-esteem and body image. Results are discussed in relation to clinical and advocacy work. They broaden the awareness of the diversity of cultures that exist within the gay community

Aesthetics · Developmental psychology · Diversity (politics · Gender identity · Homosexuality · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Identity (music · Male Homosexuality · Maturity (psychological · Men who have sex with men · Qualitative research · Sociology · Anthropology · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Diversity and Impact of Dance · Gender Studies · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology