BEARS, INCLUSIVITY AND THE NEXT FOUR YEARS

We are reminded now more than ever of the importance of chosen family this holiday season. Next year promises to be challenging (at best) in the United States given the incoming administration, and if our elected officials in government aren’t going to look out for us (not that they ever really did before), we are going to have to look after ourselves; but what does that look like exactly?

Well, for starters, the boundary lines between sub-communities within the LGBTQ+ need to dissipate. The younger generations, Gen Z in particular, have already begun to master this. Queer space is simply that, queer space. Gays, lesbians, kinksters, bears, trans, poly and genderqueer individuals all share space with less concern than their older counterparts tend to have. I am not saying that there should no longer be bear specific events, or circuit parties like the White Party or The Dinah, but there does need to be a willingness on all our parts to interact more with each other and create a united front.

The bear community, although not perfect, is often seen as a welcoming space, especially for people with diverse body types and age ranges. In fact, it is where we excel the most. Older bears and bears of size are valued and seen in our community whereas we are outright ignored by other parts of the gay community, and for that I am extremely proud. But, we have repeatedly heard criticism from bears of color, female bears and genderqueer folks for not being as welcoming to them as we proclaim to be. And until everyone feels at home in bear space, then there is work to do. Work that is at the heart of our mission at Bear World Magazine.

Now, one thing I have heard as a counterpoint or roadblock to bears being more inclusive is that some bears feel as though they are being criticized or shamed for being attracted to what they like, and forced to interact with folks they aren’t attracted to. However, I’d remind people that inclusivity does not mean that you have to sleep with anyone you do not want to. Inclusivity simply means welcoming everyone into our spaces (bars, clubs, events, parties) for community and opportunities to socialize. Everyone has things that get their motor running, and everyone has a right to their preferences, but I would simply remind people to be mindful of when their preferences tip over into prejudices. That is something for each of us to take a hard look at within ourselves and to work on accordingly because racism, sexism and transphobia have no place in our community. We have enough people out there who hate us for just being ourselves. We do not need to turn that energy towards each other.

Bears are beloved around the world. Our community was started as a place for mainstream gay outcasts to gather and find a home. Let us lead by example and build those bridges within the wider queer community as we prepare to fight for our rights and livelihood.