The bear community, a vibrant subculture of larger, hairier gay men, has long been a sanctuary for those who felt excluded from mainstream gay culture. Emerging in the late 1970s, this community has grown into a global phenomenon with its own magazines, events, and cruises. However, the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro is posing new questions about the future of this beloved community.
In 2026, the bear community finds itself at a crossroads. While some members are embracing these drugs for health reasons, others are grappling with the cultural implications. The community’s resilience and adaptability are being tested as it navigates this new landscape.
The origins and evolution of the bear community
The bear community traces its roots to the late 1970s when larger, hairier gay men sought a space where they could feel accepted and desirable. This movement gained momentum in the early 1980s, thanks in part to an article by George Mazzei in The Advocate that categorized different subsets of the LGBTQ+ community by animals. The term ‘bear’ quickly caught on, providing a sense of identity and belonging for many.
Historian Les Wright, who joined the bear community in the 1980s, has been documenting its evolution since its inception. Wright, who founded the Bear History Project highlights the community’s self-defining nature. ‘If I say I’m a bear, then I’m a bear,’ Wright states, emphasizing the community’s acceptance of individual identity.
The impact of GLP-1s on the bear community
The introduction of GLP-1s has brought about significant changes within the bear community. Richard Jones, creator and editor of Bear World Magazine notes that while some bears are losing weight, the community remains strong. ‘We’re losing a little bit of weight, but we’re still a community, we’re still thriving, we’re still bears,’ Jones affirms.
However, the cultural impact of these drugs is undeniable. At major bear events like Provincetown Bear Week in Massachusetts and Lazy Bear Week in Guerneville, California, there has been a noticeable shift. Frank Mahoney, President of Provincetown Bear Week, reports that while attendance has grown, the size of the men in attendance has changed. ‘The GLP-1s are shrinking the bear community’s waist size down,’ Mahoney observes.
The personal experiences of bears
Marquis The Honey Bear, a stand-up comic and Mr. Bear LA ’23, shares his experience attending Lazy Bear Week earlier this month. He noticed a shift in the community’s perception of size and bear identity. ‘The barometer of what is big and what is huge, ginormous, it feels like it’s shifting on a needle,’ Marquis reflects.
Caleb Luna, a Latino feminist studies professor at UC Santa Barbara, offers a unique perspective as a self-described femme ‘chub.’ Luna highlights the mixed experiences within the bear community, noting that while some feel more accepted, others still face exclusion based on size.
The future of the bear community
Despite the challenges posed by GLP-1s, the bear community remains resilient. Noah Heymann, an LGBTQ+ dating coach specializing in bears, chubs, and chasers, argues that the perceived scarcity of large men in the bear community is overblown. ‘
Jeremiah Damian, a photographer who has captured the essence of the bear community, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the beauty and confidence of these men. Damian’s unretouched portraits will be featured in the first issue of BEAR Magazine in September, highlighting the community’s inclusivity and strength.
Filmmaker Andy Langdon, who is working on a documentary about the bear community, has not noticed a significant shift since the advent of GLP-1s. Langdon’s work aims to capture the essence of the bear community and its impact on individual lives. ‘I’ve learned so much from the bear community over the years,’ Langdon shares.
While the cultural landscape is evolving, the community’s core values of acceptance and inclusivity remain strong. As Richard Jones puts it, ‘It’s more than just our bodies.’
