Gay bear subculture: self-concepts, subjetive practices and mental health

Abstract

This paper explores the suggested standpoint that individuals who self-identify as part of the “bear” subculture among gay men present self-concepts and subjective practices associated with hegemonic masculinity and negative attitudes toward effeminacy which might be impacting their sexual and mental health. In order to explore this suggestion, a socio-historical analysis about the homoaffective relationships and the gay bear phenomenon was articulated. Through this exploration, it was verified, on one hand, that these individuals engaged in different forms of peer crowds that were formed to attempt to mitigate the experience of being outcast within the gay mainstream, emphasizing the camaraderie, the interpersonal affection, the acceptance of maturation, and the working-class aesthetic as elements of their identities. On the other hand, references of implicit heterosexist attitudes in the discourse and practices of these individuals could be also identified. The review of a sample of the last decade peer-reviewed published literature pointed out that these individuals engaged in idiosyncratic behaviours that were socio-cultural and ethically influenced, but converged towards elements of the hegemonic masculinity. It seems that this convergence might be impacting on the sexual and mental health of the self-identified bear gay men. Mental health professionals could benefit in understanding the specificities of these population’s needs. Further empirical studies are suggested in order to verify these associations in more diverse socio-economic-cultural, ethnic, and sexual orientation contexts.