Bear (subculture)

I am proud that my Bear Flag design was raised for the first time on the enormous flag pole at Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco, coinciding with International Bear Rendezvous weekend in February. It makes celebrating Flag Day this year all the more special to me. —Paul Witzkoske

The bear community is a subculture of gay men who share common physical features such as abundant body/facial hair and large builds.

Sourced

• We're husky, we're hairy, we're homosexual, and out of the second closet.
• And we can cuddle all night!
  • John Waters, lines for The Three Bears, A Dirty Shame (2004)

• Diesel claims to be 'fueling Seattle's bear scene,' and while we can't confirm whether or not that's true, it's certainly worth a visit to find out. Here, the booze (and beards) flow, and you're bound to have a good time if you fall into the following categories: 'Bears, bikers, buddies, bubbas, blue collars, and bad asses' (aren't we all?).

—Emma Banks, Thrillist, The Best LGBTQ Bars in Seattle

• While the Cuff may be your introduction to Seattle's bear, leather and daddy scene, Diesel provides graduate work in bear culture. The men are bearded, burly and many look like they've done time as lumberjacks. This is about as relaxed as the bar scene gets in Seattle, as there's a noticeable lack of pretension in the air. Say hello to any of the bartenders and watch how quickly they smile back. The patrons follow suit.

—Kevin Phinney, Metrosource, The Best Gay Bars in Seattle

• Bears, bikers, buddies, bubbas, blue collars, and bad asses. No bullshit drinks. Ice cold beer, warm hearts.

—Description of Diesel, from website

• I am proud that my Bear Flag design was raised for the first time on the enormous flag pole at Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco, coinciding with International Bear Rendezvous weekend in February. It makes celebrating Flag Day this year all the more special to me.

—Paul Witzkoske, The Bear Flag and My Part in Its Creation