Bear Pride Flag

Bears are part of gay and bi male subculture – generally they are ruggedly masculine and hairy guys.

Psychology undergraduate Craig Byrnes worked with the bear community to create the Bear Pride Flag in 1995. He was studying the explosion of bear culture as part of his degree.

It represents bears of all backgrounds and races. But the colours are not human skin tones. Rather they are the fur colours of animal bears from around the world.

The Bear Pride Flag is also known as the International Bear Brotherhood Flag.

Tris Reid-Smith/GSN

What Does It Mean to Be a Bear?

Being a bear refers to a subculture within the LGBTI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex +) community, typically describing gay men who have a larger, more muscular build, often with facial hair and body hair. Bears embrace a rugged, masculine aesthetic and often reject mainstream beauty standards. This identity is not just about physical appearance but also a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect for body positivity and self-expression. The bear community celebrates diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals who may not fit traditional expectations of attractiveness.