Join us in celebrating and preserving queer history and culture

A 1979 article in The Advocate, the U.S.’s oldest LGBTQ publication, titled "Who's Who at the Zoo," playfully coined the term “bear”—describing certain gay men as “hunky, chunky types reminiscent of railroad engineers and former football greats.”

Feeling excluded from gay “clone culture,” which idealized slim, smooth, and younger men, ”bears” in 1980’s San Francisco embraced the new term and created a welcoming subculture centered around natural, masculine looks and friendly, relaxed personalities.

Over the past several decades, the bear community exploded worldwide—from bear parties to bear bars, bear chat rooms to bear mailing lists, bear campgrounds to bear weeks, bear pornography to bear media companies, bear apparel to bear art galleries, bear dating apps, and "oso" much more.

Bears is a playful and heartfelt exploration of bear history, culture, relationships, media, and events. Topics include:

• the bear community's unique and unexpected start in 1979
• the community's emergence intersecting with the AIDS crisis
• the early internet’s role in explosive community growth
• sociological dilemmas around out-groups and in-groups
• navigating size and age discrimination
• attractions that subvert cultural norms
• dynamics of intergenerational relationships
• body and sex positivity
• non-monogamous relationships
• historical and evolving media representations
• evolving ideas around masculinity
• liberation from various hegemonic forces

---------------------------------

There's a phenomenal team of filmmakers working to bring Bears to life, including:

• Kourtney Gleason, producer | Netflix's Into the Fire, MSNBC's Periodical, Hulu's Becoming Bond, etc.
• Jonathan Buss, executive producer | 2-time Emmy nominee
• Jeffrey Marx, casting producer | Emmy winner, known for HBO's We're Here, Netflix's Love on the Spectrum, etc.
• Nathan Orloff, editor | John Wick 4, Ghostbusters, Saturday Night, etc.

---------------------------------

From executive producer and director, Andy Langdon:

"Bears is a love letter. It's also an encouragement to live joyfully and authentically.

For years, I kept secret both my sexuality and my type. Eventually, I came out—twice. As a gay man, I disappointed my parents. As a bear chaser, I confused my friends. But you like what you like, and you love who you love.

Fortunately, what I found on the other side of my own guilt and shame was joy—at first, beautiful bears returning my interest; then, shared stories; examples of healthy masculinity; genuine support; camaraderie; and feelings of liberation in my body.

The community helped me uncover a clearer sense of self and experience deeper, truer love. Two years ago, I met the man of my dreams—a 59-year old 'bear.' I cherish that my family and friends finally 'get it.'

This documentary is a window for some, and a door for others. Thanks for your support in celebrating and preserving queer history and culture. Big bear hugs."