The generally accepted definition of bears is that they are hairy, bearded men, generally more robust and gregarious in nature, and their admirers. But that definition is sort of limiting and implies some kind of bias in the acceptance of others, which is the opposite of the real nature of men who consider themselves bears, and people who like bears. Being a bear resides more in attitude and philosophy of life.
Bears are more simply just men who like men without pretenses about images and stereotypes.
Men of all types and professions belong to Bears of the Old Pueblo. The bear movement began generally as a reaction to the image of the ideal gay man as a lean, smooth-bodied, muscular creature. Such an ideal leaves no place for those who don't fit such an image, or who don't identify with such biases about other people. Bears of the Old Pueblo provides a social organization and social activities for gay people who are looking for a place to belong, and a means of mutual support and friendship. BOP offers an alternative to the bar and party scene, in the same manner as groups such as the Men's Social Network in which many of our members also participate.