Celebrating “Obese” Bodies: Gay “Bears” Talk about Weight, Body Image and Health

Abstract

The current preoccupation with health problems associated with overweight and obesity has produced a demonisation of larger people, but there is a growing resistance to our anti-obesity culture by various groups who celebrate larger bodies. One community where bulk is positively embraced is the gay “bear” subculture wherein physically big (and hairy) gay men are privileged as sexually attractive. The present study is based on interviews with 10 gay “bears” and covers issues pertaining to identification with large bodies, masculinity and orientation to obesity- related health problems. Key focus is on the how “excess” weight is justified and normalised against the backdrop of the obesity “crisis.” The implications for health promotion within the “bear” community are then discussed.