
It has come to my attention that a definition of “Bearman” is in order
1. Bearman – The name acquired by the owner of this website as a young man among his friends. It could be his propensity to hibernate like a bear or grow a full beard mere minutes after shaving (see Fred Flinstone or Homer Simpson).
2. Bearman – A term used to describe a walking, talking animal (See Yogi Bear, Smokey the Bear or Bear Bryant)
3. Bearman – (or Bear) A term used to describe a member of a subgroup of gay culture. Bears (according to wikipedia) “tend to have hairy bodies and facial hair; some are heavy-set; some project an image of working-class masculinity in their grooming and appearance, though none of these are requirements or unique indicators.
Now of course I was always familiar with the first two definitions. And of course, thanks to my crash course in everything gay culture provided by one Kathy Griffin (don’t call her Griffith or she will beat you down), I was also aware of the third. (Yes Kathy I was the one hetero male at your Cincinnati appearance.)
Anyway, I knew that there would be some confusion with folks looking for cartoons of either definition 2 or 3. I was just waiting for the day. Well it finally came in a nice email from a guy named Bob. Bob said “just a quick question – do you in any way relate with Bear culture, as in the gay sub-culture? I didn’t find any cartoons relating to it, so I’m guessing no, but I thought I would ask.”
In assuring Bob that while supportive of gay rights, I did indeed play for the other team. (wait…unless you think the other team is his team. I mean the other team from his perspective). Bob runs a site called PlanetBears and wondered if I would be offended if he posted about our email interaction. That post is here (WARNING: If you are offended by half naked big hairy men or are at work, DO NOT click the link). Thanks to the tens of people who came here from there.
I jokingly said I would do this cartoon and Bob was all for it. So there you have it.
Oh and to the hotel where I am posting this thing. Please know that all the sites that I am looking at were merely for research.
I am still waiting for the email from the Furries .