Mission
It is the mission of Carolina Bear Lodge to provide opportunities for its members to socialize in a safe hospitable setting; to project a positive image and increase awareness of the bear subculture: and to contribute to the betterment of the gay community and society as a whole. The Board and membership of Carolina Bear Lodge recognizes and supports the great diversity within the bear community. We also feel that it is important to present a positive image to the gay community and the community at large. For this reason the members and guests should be cognizant of the sensibilities of others.
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The gay bear "scene" has moved from subculture to the gay mainstream in the past few years, and in the Carolinas this is no different, thanks in part to large-scale events like Bear Hunt Weekend. At this point, bearded, husky guys dominate much of Carolinas gay party runs or excursions, from the mountains to the beach, bears flock from all over to go to these awesome "bear runs." So what makes a bear? These days, it's pretty much anyone with face fuzz and a bit of extra meat on his bones. We're not generally hung up on labels around here, but there's no denying that CBL is the Carolina's premiere social group.
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CBLWe host social events. Past events include our monthly Bear Nights, Bear Camping, Coffee Nights, Game Nights, Group "field trips", Movie Nights, Oscar Night, Picnics, bowling and potluck Dinners. We occasionally hold fundraisers to support the community, but the main objective of the club is to meet new people and have a little fun. Some of the Organizations that we have supported with donations and volunteer work are: | Save Gay BarsDecades from now, I’ll look back on my coming out and my coming of age in this city and I’ll be thankful for Gay Bars – where I have shared laughs and gossip with friends, doled out dollar bills to drag performers and, on more than one occasion, shed drunken tears after a stressful week. For me and for many others, they are the only public spaces that have truly made me feel at home – part of an exciting community with some history behind it. And in thinking about the possibility of these establishments closing, I’m sad for those who are just coming out, for boys who prefer a bit more glitter and glamour than the average frat brother, and for people who seek out gender-neutral bathrooms to relieve themselves in peace. Gay bars protect those people. |
Charity
Animal ClaritySome terminology relating to the Bear community includes: >>>> Admirer/Chaser :: a term that refers to someone who is sexually or romantically attracted to Bears. Admirers/Chasers can be of any weight, hairy or hairless and any age. >>>> Daddy bear :: is an older guy sometimes looking for a daddy/son relationship with either a younger Bear, Cub, Otter, Wolf or Chaser. | >>>> Goldilocks :: A female, often heterosexual, who is often in the company of bears (a bear's fruit fly). Also can be referred to as an Ursula. >>>> Gobi Bear :: A heterosexual male who is bear friendly. >>>> Gummy Bear :: A bear who dates or is exclusively attracted to other bears. As in, "They stick together like gummy bears." >>>> Leather bear :: A bear with a leather fetish. >>>> Muscle bear :: a hairy muscular version of a Bear. A muscle cub is a younger or smaller, yet muscular, version. Can be of any age. >>>> Koala bear :: a bear of Aussie Descent >>>> Panda bear :: a bear of Asian ethnicity. A panda cub is younger version. Usually hairless. | >>>> Ginger bear :: a red-haired bear. Also known as a Red Bear. >>>> Wolf :: A lean, masculine gay man who is attracted to bears and involved in the bear scene. >>>> Spirit bear :: a Bear that approaches his sexuality and 'inner bear' from a spiritual stand point. Usually rooted in various international and cultural references and traditions. Notably present in pagan communities where being gay is predominantly accepted. >>>> Woof :: A greeting often used when a Bear spots another Bear in public and wants to express physical attraction. He might make a growling noise ("Grrr!") or say "Woof!" >>>> Bear run :: a gathering or circuit party for Bear/Cub types and their Admirers. >>>> Bear soup :: a swimming pool or hot tub full of bears which usually includes lots of group cuddling and frolicking. These are common place at Bear runs. >>>> Bearwich :: a menage a trois consisting of two bears and an admirer. Also common at Bear runs. |