Who We Are:
The Burgh Bears is a non-profit social group for bears and their admirers, created to both promote social/recreational activities for its members, as well as charitable fundraising for the local community. We are based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but have members from many surrounding states, and our electronic membership is worldwide.
We think that having a local bear club is important. While the whole bear movement has grown enormously over the past decade, there are still many gay men who do not see themselves or their attractions reflected in the general public's opinion of attractiveness. Bear clubs provide an alternative space, support structure, and friendship for these men. We are not out to set up somenarrow definition of who or what is a "bear" -- it's just not a very good idea and can lead to silly things like bear beauty pageants!
As a club, we try to plan weekly events and respond to the needs and interests of our members. For example, we hold our monthly bar nights at The Pittsburgh Eagle, and our monthly meeting nights at Tuscany Cafe on the South Side. We also have potlucks and/or outings to local eateries in addition to the monthly pizza/bowling nights in Squirrel Hill section of town. The club also sponsors a yearly bear run called WOOF (Weekend Of Outrageous Fun) held over the Labor Day Weekend. Our charity events include fundraising for the bear exhibit at The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, as well as the Shepherd Wellness Community Center. However, we are always open to new suggestions from our members! Tell us what you think by dropping us a note at: info@burghbears.org
If you want to come hang out with a friendly bunch of big hairy men, regardless of your state of big and hairyness, give us a call or stop by one of our many events!
The club is committed to provide social opportunites and fun for all the members. The word social does not imply sex, despite what some may assume a bear club is all about! However, in order for the executive board to provide these social activities, we must have constructive feedback from the existing members! And if you are someone interested in joining, then you too have some responsibilities. The following FAQ is borrowed heavily from the Buffalo Bears webpage, because we thought it was so good!
Q: I went to one of your club's events, but why didn't anyone come over to talk to me?
A: Your feeling is not uncommon - ask any of the members what they felt like prior to meeting existing club members. Here are some possible reasons why:
- No one knew you. It takes a special motivation to go introduce yourself to a stranger; it is hard for you, and its hard for everyone else. It's much easier to converse with familiar faces than unfamiliar ones.
- People were busy catching up with friends and having fun. After all, that's what its all about, isn't it?
- No one knew you wanted to talk to anyone; no one was aware you were too shy to say hello.
- You may have appeared "unapproachable." Sometimes, even very handsome men spend the evening in the corner because others got the feeling that they wanted to be left alone, when the truth is, they were dying to talk to anyone.
Q: Can you give me some pointers for helping to get acquainted?
A: Yes, here are some that apply to any such situation:
- Contact a member before coming and let them know you are coming, and they can introduce you to others.
- Attend one of our general meetings, get there a few minutes before hand and introduce yourself to one of the board members.
- Be prepared for a social situation. In other words, conversation is a two way street. If you don't have anything to say, chances are, people will lose interest quickly.
- Remember that others have had the same difficulty getting to know strangers, and the more familiar your face, the easier it gets!
- Bar and meeting nights can get crowded, and many of the people who come are not members of the club. Look for the faces of the executive board (their pictures can be found on the members page). These folks would be happy to help you get acquainted with other club members!