Gay Bear

Gay Bears belong to the kinder, gentler community among the LGBTQ communities. Formed first by and for larger men who felt shames, left out of the more mainstream communities. Over decades have intentionally made kinder spaces, expanded to make others welcome. Sex-positive, kinder, creative, encouraging. Big events in Provincetown, Palm Springs and Miami in the US

Gay Bears attend and create events with "Some Cher and some sharing. Help build a forcefield of microkind actions into a sanctuary for yourself and others this week. Bears are encouraged to "Flirt confidently and frequently. Have seconds. Share them. Swim in the ocean. Hang out at a pool. Wear next to nothing if you want. Or put on a Caftan. Make a costume or throw some pots, whether you’re at Provincetown’s annual week, one of the Bear Events or the unsanctioned Bear Week in your brain."

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microkind

Microkind actions are the opposite of micro aggressions.
Just as the aggregation of micro aggressions create a hostile space, the aggregation of microkind actions can create a snowball effect of kindness and support for those in it. Encouraging and accepting random comments of genuine kindness, "You look great", or "i really like that shirt," become a way of life.

Gay Bear events intentionally try to counter-program some of the shame and aggressions of mainstream LGBTQ spaces by encouraging microkind actions that together can aggregate and then snowball in a sanctuary space in which the group can gain strength and resilience. (FROM gay bear story on Towleroad.com)