Earlier this year, The Advocate rated America’s gayest cities of 2013. Atlanta scored high marks, landing it in the ninth spot. Even though the criteria was half serious, half bogus, I do agree that Atlanta is pretty gay.
Earlier this month, a friend rated gays in Atlanta among the most diverse she has seen. Even though her criteria was pretty stereotyped, she did have a point. There are lots of gays out here and many straight people have trouble telling them apart.
So to my fellow Atlantans, straight and gay, here is a quick list to help you know what type of gay you’re dealing with. This list isn’t inclusive of all facets of gay life, but it should get the average sir or madam by.
BEAR (n.) – These gays are typically hairy and sporting some kind of facial hair. Bears are often muscular, stocky or overweight and tend to pride themselves on their inherent masculinity. Although the largest of the gays, bears are usually friendly and overall good guys. They aren’t the type to pick a fight or cuss you out, but if provoked their pack will assemble and claw you to shreds. At a bar, you’ll see them wearing flannel shirts, baseball caps and boots. They will probably be drinking beer.
OTTER (n.) – Technically this is a subcategory of bear, but otters make up a big enough chunk of the population to deserve their own section. Otters share many of the same characteristics of bears but they have leaner, swimmer’s builds. Will from “Will & Grace” is perhaps the best otter reference.
TWINK (n.) – These gays are often younger than thirty years old and look like they could use a burger or five. They almost completely lack hair and seem to be waiting for puberty to hit. Basically, they are the opposite of bears. Traditionally, these gay men are where the general effeminate men stereotypes stem from. Although not physically dangerous, twinks are known for their sharp tongues. Twinks can be seen at clubs drinking fruity mixed drinks, shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch or grabbing a salad with a girlfriend.
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While there are many who accept and conform to the standards of their group, there are others who don’t quite fit the mold. For the most part, it seems people are accepting of their classification. Personally, I find the animal designations as a little degrading, though they aren’t meant to be that way. In some weird way, having these groups helps gays find like-minded friends.I think this is what my friend meant when she said that Atlanta was diversely gay. There really are a lot of gays out there, and although some fall into the bear, otter or twink category, most don’t fit into a neat little box. There are more classifications that attempt to fix this problem, but if you need more information, I suggest you hit up a couple of gay bars or make some gay friends
