Brotherhood of Bears is a photo series, captured by New York-based photographer Alan Charlesworth, that offers an intimate glimpse into the 'Bear' subculture of the LGBT community. Bears are gay men who pride themselves on their big-set structure and brawny masculinity.
As a youth, Charlesworth found he didn't fit in in a world that equated homosexuality with feminine dispositions and glamour. This caused him to be attracted towards the Bear community even though he didn't possess the classic bear-like physical attributes.
After making many friends in the community, Charlesworth began taking pictures of Bear couples, often in their homes. The photos capture moments of tenderness, contentment and insecurity. Brotherhood of Bears does a great job capturing the essence of a tight-knit community that few outsiders are familiar with.
LGBT Subculture Photography
The Brotherhood of Bears Captures the 'Bear' Community of Gay Men
Trend Themes
1. LGBT Subculture Photography - Opportunity for photographers to explore and document various subcultures within the LGBT community.
2. Bear Community Representation - Opportunity to create inclusive spaces and representation for the bear community in mainstream media and advertising.
3. Breaking Stereotypes in LGBT Culture - Opportunity to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding different subcultures within the LGBT community.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Photographers can specialize in capturing the unique aspects of different subcultures within the LGBT community.
2. Media and Advertising - Brands can target and cater to the bear community, offering inclusive representation in their campaigns and products.
3. Community Building and Advocacy - Organizations and individuals can work towards creating safer spaces and advocating for the rights and visibility of different subcultures within the LGBT community.