The Virginia Mountain Bears is a group of gay hairy men, their admirers and supporters who are dedicated to brotherhood and unity. Started in January of 2006 in Roanoke, Va the Virginia Mountain Bears club has taken off with over 70 members in our first year. Our goal is to promote awareness of diversity and provide support to our community while creating a safe and friendly atmosphere for bears and their admirers to socialize and grow as a group.

So what is a bear? Do I qualify?

The most common definition of a "bear" is a man who is hairy, has facial hair, and a cuddly body. However, the word "Bear" means many things to different people, even within the bear movement. Many men who do not have one or all of these characteristics define themselves as bears, making the term a very loose one. Suffice it to say, "bear" is often defined as more of an attitude than anything else - a sense of comfort with our natural masculinity and bodies that is not slavish to the vogues of male attractiveness that is so common in gay circles and the culture at large. The Virginia Mountain Bears club is made up of a diverse group of individuals. Whether chubby, husky, white, black, tall, short, young, older, thin, hairy or not, we do not discriminate. Everyone is welcome.

So how does it work?

Active members must pay yearly dues ($30.00 first time membership fee and $25.00 renewal). Club members are asked to attend at least 3 club functions a year, as well as participate in at least 1 (one) community service activity/project yearly to maintain an active status. Club members are also expected to attend the clubs annual bear run, Mountain Bear Madness.

Each month the Virginia Mountain Bears schedules fun events on different nights of the week to bring our group together. These events include dinner nights, bar nights, movies, camping, swimming, pot luck dinners, and attending public events in our area as well as other social functions that may tie in with another bear club.

Club dues are used solely for maintaining the website and club operation costs. There are no payments to individuals.

Every member will receive a T-Shirt with the club logo for first year membership. Second year renewals will receive a club pin. All club members will get reduced rates to paid club events such as Mountain Bear Madness and our annual Christmas party.