Who are we?

Toulouse Bears Occitanie (TBO) is a non-profit association under the French 1901 law, founded to bring together and support the LGBTQIA+ community, and Bears and their allies in particular. Based in Toulouse, our mission is to promote the inclusion, diversity and visibility of this community through friendly, festive and supportive events.

Whether you are a Bear, Cub, Otter, MuscleBear, or simply a supporter of the cause, we offer you a caring and respectful space where everyone is accepted for who they are. By working for acceptance and against every form of exclusion, together we build a strong, close-knit community that is proud of its values.

Our values

• Kindness: we create a welcoming, warm environment where everyone feels respected and accepted.
• Inclusion: we embrace diversity and encourage everyone to take part, whatever their differences.
• Fun: we organise playful, friendly events to strengthen the bonds within our community.
• Family spirit: we nurture a sense of family and mutual support among our members.

Our activities

We regularly organise a variety of events so that our members can meet, share good times and strengthen community ties. Among our activities:

• Hikes: outdoor outings to enjoy nature and fresh air.
• Barbecues: friendly gatherings to share a meal and a few laughs.
• Drinks: informal get-togethers to chat and relax over a drink.
• Pool parties: poolside parties to cool off and have fun.
• Pride march: taking part in the Pride march to show our support for the LGBTQIA+ community and boost visibility.

Toulouse Bear Week

Toulouse Bear Week is the association’s flagship event. This annual event honours the Bears community and celebrates the diversity, inclusion and values of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Festive and social activities: the week includes drinks, outings, visits and themed evenings, bringing together members and supporters of the community. The Mister Bear Toulouse election: the highlight of the week, it celebrates the charisma, community involvement and personality of the candidates. Parades and challenges: participants present themselves through various challenges. Open participation: anyone of legal age who supports the LGBTQIA+ cause can take part.

The board

The history of the Bear community

The Bear community is a subculture within the LGBTQIA+ community that celebrates physical features and values that often contrast with traditional beauty standards. It was born from a desire for recognition and solidarity among gay and bisexual men who did not feel represented by the stereotypes of the time.

The origins: the 1970s and 1980s

The Bear community began to emerge in the 1970s and 1980s in North America, in response to a dominant gay culture focused on youth, slimness and a smooth appearance. Older, heavier and hairier men came together to create a space of their own. The term “Bear” appeared to describe these sturdy, hairy men with an assertive masculinity, around a culture of conviviality, camaraderie and solidarity.

The 1990s: expansion and visibility

The 1990s marked a period of growth and structuring. Bear clubs, bars and events sprang up in many cities. The magazines “Bear” and later “American Bear” gave the community visibility. “Bear runs” — gatherings lasting several days — became must-attend events.

The 2000s: diversification and inclusion

The community diversified: “Cubs” (young Bears), “Otters” (slim, hairy men), “Chubs” (heavier men). Bear events became safe spaces for gay and bisexual men, but also for transgender, non-binary and queer people.

Today: a strong and vibrant community

Today, the Bear community is an integral and vibrant part of the LGBTQIA+ mosaic. In France, associations such as Toulouse Bears Occitanie play a key role: they organise social events, wellbeing activities and awareness campaigns that strengthen community ties and foster an inclusive and caring environment.