Arktos Bear Club, a gay men’s social group, formed in 1989. Arktos Bear Club’s members are primarily “gay men in the Greater Cleveland/Akron area who have a mutual interest in bear-like men, who are themselves bear-like men, and/or who subscribe to what is generally considered to be the bear philosophy: an acceptance and pride in being gay, the understanding of the tenuousness of life and the desire to live it fully and richly, and the willingness to contribute positively to the bear brotherhood and the greater community-at-large.” Arktos Bear Club has hosted annual events, benefits, and fundraisers for LGBT+ causes, including the “February Mardi Gras and summer Luau parties, the Chili Cook-off in November, [and] the holiday Teddy Bear and Toy Drive.” Akrtos’ Bears hosts Bears in the Woods, a “weekend run” benefitting local and national charities, annually at Roseland Guest House and Campground. The Arktos Bear Club met regularly at local LGBT+ bars throughout northeast Ohio, including the Leather Stallion, A Man’s World, Tool Shed, and Cocktails Cleveland‘s Daddies leather bar.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- “About Us.” Arktos Bears of Northeast Ohio. (Archived webpage ca. 2019).
- Phillips, Chuck. “Elijah Black Concert Benefits Food Charities.” Gay People’s Chronicle. March 30, 2007. Page 7.
- Phillips, Chuck. “Forget the Lions and Tigers: Bears, Oh My!” Gay People’s Chronicle. July 15, 2005. Page 6.
- Phillips, Chuck. “Join Arktos for Fun, Friendship, and Bears in the Woods.” Gay People’s Chronicle. Pride Guide 2006. Page B-14.