I am old enough to remember folks in the 80's who referred to buff guys with mustaches as "Clones". They were. They looked just like every other gay man. "Clones" indeed.
One of the things that has happened since those days is the fact that Gay men have re-defined themselves. Follow me over the fold for my take....
I am, and there are lots of Kossacks who can attest to this, not a "clone". I am also not a "Bear" either. I'm only mildly stocky--really, not stocky at all these days--and I'm not hairy, though I do sport a goatee. It used to be red, but is now mostly white. I also don't have much body hair. Why do I connect with the Bear community within the male Gay community?
One of the things that has happened in my lifetime as a Gay man (and I have been gay since the very first moment I can remember) is a more expanded view of the entire community to include our Lesbian, Transgendered, Bi-Sexual, Queer and Questioning community. The community has evolved, has become larger, and a bigger tent.
I happen to be attracted to stocky hairy guys, though not exclusively. However, I am certainly attracted to their community. I am accepted there. I feel comfortable there. If there is one place gay men who are not gym-rats can be accepted, is in the "Bear" community. It is one place where lots of different kinds of people can be accepted. We have moved on.
So I wonder: what are your experiences? How has your particular community evolved?
I'll be interested in hearing your stories in the comments.