IBR peer pressure

[drscott]

OK, I've decided (after minimal application of peer pressure) to go to IBR this year. I've never been, and in the past I've usually been ignored at bear events. Nothing like reverse prejudice. If I hang out long enough and drink, I'll probably fit in.

I started reading the BML around 1988 and read it for years (until it became unmanageable.) I was all for the idea (and I generally like the "bear type," and certainly bear attitudes) but as it has become more conformist it's lost a lot of its charm. It's particularly worrisome when "no pressure to be slender young hairless things" became "get bigger and fit in."

Maybe if I expound more on this topic I'l get some comments! [heh]

Comments

[bluedevilsf.livejournal.com]

See my response to dr_scott. :)

You bring up a good point. The idealist in me wishes that we can be civil and inclusive in these matters, but the realist in me knows it just isn't possible. Call me cynical, but it just isn't human nature.

My entering into a relationship really allowed me to look on the subject of beardom from a different point of view. I'm not as down on it as I was when the Bears on Bears discussion took place. I think I'm able to enjoy the scene a little more as an observer and differently than I did when I was single. Still, the bear scene is not something of which I consider myself an active member.

Noticed in your LJ that you're a member of AGMC. How cool! When I lived in the Midwest, I was a member of the Gateway Men's Chorus (St. Louis), and we did a joint concert with AGMC both in Atlanta and in St. Louis. It was such a fun time!

[dakoopst.livejournal.com]

Call me cynical, but it just isn't human nature.

I'm right there beside you on the cynical bench, then....

Noticed in your LJ that you're a member of AGMC. How cool! When I lived in the Midwest, I was a member of the Gateway Men's Chorus (St. Louis), and we did a joint concert with AGMC both in Atlanta and in St. Louis. It was such a fun time!


That IS cool! Of course, I think that happened before I became a member (3 years ago), but joint ventures like that are always fantastic. AGMC did a performance with Turtle Creek Chorale out of Dallas last year, and it was fabulous. ;) I hear SFGMC is good, too..guess I'll find out at GALA this year. :)

[bluedevilsf.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, it was definitely before your time in the chorus. We're talking at least 10 years ago. We did the Turtle Creek Choral's When We No Longer Touch. We performed in Atlanta and then a month or so later, the Atlanta guys came to St. Louis and we performed it there.

Gosh, I wish I could remember the last name of the guy who hosted me in Atlanta; he stayed with my family when AGMC came to St. Louis. His first name is Michael, and as far as I know, he still lives in Atlanta and is still a member. Very nice guy. We kept in touch for a while and then kinda drifted.