Gay men otter
What’s an ‘Otter’ in the Gay Community? Why More Men Are Embracing the Term.
THERE IS A whole animal kingdom within the queer male community. Many queer men (proudly) identify as bears, cubs, wolves, giraffes, bulls, chickens—all terms used to portray their appearance. The term to illustrate a man who has a slim to average assemble, with body and facial hair, and a more masculine appearance is called an otter.
What exactly is an otter?
“Otters belong to the broader bear community [plus-sized, hairy gay men] and are celebrated for their unique combination of leanness and body hair,” says Lee Phillips, LSCW, a psychotherapist and sex therapist who often works with LGBTQIA+ populations. “They are not as large as bears, but also not as hairless as twinks [thin, hairless gay men].”
Related Story
Where does the word ‘otter’ come from?
The origins of the term otter aren’t entirely clear. “I don’t think there’s any one moment or person who defined this term,” says Joe Kort, PhD, a psychotherapist and board-certified clinical sexologist. However, we do have a sense of when it emerged: “The term otter appeared in the 80s and 90s within the bear subculture,” Phillips explains. “
The term "otter" is used within the gay community to describe a subset of men who embody a integrate of both bear and twink characteristics, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Otters may be identified by their physical appearance, preferences, statement of gendered traits, and personal affiliations.
Typically, an otter is envisioned as an average-built man with a moderate amount of body hair, often dressing in a manner that combines traditional masculinity with a hint of subversion. Otter presentation is characterized by a casual and laid-back vibe. Unlike bears, otters have smaller frames and a presentation that deviates further from the ruggedly masculine aesthetic. Lgbtq+ men embracing otter attributes often view themselves as unaligned due to their balanced expression of both masculine and feminine aspects of manhood.
Although the inception of the otter label is uncertain, it is commonly believed to own emerged as a sub-category within bear culture, providing a community for men emphasizing gender utterance across both their physical bodies and appearance.
Otter culture has its roots in the broader bear culture, and otters are generally welcome
Otter is a term used by gay men, referring to a subset of men who blend the physical and social traits of both bears and twinks, both invoking and defying traditional masculinity. Otters may be defined by physical appearance, tastes, utterance of traditionally gendered traits, and/or personal affiliation.[1][2]
The generic image of an otter is a man of average build with a fair amount of body hair, and usually dressing in ways that combine traditional masculinity with a subversion of it. Otter presentation often leans into the casual, and otters are frequently considered to be laid back. They are distinguished from bears physically by their smaller frames as well as through their presentation creature further distanced from the ruggedly masculine aesthetic. Queer men who fit the description of otters often consider themselves unaligned due to their balance of both masculine and feminine expressions of their manhood.
The origin of the otter label is unclear, but most agree it began as one of the many sub-categories of bears, allowing a homosexual tribe for men who prioritize gender expression across their physical body as well as their presentation and appearanc
Types
Some gay men use types to describe, identify and communicate themselves. Who hasn't heard someone speak “he’s my type" or been asked if a guy is yours? There is always some disagreement around the terms we use and whether we should use them at all.
Therefore, you should be sensitive if applying a type to someone, bearing in mind some gay men reject them altogether as restricted, superficial, and demeaning. Equally, some use types affectionately and as a convenient shorthand.
It's a bit of a bear pit (no pun intended), but here's our take on types, though you are perfectly entitled to cast them out and be your own gay, your own homo, queer, etc.
Physical types and personal characteristics
Some guys are primarily attracted to physical types of queer men (eg: bears, twinks, and muscle guys) while some discover characteristics in men most attractive (eg: warmth, intelligence, and humour). Others mix and match and understanding these distinctions is important.
For example, the type(s) of men we find attractive sexually may not necessarily be the qualities we are looking for to sustain a relationship. Trouble is, we can get so caught up in a type we can lose sight that not far ben