In the local area, a community of larger, hairier gay men known as "bears" has been thriving for decades. This group formed in the late 1970s as a response to mainstream gay culture's emphasis on physical appearance. The bear community has grown to include various events, magazines, and cruises.

However, with the increasing popularity of weight-loss drugs, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on this community. Further details about the bear community and its response to these changes are available from sources such as The Advocate and Bear World Magazine, which offers insight into the community's resilience and continued thriving despite these shifts.