Premium Content:

On This Gay Day | ‘Bears’ were mentioned in print for the first time

In a 1979 article titled Who’s Who at the Zoo? published in the US magazine The Advocate writer George Mazzei described larger hairy gay men as bears.

The phrase had been in the LGBTIQA+ communities for much longer, but this is the first recorded mention of it in print. In the article Mazzei said Bears were “usually hunky, chunky types reminiscent of railroad engineers and former football greats.

- Advertisement -

Even back in the late 1970’s it was noted that being a bear is more about attitude than physical requirements. After the article was published the descriptor grew in popularity and so did bear culture.

For over 50 years Merce Cunningham was at the forefront of modern dance

Innovative choreographer Merce Cunningham died on this day in 2009. He was 90 years old at the time of his passing and had forged a remarkable career in the world of dance.

Cunningham often collaborated with artists from other disciplines, forging links between dance, choreographers, painters and fashion designers. Many of the dancers who worked with him went on to create their own companies.

Amongst his collaborators were musicians John Cage, David Tudor and Brain Eno. He also worked with painters including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Jasper Johns.

Cunningham was born in Washington state in 1919 and named Mercier by his parents. He entered the world of dance as a child, his first love was tap dancing. After studying acting at college, he moved to New York in 1939 and joined Martha Graham’s dance company.

In 1944 he presented his first solo work, a collaboration with composer John Cage. Cage would become his professional and romantic partner, and the two continued to collaborate until Cage’s death in 1992.

Cunningham continued to create new dance works until just a few months before his death.

Latest

Pentagon says Netflix series ‘Boots’ is part of an ideological agenda

The show has been a huge hit for Netflix but the current US administration doesn't appear to be fans of the show.

WA government releases draft plan for suicide prevention

Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammatt says all Western Australians have a role to play.

On This Gay Day | ‘Holding the Man’ author Tim Conigrave died

His memoir became widely acclaimed as queer literature since its publication in 1995.

High court backs decision to bar Candace Owens from Australia

The US pundit was challenging a ruling from the Australian government that barred her from the country.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Pentagon says Netflix series ‘Boots’ is part of an ideological agenda

The show has been a huge hit for Netflix but the current US administration doesn't appear to be fans of the show.

WA government releases draft plan for suicide prevention

Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammatt says all Western Australians have a role to play.

On This Gay Day | ‘Holding the Man’ author Tim Conigrave died

His memoir became widely acclaimed as queer literature since its publication in 1995.

High court backs decision to bar Candace Owens from Australia

The US pundit was challenging a ruling from the Australian government that barred her from the country.

Review | ‘After the Hunt’ is saved by Julia Roberts intriguing performance

The actors deliver great performances, but overall this is an uncomfortable and drawn out viewing experience.

Pentagon says Netflix series ‘Boots’ is part of an ideological agenda

The show has been a huge hit for Netflix but the current US administration doesn't appear to be fans of the show.

WA government releases draft plan for suicide prevention

Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammatt says all Western Australians have a role to play.

On This Gay Day | ‘Holding the Man’ author Tim Conigrave died

His memoir became widely acclaimed as queer literature since its publication in 1995.