The bear movement emerged in the gay male culture of the 1980s, but little research on this group has been conducted. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the meanings and functions of bear identity. Six bear-identified men participated in intensive interviews investigating this question. Results suggest that men who identify as bears consciously adopt a masculine aesthetic that signifies values of self-acceptance and maturity. The participants described the acceptance of diverse body shapes and ages within the bear community as leading to positive self-esteem and body image. Results are discussed in relation to clinical and advocacy work. They broaden the awareness of the diversity of cultures that exist within the gay community.

Leathermen form a gay male subculture that eroticizes leather dress and symbols. This investigation examined the relationship of participants' leather identity to their gender and sexual identities. In addition, the participants described their process of leather identity development, and its meanings and purposes. Six self-identified leathermen participated in semi-structured interviews that were subjected to a grounded-theory analysis. The analysis suggested that leathermen develop a unique form of masculinity, integrating care and vulnerability with an aesthetic of heightened masculine appearance. Flexible interactional scripts allow for gendered signs to be enacted, designating a social status that is not recognized by the mainstream gay community. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research on gay male masculinity, gay community, sexual identity formation, and internalized homophobia.

In spring 1995, a six‐page questionnaire on the topic of including or excluding children in mediation was mailed to all 630 practitioner members of the Academy of Family Mediators. Overall, 51 percent returned the survey. Of those responding, 31 percent were attorneys, 46 percent had graduate‐level mental health backgrounds, and an additional 7 percent had both legal and mental health backgrounds. The survey revealed that 77 percent of respondents included children, either following settlement to discuss the parenting plan or during the mediation as a source of additional information. Respondents' reasons for including or excluding children are outlined here.

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