A Gathering of Bears

Let me preface this story by saying some might find the content offensive. However, I will try to make it as G-rated as possible. Also, let me say that I have nothing against gay men - heck, most of my best friends are gay. That being said, let me begin. I seem to always forget this episode in my life, until I find myself back in the company of Roger Hayes. It seems inevitable that we relive this adventure over and over to the point that most of our friends get tired of hearing the story. So, it is only fitting that I publish it on the blog.

Back when Roger Hayes and I were hanging out all the time, we decided to have a little weekend escape to New Orleans. Actually, we went there about every other month as Roger is quite fond of the city (Tulane Univ. and Tulane Law alumnus). He booked us a room at the Sheraton on Poydras, blocks away from the French Quarter, instead of our usual room at the W Hotel.

The real story begins as we go to check in to the room. While Roger stands in line to get the keys, I make my way to the atrium bar to get us some welcome drinks. The bar was packed, crawling with men aged 40-60 standing around chatting. In fact, I don't think there was a woman there, not to mention one as cute as Dr. Trouble in a tank top and short skirt! Getting the bartender's attention, I ordered our drinks and stood their patiently waiting for at least one of the men to hit on me...make that several men! Minutes later, I am given our drinks and make my way back to Roger after getting not even a look from any of these men. Apparently, I had lost my charming ability - medical training can do that to you!

We enjoyed the rest of the weekend in our usual Bourbon St. fashion - spending hours sitting at the Funky Pirate listening to Big Al and drinking Shark Attacks! However, still on my mind was my inability to attract men. When we returned to the hotel, we happened to see the "Calendar of Events" for a group called Chiron Rising. The events raised a red flag to us, as they seemed atypical for a convention. Luckily, we entered the elevator with several members of the group, all of whom were sporting Olympic looking medals around their necks. After a few Shark Attacks, my inhibitions are down and I inquire, much to the dismay of Roger, what the deal was with the medals. One informed me that he was the group's musical director. The other provided a similar vague answer. So, Roger and I did what any puzzled person would do, we paid $9.95 for all access Internet and Googled the group.

Alas, I found my answer to why Stella (Dr. Trouble) lost her groove. Chiron Rising is a group of gay men who were deemed themselves outcasts from the gay community. They were short and fat and hairy "bears" and covered with moles - not your typical handsome, well-groomed, well-built gay man. Many felt left out from the gay community. Many were "daddies". The number of terms they used for themselves was countless and I did indeed get an education. There also seemed to be some connection with NAMBLA (you can look that one up for yourself!) We had booked a room in a hotel full of ugly gay men. Roger and I were amidst a gathering of gay bears!

You can bet the rest of the weekend was full of surprises. At one point Roger made his way to the pool for a little mid-afternoon hangover relief. He was back in about 5 minutes after seeing the bears in the pool. Every trip to the lobby was spent eyeing the evening's activities on the club news board to see what interesting events we could accidentally pop in on. The list goes on and on.

Never during the 3 day weekend did I eye another female in the hotel!

Of all our trips to Nola, this was by far the most memorable. Roger still loves telling this story about how his luck was so bad that he booked the only room left at a hotel convention of gay men!