“Otterly” Adorable: A 101 on Gay Otters

Bears and cubs and wolves, oh my: The roster of slang that gays often use to classify body types according to the animal kingdom can be … a lot. Simply scanning a bar full of guys can feel like a trip to the local zoo or, in the case of an Atlantis cruise, a full-blown Serengeti safari. 

On today’s episode of Gaynimal Planet, we’re headed deep into the a-queer-tic world of gay otters to discover what specifically sets them apart from the rest of the wild. Take a deep breath, cue your internal David Attenborough, and let’s dive.

What is a gay otter?

First, let’s flash back to that trip to the local zoo for a few fun facts about actual otters: 

Otters are highly intelligent and good with their paws — sea otters are one of the few animals that use tools and are known to adopt a favorite rock that they use to crack open clams. They’re also extremely playful and avid hand-holders (while sleeping in water, specifically, to help stay warm in chilly temps and keep from floating away from the rest of the group), which, if you ask us, makes them downright adorable. 

Now, back to the boys. Defining an otter in “gay slang” really depends on who you ask, but if we’re going to generalize, he’s probably a tad too hairy (at least furry enough to rock a bangin’ beard) and too far along in years to be a twink or a twunk. But he’s also most likely too thin and young to be a full-grown bear.

All generalizations and stereotypes aside, otters in the gay community don’t have to be walking-talking wearers of water-wicking pelts. Nor must they be so thin that they’re in constant danger of drifting out to sea unless tied to 10 of their closest friends. In fact, Mother Nature loved otters so much she decided to create 13 specific species of them (sea otters, marine otters, North American river otters — don’t make us name the rest; you know we'll try ‘til you tell us to stop). So if she can diversify her take on her otter body types, then so can we, right? The same goes for wherever an otter happens to fall on the butch-femme spectrum.

History of the term “otter”

Believe it or not, the animal-specific terms many gay men use to categorize themselves didn't just emerge naturally over time. For their origins, we can thank Advocate contributor George Mazzei, who’s often considered a Charles Darwin of queer lexicon. 

In his 1979 article "Who's Who in the Zoo," Mazzei introduced the first "glossary of gay animals." While otters were not among the seven species he profiled (bears, owls, swans, pekes/afghans, gazelles, cats, and marmosets), Mazzei's text sparked a phenomenon of creative (albeit not-so-scientific) classifications that continues to this day. Many of the more specific terms that came later were out of necessity. For guys whose builds were too small to be bears but had plenty of body hair, the otter was the perfect fit.

That said, we've come a long way since Mazzei's original seven classifications. Today, it's about recognizing and embracing what makes you unique both inside and out and doing the same with others. If you have lanky legs and plenty of hickey real estate on that beautifully elongated neck of yours and feel cool calling yourself a giraffe, we say go for it. And we bet ol’ Georgie would be proud.

Is there such a thing as otter behavior?

For most guys who consider themselves otters, it means being an otter in name only (unlike gay pup play culture, which involves role-playing and behavior mimicking that of actual puppies). While some might take it more seriously than others, guys usually adopt the term because of their physical aesthetic, much like those who identify with cub or bear culture. This doesn't mean there aren't common behaviors within the otter community, but it does mean that these behaviors aren't universal.

For example, a gay otter likely feels comfortable in his skin as is, even if it doesn't align with Equinox standards. And regardless of how much of an exhibitionist he is, he's not afraid to show off his body whenever he deems fit. Like many bears, a self-identified otter is probably even proud of his hairiness. Some might even suggest that otters are essentially twinks who simply refuse to shell out top dollar to laser their necks, backs, bussies, and cracks every third Saturday.

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Gay otters in pop culture

Grab those binoculars and galoshes, and get ready to go otter observin’. Here’s the Grindr field guide to what we consider some of the sexiest specimens of celebrity mustelids out there.

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner is well-known for his hilarious show Billy on the Street, but his comedy isn’t the only thing we notice when he struts his stuff. That impressive physique and precious pelt make him a top-tier otter. Add in his surly but oh-so-sexy sense of humor, and Billy can have all the pretty clam-smashing stones those pretty paws of his can carry.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is living proof that otters come in all shapes and sizes (13 species, remember?). Between being a borderline daddy and sporting hotter-than-red-hot body hair, the Modern Family star is a testament to just how different those within the gay otter in slang and subculture can be. As they say, life finds a way.

Scott Evans

Brother to hetero heartthrob Chris Evans, Scott Evans is another shining example of what a gay otter is. Chris might have his own appeal to some guys, but those of you who like your men lean and marine leaning? Scott’s where it’s at.

Matt Bomer

Just thinking about how many oysters we could shuck on Matt Bomer’s jaw already has us quaking. A stunningly gorgeous man, actor, and, yes, otter, Bomer has had many roles where he hasn’t rocked the pelt as hard as he could have. But make no mistake: Bomer’s slender, slightly hairy body would glide through the water like butter. Er, we assume.

Zachary Quinto

Perhaps best known for his role as Spock in the 2009 Star Trek reboot, Zachary Quinto is hands-down a USS Enterprise of a dreamboat. Aside from his brilliant talent as a stage and screen actor, Quinto is also quite the specimen as far as sexy celeb gay otters go. Who wouldn’t want to lock arms and hold on for dear life belly up in the water with him?

Are you an otter … er not?

Finding your place in the LGBTQ animal kingdom is all part of the fun of being gay, whether you identify as one of Mazzei’s original seven, some other exotic exemplar altogether, or hell, even Dame Jane Goodall herself. 

If it’s officially otter season in your neck of the woods, you’ll find the Grindr waters full of guys ready to knock rocks with you. Download the Grindr app and dive in.