What we’re about
This meetup is for gay men over 18 who are interested in intellectual conversation and dialog around contemporary, social, historical, and cultural issues selected by the group and the facilitator. We want to engage in exchange of ideas and stories aiming to cultivate the art of conversation, share perspectives, while learning from each other. In short, the goal is to foster community among gay men around ideas, sharing knowledge, understanding, and inquiry about ourselves and the world around us. We also want to be open to our artistic and creative expression in ways that are participative and dialogical.
The goal is to foster honest communication and bring our integrity to dialogue while being open to different perspectives. Listening to others broadens our horizons and can challenge us to grow in new ways. Today, it is difficult to find spaces where we can share without fear of rejection or not being heard. Participating may entail learning about ourselves as individuals and as a group along the way. We want to overcome our isolation and silence on issues that are important for us. We want to create belonging in a dialogical community, while learning from each other.
As the group grows, we will establish guidelines to foster a group culture that can engage the spectrum of good conversation and jovial humor in a context that feels safe for bringing our ideas and ourselves in meaningful ways to a welcoming group.
We would like all participants to contribute their ideas, perspectives, and wisdom, and avoid being an "observer".
Initially, we will meet once a month on a Saturday afternoon in a public place in Encinitas, CA. The time and location will be available to those who join the Meetup. We will meet for 2 hours with a break in between.
Afterward our meeting, participants may wish to plan some activity for more informal conversation.