The Thoughtful Gay Man Milwaukee

*3 spots remain!*

It is time to own and honor your gayhood. It is time to honor what it means to be alive; honor the wet gifts of your flesh and blood, voice and sexuality. Worship the fires of your desires and passions that animate your body and mind; that give you life, that make you dance, flicker and shimmer, that make you feel warm. Wear with a beaming smile the crown of daisies that is your consciousness, lift the golden grail of your heart as it spills over from a life truly tasted, revel in the velvet cloak of your skin that was made to be caressed, and let the sunlight glint off the jeweled rings of your creative fingers that were meant to strum the instruments of your soul’s artistry, making your own music.
Your brothers, your tribe, are out there waiting in the wild wood, waiting for you to take your place in the circle around the fire of deep connectedness to self and to other men so that we may heal and thrive. Can you hear the gentle beating of their drum, reminding you that you belong, that you have a family, that you have a purpose that can only be fulfilled through authentic living; that your heartbeat alone indicates your worth and is meant to be felt by another man’s hand upon your chest, validating all that you are? Shall we run wild together into this open, fragrant, sun-soaked field that is your life, dear gay brother? Shall we remember all the precious things we have forgotten since coming from the other side, my love, and bring all the lost boys home? On this very special retreat, “Full Gay Aliveness,” yes, we shall.
Right on the serene Rock River, surrounded by a bordering forest preserve. Including guided meditation, inner group exercises, deep discussion, and art therapy facilitated by lifecoach Roy Grant and TGM mentor Jide Oke. All meals included (vegetarian).

Where: Rockton, Illinois.
1hr 50 min northwest from Chicago off of I-90.

When: Friday evening July 18th through Monday morning July 21st, 2024
Check in is 4pm Friday and check out is by 11am Monday. You may, however, arrive or leave at any point according to your needs within this time frame, though full immersion in the retreat experience is ideal.

Accommodations:
Gated historic home on Rock River bordered by nature preserve with 6 beds and 3.5 baths. Featuring a heated in-ground pool, full river access with canoes, a riverside fire pit, access to bicycles, as well as wifi and a fully equipped kitchen. Short walk to quaint shops and restaurants in historic downtown.

What We’ll Do:

• The weekend will be a combination of scheduled guided activities and free time.
• The guided exercises will all focus around the theme of Full Gay Aliveness, learning how to connect more deeply with ourselves, our bodies, life, and other men
• We will cook and dine together, play board games, laugh around the fire pit, swim in the pool, and of course, gather for sessions of thoughtful discussion on topics that matter to us.
• And if you'd like some alone time, steal away to read a book, take a bike ride or solo canoe trip down the peaceful river, sit on the rocking chair on the wide porch, meditate, lay in the hammock under the pines by the water…This weekend is entirely for you!

Full of fun, full of laughter, full of love, full of soul. Always safe, always kind, always thoughtful. Come as you are, find real community, fill your cup, and find where you belong. This is your tribe.

*Please note this event is also posted in the Thoughtful Gay Man Chicago group and so rsvp's in that group are not reflected here. As of now, 3 spots remain*

Pricing: $600~800 all-inclusive based on room selection.

1. The Oak View: shared room, 2 single beds...600 {2 spots left}
2. The Ivy: shared room, 2 single beds, attached bathroom/shower...650 {1 spot left}
3. The Lover's Nest: private room, queen bed...700 {reserved}
4. The Haven: private room, queen bed, private river view balcony with wicker furniture set, attached bathroom and shower...800 {reserved}

Nonrefundable payment is due upon rsvp. Please message Roy with your room pick and he will confirm your reservation and provide you with payment details to be made via Zelle.
Food:

• All meals, breakfast goods, and snacks will be provided (vegetarian), but you may bring anything you want to eat in addition.
• Or if cooking is your thing you love to share, you are more than welcome to prepare a meal for all. Let me know ahead of time if so.
• Kitchen is fully stocked and there is a grill available for carnivores.
• If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions please let me know so that we can accommodate to the best of our ability.
• There are also grocery stores and restaurants nearby should we need them. We usually order pizza one of the nights :)

Things to note:

1. All bedrooms are on the second floor and will require climbing a set of stairs with a railing. There are 3 full baths on the second floor and one half bath on the first floor.
2. No pets…sad, I know…
3. No drugs.
4. Alcohol will be present. BYOB.
5. Please add yourself to waitlist even if rsvps are full
6. No refunds available in order to ensure coverage of the rental

Can't wait to see you as we take this special weekend to heal, bond, and create unforgettable memories! You deserve it! Feel free to message me with any questions!
Ready to join us?? Here's what to do next:

1. Rsvp on meetup
2. Message Roy with room request
3. Send payment via Zelle once request is confirmed by Roy (Zelle info will be provided)

Love,
Roy and Jide