I got the chance to read a blog the other day from a guy about my age that's a naturist with some interesting opinions about how to get youths involved with naturism. First, I want to say what a great writer he is you should look at what he has to say cause its worth reading, the site is www.gynophiliac.com. From reading what he has to say has certainly gotten the wheels turning in my head about how to expand on what he's saying. Some of the issues he expressed don't really apply to us; for example, the single male rule at most clubs, but what would be nice to see is the end of very obvious discrimination against gay people at mainstream clubs that use that rule to keep us out or treat us like child molesters, because we don't have a woman along with us. All of this just tells me that mainstream clubs are just to strict all across the board. If they want to survive they have to change and be as progressive as the rest of mainstream society. In my honest opinon I believe GNI is a very progressive club. Never once did I feel like I didn't have anything in common with other members because they were the ages of my fathers or grandfathers. I never felt bored by the activities or performances because they didn't cater to a certain age group. When I say there's something for everyone there I certainly mean it because it's the truth. As gay people (or members of the GLBT, GLBTQ, GLBTQA, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGBTQA whatever the politically correct way to say it) we don't have the same problems that straight people have when it involves getting younger people to come to the event. Maybe we just need to change the way we advertise the group. Most people just won't go because "there isn't enough young people that go," but what if we had a slogan that said "because nobody's perfect," or something? Do we advertise to events like AANR conventions, Pride, gay events, or anything like that? I mean if we do, fantastic; but if we don't then maybe we should start. Maybe a reason why younger people don't is because they dont know GNI exists? I mean these are all just ideas that I'm thinking up on the spot; the Gathering itself is set up to cater to any age group, so maybe awareness could be a small part of a big problem?
Nick
