Wow. I'm sitting here at the Chili's restaurant in the Chicago airport, waiting for my long layover to finally end, and I can't stop thinking about my sunny weekend in Guerneville. What a beautiful group of gay men. I still feel like I'm basking in the sun under the California sun - but perhaps that's because I have a sunburn on my arms and nose! I remain struck by one of the comments at one of the closing session. I can't remember who said it, but they reminded us that "Many people say that gay activism is dead. This room of men proves that wrong." Indeed.
What I will take back home with me to Michigan is a revitalized hope for the future of gay men's health organizing. If I have to spend the rest of my life working with these 32 guys, then I will be guaranteed a happy life. There were so many wonderful men in Guerneville. Michael Hurley, an Australian researcher whose humility and cutting insight is reflected in the utter captiviation he inspires in his audience. Joshua Love, who works with the Metropolitan Community Church and has one of the most ridiculously faggy laughs I think I've ever heard. Chris Bartlett, one of the facilitators and perhaps one of the sweetest and attentive men I've ever met. There are so many more -- everyone in attendance deserves recognition for their hard work, honesty, and kindness.
I unfortunately was so enthralled with the activities and socializing that went on in Guerneville that I did not get a chance to interview anyone for my podcast. Have no fear, I have backup plans. Hopefully I'll pull something together in the coming weeks for Episode II.
Okay, time for me to hop on a plane (again!). I hate travelling! For more on the academy, check out the main blog
xoxo
Trevor