tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88040085847574673222024-02-19T00:43:47.479-07:00GNI BuffBuzzBuffBuzz is the official monthly publication of Gay Naturists International (GNI) - an all-male, all-nude organization for men. To learn more about GNI, visit us at www.gaynaturists.org.GNI Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16791908982393840721noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-54909937192941744602021-09-25T12:09:00.004-07:002021-09-28T08:40:17.068-07:00BOOO!!! I SCARED YOU!!!! - Watch Parties Are Back in Spooky October<p> By Johnny Konapelsky - GNI BuffBuzz Editor</p><p>And Jon Poupore - GNI Board Member</p><p><br /></p><p>Hey naked friends! This year is flying by so fast. We blinked and it was 2021. We blinked again and it was time for NakedFest. One more blink and NakedFest was over. *BLINK* The year is already almost over??!! October is just about to rear its creepy, scary, zombie face in just a few weeks. And with that GNI is very happy to bring back our movie Watch Parties with "GNI October Horror-Athon!!</p><p>Hosted by GNI board member Jon Poupore, for five Fridays on YouTube and Zoom we will be watching five fun, weird, (and not too terribly frightening) horror flicks. You can sign up <a href="https://www.gaynaturists.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3275" target="_blank">here</a>! (If you get a redirect page, just click the link again on that page to be taken to the correct site for signing up.)</p><p>Each Watch Party will begin at 8 p.m. EST. You will actually watch the movie on YouTube while connected with your fellow viewers on Zoom (links will be emailed to you). Afterward, you're welcomed to hang around in Zoom to chat. </p><p>Want to know which movies we'll be watching and when?? Below you will find the dates and the movies shown. Get ready for a creepy fun time!</p><p>October 1: <i>Deep Red</i>: One of the first Italian "giallo" films. It's more of a cop drama than horror perhaps, but a real shocker. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mssJgzyU47IIUWzYAbRC-4O_mkeT3y-d3kfsA7_2nP7e_D1KawDo8n7cp-0ttzlPtCMIZsdNm1PrM3Rr1YoK7pXNoMPqJZg_mChgolLgpKqS-2kqWAL10as3vjWQv09hhm48rXNGgZP-/s1282/IMG_1762.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mssJgzyU47IIUWzYAbRC-4O_mkeT3y-d3kfsA7_2nP7e_D1KawDo8n7cp-0ttzlPtCMIZsdNm1PrM3Rr1YoK7pXNoMPqJZg_mChgolLgpKqS-2kqWAL10as3vjWQv09hhm48rXNGgZP-/s320/IMG_1762.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 1 Film</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>October 8: <i>Nightmare Castle</i>: Barbara Steele stars in a dual role. We have another Italian Gothic horror classic in delicious black and white.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtgNzWa7SiPItd-_6b9ziUO1wAzcNQTqZOE2rxjDqn-qpMKBSZVmNIx8UyBbkpvqK5BTvBreh3wnS1M48UNJN9vZt12yeJxUuAaK1y2pDzA2aAGhZYM_3GZZ88EqZHhXFvjq9jHO8JXUe/s1279/IMG_1763.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtgNzWa7SiPItd-_6b9ziUO1wAzcNQTqZOE2rxjDqn-qpMKBSZVmNIx8UyBbkpvqK5BTvBreh3wnS1M48UNJN9vZt12yeJxUuAaK1y2pDzA2aAGhZYM_3GZZ88EqZHhXFvjq9jHO8JXUe/s320/IMG_1763.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 8 Film</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>October 15: <i>Who Slew Auntie Roo? </i>After <i>Whatever Happened To Baby Jane</i>, every "senior" actress took a star turn in a horror movie. This is Shelley Winter's bizarre take on the classic Hansel and Gretel tale. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht64w8JGaVXP65tVjSLeWTDyCok7im9wGkSof2lNexFSS6LmWilp1okSN03MmhaYOn4ExEGKe0H-dczdMPhs-KdEyBUPsDRlNZkveskoUSsP2IyQ-cT73YR1QdSpGYr7Uh0j9JRwZd8hSM/s1300/IMG_1764.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht64w8JGaVXP65tVjSLeWTDyCok7im9wGkSof2lNexFSS6LmWilp1okSN03MmhaYOn4ExEGKe0H-dczdMPhs-KdEyBUPsDRlNZkveskoUSsP2IyQ-cT73YR1QdSpGYr7Uh0j9JRwZd8hSM/s320/IMG_1764.jpg" width="129" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 15 Film</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>October 22: <i>The Abominable Dr. Phibes</i>: One of Vincent Price's most memorable roles is the creepy Phibes who visits the ten plagues on the people responsible for his wife's death in a botched operation.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjGxgDFtZmyQCBExOnuszcvZJFZNjVeiIQ2XqIJHwds-YDb1rlenNvMt5Qp9F2vjyQyFtWteVotZcNxIJmHDi9E3KEISGkv56FbxWYx5GAFmKF1L2S6NwpGWJxZihdydHp3IiiKNk-z2s/s1177/IMG_1765.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjGxgDFtZmyQCBExOnuszcvZJFZNjVeiIQ2XqIJHwds-YDb1rlenNvMt5Qp9F2vjyQyFtWteVotZcNxIJmHDi9E3KEISGkv56FbxWYx5GAFmKF1L2S6NwpGWJxZihdydHp3IiiKNk-z2s/s320/IMG_1765.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 22 Film</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>October 29: <i>Black Christmas</i>: The original slasher flick. This is one of the main inspirations for John Carpenter's <i>Halloween</i> which came out four years later. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxTfQ9W9A4lCrU-MAP23gUha7HEDzMOYFCNdRx75lgtbIqSNOubutbdqyZJT3ui3aU_SHzlBUmNPwAucUt2eYm-oEPhhgMVypfvMU42a1bLFjVxBbJ-DenuP1MMS-zDHMoIVel9jaQp2F/s1193/IMG_1766.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxTfQ9W9A4lCrU-MAP23gUha7HEDzMOYFCNdRx75lgtbIqSNOubutbdqyZJT3ui3aU_SHzlBUmNPwAucUt2eYm-oEPhhgMVypfvMU42a1bLFjVxBbJ-DenuP1MMS-zDHMoIVel9jaQp2F/s320/IMG_1766.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 29 Film</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>For those not aware, Watch Parties are Zoom meetings that usually happen a few times a year, and sometimes if it's a theme month like Halloween in October, it may happen a couple times in one month. To be put on our email list for all of the GNI Watch Parties including the October Horror-Athon please click <a href="https://www.gaynaturists.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3275" target="_blank">here</a>. (If you get a redirect page, just click the link again on that page to be taken to the correct site for signing up.) Sign up (if you haven't already) and get ready for some spooky good Watch Parties next month!!!</p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-13829788172659064242021-09-13T13:01:00.004-07:002021-09-25T12:31:36.347-07:00Post-NakedFest 2021: NAC at NakedFest - Review and NAC Update<p> By Bill Schroer - NAC Chair & GNI Member</p><p><br /></p><p>On behalf of the entire NAC (Naturist Action Committee) organization, we want to thank GNI and its board of directors for once again inviting us to participate in your annual NakedFest.</p><p>This year Jim Dickey, NAC Board member, and I attended the event, sponsored the social hour "Legally Nude" on Friday night, August 20, conducted a total of 8 workshops, and made a short report at the "Miss Lace 2021" event on Friday, August 27.</p><p>Jim and longtime supporter Seth Paronick hosted the "Legally Nude" social hour and I was told it was a big hit. A great way for us to welcome attendees on the first night of NakedFest and we appreciated that opportunity!</p><p>While I won't restate the report I provided at the "Miss Lace" event, I do want to take a moment to emphasize what we at NAC are seeing as we try to keep up with nudist events around the country...both positive and those challenging our ability to be "legally nude."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9xsluGXmGhS24Sh3VzJJdRhrJc82yqrWTpJofzCw98OTBvD7c8XIDHlY9Wo2e76R_I3pTWtWk4ebWSy7p5gDwinBScEnk2nYp0A5D1yo35OCgz4N-dCwamPsORQOC6Aza50SjhIVa9dw/s2048/Bill+Presenting+at+GNI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1741" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9xsluGXmGhS24Sh3VzJJdRhrJc82yqrWTpJofzCw98OTBvD7c8XIDHlY9Wo2e76R_I3pTWtWk4ebWSy7p5gDwinBScEnk2nYp0A5D1yo35OCgz4N-dCwamPsORQOC6Aza50SjhIVa9dw/s320/Bill+Presenting+at+GNI.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br /><p>First, some very positive news. Thanks to donations from GNI and other generous naturists, NAC was one of the first and largest contributors to the effort to create Blind Creek Beach: the first new officially sanctioned nudist beach in the US in at least 20 years. Our contribution of $10,000 stimulated other gifts from private individuals and other naturist groups generating enough of a financial fund to provide the legal, administrative, lobbying, and other work needed to win the approval. Located outside of Fort Pierce, Florida, we invite you to visit this newest nude beach you helped create. More information can be found here: <a href="http://www.treasurecoastnaturists.org">www.treasurecoastnaturists.org</a>. </p><p>Additionally, the Naturist Education Foundation, a sister organization to the NAC, funded a national poll (again) in attitudes toward social nudism in the US. The findings were one of the workshops I conducted...but the topline is that adults in the US continue to support being able to swim or sunbathe nude at beaches designated for that purpose (74%), and agree nude beaches should be set up or designated to allow people to swim or sunbathe nude (74%). I hope to cover more results of this important study in a later article in BuffBuzz.</p><p>Now for the challenges. Little Beach on the island of Maui in Hawaii has a long history of accepted nude use. Under the cover of COVID and some behavior issues with the drum circle attendees over New Year's weekend (2021), the beach was closed. When reopened in March (after some tentative opening earlier), it was opened with prominent signs indicating "No Nudity." Rangers began ticketing visitors for being nude. This activity was done on a purely administrative basis. No laws were changed. We are working with a new group of beach activists (Friends of Little Beach) to get this changed, but it will be a tough slog. The notion is...to never become complacent about what we have. There are always those out there that will try to eliminate social nudism.</p><p>The Santa Fe National Forest (as well as several other national forests) have also promulgated an administrative "rule" outlawing public nudity in the National Forest. This is done in spite of the fact that it is not illegal to be nude on federal land. This is a very dangerous development and we are working to better understand how widespread this is and what we can do about it.</p><p>Another very challenging situation is the "aging out" of nudist resort owners who are placing their nudist resorts on the open market...with the result that most are being purchased by textiles who are converting them into non-nudist venues. This is extremely challenging and I hope to expand on this topic as well in a future article for BuffBuzz.</p><p>While there is more to report, and it is too late to make this a short article, I wanted to share at least some of what we are doing to help keep social nudism alive and well in the US. Thank you again for your generous contributions and support!</p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-5040474614251910252021-09-08T14:43:00.001-07:002021-09-08T14:43:48.645-07:00Post-NakedFest 2021: Smiles and Laughter - Thoughts From Newbies<p> By Danny A. - GNI Board Secretary </p><p><br /></p><p>Smiles and laughter: two joyful reactions that everyone experiences at GNI. Because of the pandemic and no Gathering last summer, lifelong members and "newbies" eagerly awaited this August in The Poconos to feel that love again.</p><p>The first GNI event I attended was the original NakedFest when it was held in Darlington, MD. Right out of the gate and out of my shorts, I felt the magic power all of us men create together. I was hooked. In 2016, I finally attended my first official Gathering in the Poconos. Those 10 days sealed it for me. I knew I had to be a GNI "Lifer." Shortly after attending that year, I ran for the board and am now Board Secretary. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy9zkjhpzogYFWdQTQv7FunvbWyKyO30oHmCWYD0iL7YKisXuN1Lm63Q_oZbW-fSylWB8vKfMMtZ9PaaukhF5maRfk1fvw3ITIPLC3FQNj6Hw-W3yjTK4FqMkMQI80hEtA8lYMnzwHBuS/s640/IMG952260.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy9zkjhpzogYFWdQTQv7FunvbWyKyO30oHmCWYD0iL7YKisXuN1Lm63Q_oZbW-fSylWB8vKfMMtZ9PaaukhF5maRfk1fvw3ITIPLC3FQNj6Hw-W3yjTK4FqMkMQI80hEtA8lYMnzwHBuS/s320/IMG952260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>One of my favorite things to do at GNI is to share a smile with everyone and say hello. It's a great way to break the ice for making old and new members feel welcome. We had a good number of first-timers attend NakedFest this year, and I was lucky enough to meet some of them and hear what they took away from GNI. </p><p>Sean L. who only stayed for the first weekend told me that NakedFest "was a wonderful experience in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere." He said he will book the full week in 2022.</p><p>What I took away from new guys who never attended a nudist event before was the freedom they felt at GNI. One member told me it felt so freeing and relieving to be able to leave his cabin and not worry about what to wear. He realized once the clothes were off, there were so many other layers that could be seen and helped him connect with men on levels he never thought were possible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHu9wfN7600dNNCtxcwgIedJQr9FRxlKcEQ-0Q15ItJRXgk-aB1cLJEsHSu2cBmBk1Q23xP_nRJYTkqq3D3b3pSKUDlGWAY2hmr6JHQpyoD9TyXWtFmzkiVn2dBZbkM2Nr6E3uq_6KIYo/s1038/20210908_035859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="957" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHu9wfN7600dNNCtxcwgIedJQr9FRxlKcEQ-0Q15ItJRXgk-aB1cLJEsHSu2cBmBk1Q23xP_nRJYTkqq3D3b3pSKUDlGWAY2hmr6JHQpyoD9TyXWtFmzkiVn2dBZbkM2Nr6E3uq_6KIYo/s320/20210908_035859.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br /><p>\I got to know first-timer Niko M. who was assigned to my cabin for the week. Throughout his stay, Niko felt more and more at home with everyone and didn't want to go back to the real world. "I honestly had one of the best times of my life." Niko said he felt such a sense of love and acceptance from everyone. </p><p>Throughout the week, I met other first-timers who said they had the time of their life and couldn't wait to attend in 2022. So my advice to anyone who is shy or unsure of how you'll be received...I can say with open arms: Register today...the Gathering IS for everyone!</p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-6084052741870373812021-09-08T12:34:00.001-07:002021-09-13T13:12:24.763-07:00Post-NakedFest 2021: Hey Newbie! You've Got Mail at NakedFest!<p> By Justine Trouble (aka bio-body Brian J. Ballone - GNI Member)</p><p>Neither COVID nor rain nor heat nor lube of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds! MAIL Delivery at NakedFest....that isn't a typo. Justine Trouble made her rounds on three mornings at NakedFest delivering mail to all 144 of the newest GNI members attending camp for the very first time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEbT3BvGzZv0Iq02GIqMzC7_6x8zjG30euJP6LJpiC_IQl0C84e2mVKtDJO9XBeCEulJ3OdFWkiV5y5KmRnK6mHZWHUngAhrb2WmJYQR9UMR4NfzpUkiAyUOgdUupi92mLL6HEgWNAcJk/s960/IMG_6949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEbT3BvGzZv0Iq02GIqMzC7_6x8zjG30euJP6LJpiC_IQl0C84e2mVKtDJO9XBeCEulJ3OdFWkiV5y5KmRnK6mHZWHUngAhrb2WmJYQR9UMR4NfzpUkiAyUOgdUupi92mLL6HEgWNAcJk/s320/IMG_6949.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>"It wasn't easy," says Justine. "I was on my bullhorn screaming 'MAIL DELIVERY!' and either no one responded or they came running out of their cabins like I was delivering a live victim for them to devour. I said MAIL, not MALE. I mean how lazy can you get with over 400 naked men wandering the camp and woods yet they thought I was bringing a MALE to them. Geez. What do I look like? I'm not an Amazon Woman." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRgaVUU9lIElT91hrwd9D7shyphenhyphenrbUu6zPlvhzpftbBIgQWzd7xD0g4Wg0IbFu2D-qwRFBMaKSYgV1mom8FTDPgrqDrel2o2FEwR0yIBLL4n8eKzEU87aNRqfUFcjc6XQXEcGYtcXxigFdt/s960/IMG_6952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRgaVUU9lIElT91hrwd9D7shyphenhyphenrbUu6zPlvhzpftbBIgQWzd7xD0g4Wg0IbFu2D-qwRFBMaKSYgV1mom8FTDPgrqDrel2o2FEwR0yIBLL4n8eKzEU87aNRqfUFcjc6XQXEcGYtcXxigFdt/s320/IMG_6952.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Each newbie received a handwritten message in a bright Hallmark card/envelope along with a personalized greeting. An example of the various messages included "Welcome to NakedFest. We are so happy to see you...all of you." or "You made it! We are thrilled that you are here with us. Welcome." Using a pharmacy label that said "For Oral Use Only" included inside the envelope was a small bag of hard penis candies that said "Suck a bag of dicks!" and it was signed "XXX Justine and The GNI Board." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvuMuE3CTE3IDYaSCCvl6cMHJuqXZG0QZnHsSabzPDWXP1POYejm0sM1FGqauiEZiTHAZ9DDR9Rrk9AfYq8QBx8Yd_EgoauSil_pHxnSx-n_0hyphenhyphenhyphenhyphen6g_v9hge_l65jhvYnhAJ6z-a7q3M/s640/IMG_6921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvuMuE3CTE3IDYaSCCvl6cMHJuqXZG0QZnHsSabzPDWXP1POYejm0sM1FGqauiEZiTHAZ9DDR9Rrk9AfYq8QBx8Yd_EgoauSil_pHxnSx-n_0hyphenhyphenhyphenhyphen6g_v9hge_l65jhvYnhAJ6z-a7q3M/s320/IMG_6921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>"Isn't that lovely? Wouldn't that make anyone feel that we reached out to touch them with five small edible replicas of male genitalia? We want them to know that we love them, welcome them, and hope that next year when they return for their second year that they won't realize that no one from home sent camp mail to them," said Justine Trouble. "Don't get used to this boys because this is for the newbies only! It was just the smallest of gestures to help our fresh new chickens feel welcome." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_p0H8EwBsxrjtNqUoL0XJyMwuHJx33G0NFbdLWZjt0a2esOdGYOLd3xTUvd7iEo1gLGTwmp5-ei6XNP6mvx9fmXV0d5fp4etP8V0kIck0ttyWsWaHspfIb_IU0tUn5Og1XR7D7VY8gH6/s2016/IMG_6918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_p0H8EwBsxrjtNqUoL0XJyMwuHJx33G0NFbdLWZjt0a2esOdGYOLd3xTUvd7iEo1gLGTwmp5-ei6XNP6mvx9fmXV0d5fp4etP8V0kIck0ttyWsWaHspfIb_IU0tUn5Og1XR7D7VY8gH6/s320/IMG_6918.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Justine Trouble is not only the first mail carrier for GNI but this year she was also the Mother Hen of her brand new "Justine Trouble's Choke, Stroke, and/or Poke Fresh New Chicken Ranch" (Plucking Available with Consent). Her cabin was double-wide due to the fact that Scrumptious was MIA. "The least she could have done was FedEx overnight priority the salsa but if she starts to say she sent it - it probably got lost with her beehive wigs like that one year! If she cared, if she cared...we would have salsa. I tried to provide jarred salsa but I received a restraining order. That's why I threw up an "UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT" sign...because I care, I care...but probably not enough to make a new sign for camp next year." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAzNh3waK0jNOdTsluhAY7-uPYk4YcJ1YPuU7B6Wv02nz1omTmrT8v6enpLythODmimlQcJShNRoqV_RLKjV8d33DovMbpdN-B4coxCryi4jjTqj-99kYd2hMK86pl_NWBmuR0wUQXnhw/s1280/IMG_6940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAzNh3waK0jNOdTsluhAY7-uPYk4YcJ1YPuU7B6Wv02nz1omTmrT8v6enpLythODmimlQcJShNRoqV_RLKjV8d33DovMbpdN-B4coxCryi4jjTqj-99kYd2hMK86pl_NWBmuR0wUQXnhw/s320/IMG_6940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>If you are new and have never been to The Gathering/NakedFest...come to camp and maybe you too can suck your very own bag of dicks!</p><p><br /></p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-80340045220794769342021-09-08T11:20:00.002-07:002021-09-13T13:11:46.078-07:00Post-NakedFest 2021: Second Time Around - Thoughts From a Returning Member (Part 2)<p> Article By Derek Ledbetter - GNI Member</p><p>Foreward By Johnny Konapelsky - GNI BuffBuzz Editor</p><p>Hey Guys,</p><p>NakedFest is unfortunately over for another year. Sadly good things never last forever. But to help you process the after-camp slump, we have some NakedFest articles for you to read to help you relive the fun times experienced there. If you didn't attend, these articles will help you get energized for the hopeful return of The Gathering in 2022. </p><p>In the last edition of BuffBuzz, we had a series of articles by members who wrote about their feelings before leaving to NakedFest. The following article is by GNI member Derek Ledbetter. In the last issue, he wrote about his feelings as a returning attendee. In this article, he writes about what he ended up experiencing. So read on to get ready for a deep-dive of NakedFest through Derek's eyes.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>While I sit here reviewing my journal, my main thought is GNI can be what each of us makes of it. Before I share my thoughts, let me first acknowledge an individual at camp who came up to me and stated that he read my previous article. Thanks for saying hi and reading it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9ZwZ-GsnpPID0HIS1zDxaBrJ0MNC7dlTWHQF4QUXPuWFxjc2WnM-wITt_zP1ZUI150WRNhUWFUix9EwBdInc5tkJO4l7myrrOH639fVlXuoVj1gEsKnBitqal7V4FV1whkDifpuhNFx7/s1430/DerekNF1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1430" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9ZwZ-GsnpPID0HIS1zDxaBrJ0MNC7dlTWHQF4QUXPuWFxjc2WnM-wITt_zP1ZUI150WRNhUWFUix9EwBdInc5tkJO4l7myrrOH639fVlXuoVj1gEsKnBitqal7V4FV1whkDifpuhNFx7/w364-h229/DerekNF1.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><p>I will start by comparing the bus situation from 2016 vs. 2021. This year, being extremely surprised, was a greeter to meet everyone at the airport. He had a list of all the individuals that were arriving, and the experience was a huge improvement over my first year in 2016 where we had to wander around, call, and track down the area where I was being picked up. Kudos to GNI for working on the bus arrangement and making it a better experience. </p><p>When I arrived at camp, I was somewhat late for my first session of the "Celebrating the Body Electric" (CBE) class, which began at 5 p.m. that Friday (this was a workshop I decided to take this year). After notifying my CBE contact, it was time for supper at camp. After supper, I took off to the location where the workshop was being held, and the second part began that evening. My contact stated that I didn't miss anything, so I didn't feel that bad when the bus driver had no clue how to get to camp (which is why I arrived late). The class usually begins on Friday, normally when arrival registration is over and lasts to Sunday at 5 p.m. After two days of the class, I was super-charged with energy and excitement. Sunday was very intense and emotional for me. I don't want to spoil it for anyone. However, if interested in learning more about this experience, contact <a href="http://bodyelectric.org">bodyelectric.org</a> and tell them Derek mentioned it in his BuffBuzz article. For me, it was an educational and enlightening experience. I hear there are other classes for which I plan to investigate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RVkRcoPn-ZM0t17xSTZgijY_vdBe36Y15_qwVCDRn5ZhvI-rBLo_Iol_klf-ukZyLY0coEAcgxMqanvH8Xw0wkjGK22N_iM04si9vFCMVVlrzoXTjs8ibnU-A9W5CQrdnbSkb2p_KuuJ/s1457/DerekNF2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="821" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RVkRcoPn-ZM0t17xSTZgijY_vdBe36Y15_qwVCDRn5ZhvI-rBLo_Iol_klf-ukZyLY0coEAcgxMqanvH8Xw0wkjGK22N_iM04si9vFCMVVlrzoXTjs8ibnU-A9W5CQrdnbSkb2p_KuuJ/s320/DerekNF2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>Even though I was late for the first hour of the class, I was the hospitable person as I ran across a newbie on the bus who ended up also being in my cabin. I, being the outgoing southern guy, showed him where the cabin was and provided some assistance the next few days by printing off the schedule. It was a great feeling for me to help someone new get acclimated to camp.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaXmErEe_avlvWWTC-JffAg8JZKyOdFs0N8-iI2zj7y45OZro5RhMBTsnAxG_G6leRrXhLWfAsI-3gpsBZBvJFN709bsZOmL6LjBKt_XFEdHXwAHRLxKxvhgEdM4zQ3yFn-kDNBZdVTLy/s1430/DerekNF3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1430" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaXmErEe_avlvWWTC-JffAg8JZKyOdFs0N8-iI2zj7y45OZro5RhMBTsnAxG_G6leRrXhLWfAsI-3gpsBZBvJFN709bsZOmL6LjBKt_XFEdHXwAHRLxKxvhgEdM4zQ3yFn-kDNBZdVTLy/s320/DerekNF3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Remember in my previous article that I stated I would work out in the gym in the buff? Well, I did it and had my cabinmate take a bunch of pictures. You know the recent saying in social media, "picture or it didn't happen." :-) Additionally, I did some walking in the morning to enjoy some nude outside time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLErRfmU1pCLxgWdYeOlzkYsjXF5dM_VQpK9MLsLjc9enwFfaiQK8PR5Coo8GrHs8zlktGsDJD6XfpxT-oLXrvDGi-05tQI6PoVvnPNEzeeCLnAV5fMTIP2adDhvpX2kSRfT9vJc2-qj3h/s916/DerekNF4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="916" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLErRfmU1pCLxgWdYeOlzkYsjXF5dM_VQpK9MLsLjc9enwFfaiQK8PR5Coo8GrHs8zlktGsDJD6XfpxT-oLXrvDGi-05tQI6PoVvnPNEzeeCLnAV5fMTIP2adDhvpX2kSRfT9vJc2-qj3h/s320/DerekNF4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The nightly events were created for one's enjoyment. Many of those I attended either filled me with elation and/or laughter. Whether attending this year or my previous year, it is still hosted by many talented individuals.</p><p>I wanted to learn more about the BDSM world. I signed up for classes at Kink University (three of them on Sunday and three of them on Wednesday at the LeatherWerks cabin). This was illuminating as I knew even in this world, there are varying degrees of participation in the community. One special class I really enjoyed was the rope one where I was able to work on my knots (thanks Dan). The other was to learn Shibari (Thanks Andy). Shibari is a Japanese style of bondage. It's known as a kink but it's more than that. It's a kind of art. While tying the rope around someone's body, you're making different patterns and connecting with that person. The positions you have to be in while being tied aren't usually comfortable, but it's more about the journey than about the destination.</p><p>Below you'll find a selfie of me and I was not smiling. However, I wanted to show off the beautiful design of the rope harness.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOED_7DSDBuZjFghFIGgk-ell958Z6yIZIor5yBLbqi9vnNxyCMM-ABA3R2j0FMN6eBxA24VOgUVHAxgkhUICBAkA_u_YPiafUD4miPTKx-bRg3mLdIkgNuXcox86QD21VGjApS1a38Goz/s1286/DerekNF5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="727" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOED_7DSDBuZjFghFIGgk-ell958Z6yIZIor5yBLbqi9vnNxyCMM-ABA3R2j0FMN6eBxA24VOgUVHAxgkhUICBAkA_u_YPiafUD4miPTKx-bRg3mLdIkgNuXcox86QD21VGjApS1a38Goz/s320/DerekNF5.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br /><p>Friday, while in Kink University class, I ran into a guy and we started a conversation. I had never been in the "Dungeon" at the Pocono Eagle. This is an extra fee if one wants to have a "scene." A scene is a roleplay with another guy. After a few classes, I wanted to try it.</p><p>This guy had been a submissive (sub) for three years and wanted to learn more about being a dominant (dom). He said one can't be a good dom unless he understands the sub-part. Since I took the dom and sub classes, I was up for trying either part. We discussed a scene, and it was bondage with sensory added. It was a remarkable experience as the guy was aware of how to conduct it. At the end of the scene, I asked if he had a good time and he said he did. I know I had a good time and we know the others watching had a good time too ;) While I used to think it was just about "active and passive" roles, I now know it is so much more than that.</p><p>I'm extremely grateful for this guy who gave me my first Dungeon experience. As another person I spoke with stated, "the dom is supposed to make you want to come back for more." I can say, this dom did it correctly as I could easily come back to him and want more. :)</p><p>Granted, this was probably a vanilla scene compared to others. I didn't know anything about him and so the initial discussion of what we would and would not do needed to happen with us. I became totally comfortable with this person as we chatted. The important take-away is if one wants to try something, GNI naked camp is the safest place to do it when it comes to the BDSM side of things. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6semvmlDKDBMH9Lv5KHV_iI4gAp6lp5_zqchI8ZCGeDRWD24dDMK2Vv_0xLrf6px3JoRZ9IYXfjSLk8PwuCbD6HvFlMocZsjsPnACDTr2UXOvXYhzfgvIiwcx658N9gDJXSDuj4UYifA6/s1980/DerekNF6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="1118" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6semvmlDKDBMH9Lv5KHV_iI4gAp6lp5_zqchI8ZCGeDRWD24dDMK2Vv_0xLrf6px3JoRZ9IYXfjSLk8PwuCbD6HvFlMocZsjsPnACDTr2UXOvXYhzfgvIiwcx658N9gDJXSDuj4UYifA6/s320/DerekNF6.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br /><p>I didn't get to play volleyball. However, my schedule allowed me to take "Country Line Dance Lessons." After the lessons were over, there were two professional dance instructors who provided opportunities for dancing. Additionally, someone I met at CBE was also there and wanted to work on his two-step. Since I can two-step, I was able to instruct him on how to count it. When I danced with the professionals, I worked on my "following" which leads with the right foot. Normally I two-step with my left foot first, which is "leading." </p><p>I made additional acquaintances during the week, and many have "Facebook friend me." Moreover, there were two social hour events in which I really enjoyed wearing my costumes. One was "50 Shades of Black" and the other was "Animal Husbandry." I had other costumes. However, there are some creative people when it comes to costumes at GNI. Below are my two costumes: one was a slave and one was a tiger or might have been "Tigger the Tiger" as I do have energy. :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vOczxx3II7kGiaG5HsYjOw3WMjeGufmiPKEP9zHzSXB8CtrnThRONyluMuhwnJnOucGp9TNQkkJzh8W6-IqujJcHihtwT7By52JEapNVER_wyhYtrJRKr6MmXh0x7Byjxs4EIgPEGJQ_/s886/DerekNF7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vOczxx3II7kGiaG5HsYjOw3WMjeGufmiPKEP9zHzSXB8CtrnThRONyluMuhwnJnOucGp9TNQkkJzh8W6-IqujJcHihtwT7By52JEapNVER_wyhYtrJRKr6MmXh0x7Byjxs4EIgPEGJQ_/s320/DerekNF7.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdzWdvKFEBq2o7Q6w1gg9W-MW7dV3m25s4-5qyN0gU61DaLzhFo_hcowSRMckFYtl1oVEaERwCP2K4l473H2ZOuH_H8EH1wzSvRAi_NNltzCHpBtIC9TC7s87-OhLTgT8sqTz1acEM6KS/s913/DerekNF8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdzWdvKFEBq2o7Q6w1gg9W-MW7dV3m25s4-5qyN0gU61DaLzhFo_hcowSRMckFYtl1oVEaERwCP2K4l473H2ZOuH_H8EH1wzSvRAi_NNltzCHpBtIC9TC7s87-OhLTgT8sqTz1acEM6KS/s320/DerekNF8.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXN-TliqCihE8P7iyRmeGbIlV7fWvf7H-hyNP27_wtHflEos47U1A7PoO-m90-W_RRRIFqycSDiBZdZsW-tkML3aAqG3WTutsVUstBMaA6Whhox7e7DEFv0WPcro9O3VSjmE30pyQB21L/s834/DerekNF9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXN-TliqCihE8P7iyRmeGbIlV7fWvf7H-hyNP27_wtHflEos47U1A7PoO-m90-W_RRRIFqycSDiBZdZsW-tkML3aAqG3WTutsVUstBMaA6Whhox7e7DEFv0WPcro9O3VSjmE30pyQB21L/s320/DerekNF9.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>Circling back to the statement at the beginning: one makes NakedFest or The Gathering what he wants it to be. The good news, GNI camp can be what is needed for that year. I tailored my first year being social and attended some GNI sessions. This year, I added Kink University classes. Additionally, I met those who I knew from the past and met more people this year. As I evolve, my next time may be something different or may be something more of a combination. </p><p>I hope I have provided some insight as a second-timer. Even I experienced GNI camp differently than last time, as interests have changed for me. Moreover, being there more than once, getting to know more people there, I have become somewhat "family." I saw people I have seen in my past. Although I need to work on names, faces I don't forget. </p><p>Until next time I can be with my GNI family, stay safe and be well.</p><p>Derek</p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-88803357334715945172021-08-17T09:37:00.001-07:002021-08-17T10:34:46.069-07:00NakedFest 2021: Second Time Around - Thoughts From a Returning Member<p> Article by Derek Ledbetter - GNI Member</p><p>Foreward by Johnny Konapelsky - GNI BuffBuzz Editor</p><p>Hey guys! With NakedFest about to start very soon, I have one more article in our member experience series for you all. This time we have Derek Ledbetter who attended a Gathering in the past. This is his first NakedFest. I thought it would be interesting to have an article this time from someone who has been to a NakedFest/Gathering-type event before so that he can write about his expectations in this article as someone who is not new to the whole concept. Again, this will be a 2-part series in which Derek will write a review article next month when he gets back so make sure you keep your eyes out for that one. Until then, enjoy this article by Derek.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>As I reminisce about my first experience, from the get-go of announcing NakedFest 2021, I've been excited to return to the Poconos where enjoying up to 1.5 weeks of nudism is the original fundamental goal.</p><p>My first time, I arrived back in 2016, at a regular Gathering event. I was somewhat apprehensive about showing up as a "newbie" and didn't know what to expect. Because I knew I enjoyed being nude in a social setting, I did eventually become more comfortable. Arriving from the bus, members and staff of GNI greeted us and provided direction, and assisted in getting me settled in for the start of my adventure in the buff. I will say that being a part of Mingle (Zoom) first-timer orientation meeting recently was a bonus as I was unaware of the entire map of the camp.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluz23d2dP2omWphdqeRn4Namhz0KbzWJMimCsOE96QmY8T-kaV3DUS6xLDVkLCBMOEvtZxR-3N-dg2NoI4pnSgY1-f2KsnE5e7Vt2RZeo5Pf6pQyeM0gwuTOXwrPUmM1HfKqvzfrE5us0/s1024/PhotoGrid_1472605658095.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluz23d2dP2omWphdqeRn4Namhz0KbzWJMimCsOE96QmY8T-kaV3DUS6xLDVkLCBMOEvtZxR-3N-dg2NoI4pnSgY1-f2KsnE5e7Vt2RZeo5Pf6pQyeM0gwuTOXwrPUmM1HfKqvzfrE5us0/s320/PhotoGrid_1472605658095.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a clothed shot for you guys.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Pondering on returning, I get excited about being with like-minded individuals who understand the nudist lifestyle. This time, I know a bit more than last time and hopefully, I can participate and have a grand old time (like I ended up having in 2016). The other new edition is the virtual calendar (NakedFest app/website) found online at <a href="https://eventmobi.com/gni2021/">https://eventmobi.com/gni2021/</a>. For the record, in my opinion, this is a must-have item to have on your phone/tablet/computer so you can see the vast and diverse areas of amusement, enjoyment, and merrymaking.</p><p>This year, my second time, I have quite a few things I am going to explore that I wasn't able to back in 2016. I plan to work out in the gym (nude of course) and get some pictures. Another new thing I want to experience is to watch and possibly participate in educating myself in the BDSM world. I know nothing about this sect of the community. However, I'm trying to be open-minded and learn about other cultures that I know exist yet have never been a part of in my past. Who knows, I might discover something about myself, which to me, is growing in my world. While I know I will need a vacation from my vacation, I only get 9 days to do it "in the nude." </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9shNcdOWYgzQnL3Q0h9iqkzjSZIxn7_xKyQ9y30iSFJ2y8zfPsmUo0yFwOxHFhBOhDUo4YEJrlRPJgWcvfy8zLRhgolJYSVWWcybs7VYUM46-t0qC0j9h0tkXeWVPxK0WTunEuxQTsMe/s2048/20160825_171300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9shNcdOWYgzQnL3Q0h9iqkzjSZIxn7_xKyQ9y30iSFJ2y8zfPsmUo0yFwOxHFhBOhDUo4YEJrlRPJgWcvfy8zLRhgolJYSVWWcybs7VYUM46-t0qC0j9h0tkXeWVPxK0WTunEuxQTsMe/s320/20160825_171300.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoping to get more into the leather scene this year.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The things I did last time were playing games such as volleyball, croquet, Twister, and going to line dance lessons. I also enjoyed many of the theme nights and dressing up in costumes. Also, another highlight was making new friends, many of which I've stayed in touch with and visited after the Gathering. I did attend the body painting as a watcher and at the end, a guy laid hands on me, thus the picture below of the hands.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2D4WJNwf4KrysUN3ksJalzRZ0rwSmgKEu4OgwDlEhq7ISBLTQH5AKhN4yq4EbKGW1RW0URnUXhyphenhyphen4oajqQo4tJD33XNi0JAd5VfKEDPosv9JTAcC_rCAvXxpV3ExSwLnDsyqwz1j4n5J2/s4608/SAM_2251.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2D4WJNwf4KrysUN3ksJalzRZ0rwSmgKEu4OgwDlEhq7ISBLTQH5AKhN4yq4EbKGW1RW0URnUXhyphenhyphen4oajqQo4tJD33XNi0JAd5VfKEDPosv9JTAcC_rCAvXxpV3ExSwLnDsyqwz1j4n5J2/s320/SAM_2251.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bodypaint of hands on me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Don't forget the dances and please make sure you visit the "host cabins," as they are always full of delight. The participants at GNI are extremely creative. Moreover, try to catch the shows and nightly entertainment. They have always provided jollification. I was even drafted into a show last time since they needed another baton twirler.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCFmH7DgLlb-wzozxSwhFxv4Jo9s8eUcxwOrP3EL-t-MEJDHP_TWOoWM8t-t-lXCiOoTVyxSKdCmKA3VyR73hrE5DPm8rTYfiHWu-aIk30Q7N15p0ONwatg9H_1LB8-hrH5pXMCKa0Rrq/s4608/SAM_2274.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCFmH7DgLlb-wzozxSwhFxv4Jo9s8eUcxwOrP3EL-t-MEJDHP_TWOoWM8t-t-lXCiOoTVyxSKdCmKA3VyR73hrE5DPm8rTYfiHWu-aIk30Q7N15p0ONwatg9H_1LB8-hrH5pXMCKa0Rrq/s320/SAM_2274.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twirling that baton the best I could.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>When I think about what I will miss at NakedFest this year is some of the guys I met in 2016. I have contacted them and unfortunately, they are not coming this year. </p><p>As I finish my packing and prepare for my NakedFest trip, I know my second time at camp will be even more enjoyable than the first. I am coming with an open mind and looking forward to learning about other guys' worlds and cultures. </p><p>If you happen to see me there, say hi. I am looking forward to meeting many of my comrades there. Have a great NakedFest 2021 everyone! </p><p><br /></p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-51488546362833181812021-08-15T13:49:00.005-07:002021-08-17T10:22:34.365-07:00NakedFest 2021 - Have Pictures to Share? We Have a Place to Post Them!<p> By Johnny Konapelsky - GNI BuffBuzz Editor</p><p>Hey guys! NakedFest is right around the corner. I know everyone is super excited about getting there and beginning to experience everything this event has to offer. And one of the big things that will be happening almost everywhere you look is picture taking. Be it with a cell phone or an actual digital camera, photos will be snapped all over camp every day. But where can you post them? I have the answer for you.</p><p>But first, a <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">disclaimer:</u> if you are taking pictures of anyone else besides yourself at camp, <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">please</u> keep an eye out for the name tags from the other attendees. What you need to look for is a red dot or a red bar on their name tag. If you see this, that means this individual is not comfortable with the concept of having their picture taken. So please be respectful and do not take their picture and/or make sure they are not anywhere in the photo frame. If you don't see a red dot/bar on their tag, then snap away. (Helpful hint: ask guys for their names/social media usernames so you can tag them when you post up their pictures online.)</p><p>Now I promised you a moment ago where you can share these pictures. Here's the answer: GNI's social media groups on Facebook and the MeWe app. :)</p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>The Facebook group can be found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/515085762003505" target="_blank">here</a> or by searching for Gay Naturists International. I strongly suggest joining if you haven't done so already. All you have to do is answer a few questions and you will be accepted after we review your application. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVpZX7wLPoSm2uj1Yz1o6WAibfSMHplt1RyY3Mj9OYMpaYjkN6poe38vkecjumrGjeIbXel6Mf7tsyV0v_xDjB3tw4tUPo3jn_W84Plw80N7s0Y3iIicOugvLOxuA5bIMBmeV-JOJV-9L/s1410/IMG_0721.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVpZX7wLPoSm2uj1Yz1o6WAibfSMHplt1RyY3Mj9OYMpaYjkN6poe38vkecjumrGjeIbXel6Mf7tsyV0v_xDjB3tw4tUPo3jn_W84Plw80N7s0Y3iIicOugvLOxuA5bIMBmeV-JOJV-9L/s320/IMG_0721.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facebook GNI Group on cell phone FB app.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Now a few important notes when posting pictures to Facebook. </p><p>#1 Unfortunately, the FB bots are very anti-nudity. So the first most important note is to censor any penises that are in the picture. Go through the picture closely and censor, censor, censor. Thankfully butts are allowed to be in the pictures. </p><p>#2 The next note is to make sure that no one is standing in a sexually suggestive position. So no spread legs, no looking up point of view, things of that nature. Just natural poses or cool action shots of guys having a good time are great. </p><p>#3 If you plan on posting multiple pictures, Facebook (and MeWe) will allow you to add many pictures to one posting. So add a bunch of pictures if you want or just do one at a time as you take them. </p><p>#4 And lastly (this goes for MeWe too) make sure every picture posting has a caption/description. That way we know where it was taken or what was going on in the shot. If a caption/description is not added, you may be contacted by me asking you to repost with a caption/description. So make sure you always add one. </p><span></span><span><!--more--></span><p>Now if you want more freedom in your posting and don't want to have to worry and waste time with censoring penises in your pictures, then the next option might be the best for you. And that's the group we have on the MeWe social media app. You can find it <b><a href="https://mewe.com/join/gay_naturists_intl_gni" target="_blank">here</a></b>. Again, just like Facebook, I strongly recommend joining this group as well. The great thing about MeWe is that the app does allow full frontal uncensored nudity. So you don't have to censor any images whatsoever. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgC94sHzJEcb4JMDqCGAT2gPJUho29ZVyHtAHzcFvhTekMlsHz0OGNRf8ncG7kVDBLjLTfxPvleztnW8nIVR9bN16_oK3renwvGeoUlzf3WYw570XR8mNCR3fTFhAm27IFLGqyTvqt1AZ/s1810/IMG_0722.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgC94sHzJEcb4JMDqCGAT2gPJUho29ZVyHtAHzcFvhTekMlsHz0OGNRf8ncG7kVDBLjLTfxPvleztnW8nIVR9bN16_oK3renwvGeoUlzf3WYw570XR8mNCR3fTFhAm27IFLGqyTvqt1AZ/s320/IMG_0722.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MeWe group page on MeWe mobile app</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>There are also a few rules for MeWe:</p><p>#1 No sexually explicit images. Since you don't have to censor images, penises will be shown. Please make sure that there are no erect penises in the shots and no sexually suggestive positions. No bending over, no spread-eagle, and no looking up point of view. </p><p>#2 Just like with Facebook all images must include a caption/description before being submitted. Feel free to take members if they are ok with it (and they are in the picture and not a red dot/red bar attendee). </p><p>#3 Do not post pictures in the chat room. Please post all pictures in the main group/main posting area. </p><p>#4 Feel free to post your pictures in groups just like mentioned earlier to make it easier for members to see them. Or you can post them one at a time as you take them. </p><span><!--more--></span><p>And there you go guys, you have two great options to share your pictures online: the GNI groups on Facebook and MeWe. Join the groups and add your pictures. It's a great way to ensure your images will be saved in case you lose them and for all members (including those not attending) to see how much fun you're having. If you have any questions about the social media apps feel free to ask any of the GNI board members at NakedFest or private message me online and we'll do our best to help you out. Have a great NakedFest 2021!!!!!! </p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-67275254849221756112021-08-15T13:02:00.006-07:002021-08-17T09:52:21.348-07:00The NakedFest Mobile App/Website - THE Must Have App/Website At a Glance<p> By Seth Paronick - GNI Member</p><p>As a reminder, especially for first-time attendees, all the information about NakedFest (including the very important detailed schedule) is available on a mobile app that can be found here: <a href="http://eventmobi.com/GNI2021">eventmobi.com/GNI2021</a>. <i>BuffBuzz </i>last carried a brief tutorial three years ago that you <b>read <a href="https://www.buffbuzz.men/2018/08/how-to-bookmark-and-access-gni-online.html?zx=e3048489524f90e2" target="_blank">here</a>. </b></p><p>To summarize, sign in with your e-mail address to make the app yours. You can then select any scheduled item to make a unique schedule of your own. You can even message others who also have signed up. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecGdJRlyDWj7M2UYgIqZM83IO5KfTJA8AKrcYLWTSX-XoO1wBqPCTruGArnHGPLr08uUNYHwn5rJ6uLGnPcMJHIHb1bqeWxFDKnIO0CI2aDKqPSLr2baht2C73DigYnQ6SDJIoGeuPRnF/s440/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecGdJRlyDWj7M2UYgIqZM83IO5KfTJA8AKrcYLWTSX-XoO1wBqPCTruGArnHGPLr08uUNYHwn5rJ6uLGnPcMJHIHb1bqeWxFDKnIO0CI2aDKqPSLr2baht2C73DigYnQ6SDJIoGeuPRnF/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snapshot of GNI NakedFest App Home Screen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Look at the app in advance of your arrival at NakedFest so that you know what you expect. If you plan to use the app on a smartphone or a tablet, temporarily save it as your home page (See the tutorial link above for instructions).</p><p>Of course, if you don't have or don't plan to carry a device with you, you may check each day's schedule on the official bulletin boards or print a copy to take with you at the Print Kiosk. </p><p>Enjoy using the NakedFest app, it will become your new best friend and a constant source of information. See you guys at NakedFest! </p><p><br /></p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-47151265902299685302021-08-15T12:38:00.001-07:002021-08-17T08:20:05.860-07:00NakedFest 2021: Preview Thoughts From a New Nudist First Timer <p> Article by James G. - GNI Member</p><p>Foreward by Johnny Konapelsky - BuffBuzz Editor</p><p><br /></p><p>Hey guys. We have another NakedFest first-timer perspective article for you to check out. What makes this article a bit different is that James G. will not only be experiencing NakedFest for the first time, but he's also pretty new to the nudist lifestyle. So he's taking a flying leap into nudism and going outside his comfort zone. This will also be a 2-part article. Below you will find his impressions and feelings before attending NakedFest. Next month you will be able to read about James's experience afterwards and find out exactly how things went for him. Enjoy the article guys! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Hello fellow GNI members. So where to start...As a recently out gay man in my 50s, I wanted to explore not only my "new" identity but my desire to look into nudism. I have been to a few nude beaches over the years but never have I spent days naked with a group of gay men. The thought is exciting, liberating, and terrifying all at the same time. Will it be fun? Will I be able to relax and enjoy my time there? Will people talk to me or will I be lonely in a sea of naked gay men? All of these thoughts and many others have run through my mind.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH89MlGMHlHvcHkL0M8qyvyTChFH17zh2ieaRBjvsYX-3GNuc8KyW73I5wDBILjvZLn7OJNeT4SNx4zy9dFV84CVqLblxWeofRr87J9UqIWfRZ8eTRoS7l4aVvhQTulJBOuKd0VlTPsYtt/s2048/JamesGrayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH89MlGMHlHvcHkL0M8qyvyTChFH17zh2ieaRBjvsYX-3GNuc8KyW73I5wDBILjvZLn7OJNeT4SNx4zy9dFV84CVqLblxWeofRr87J9UqIWfRZ8eTRoS7l4aVvhQTulJBOuKd0VlTPsYtt/s320/JamesGrayer.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a picture of myself relaxing at home</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As I shared my plans with people I know, some on social media platforms and some in person, reactions were mixed. Some supportive and some more incredulous. "Why?" was a question I often got as a response. The answer in my mind is clear: I know I enjoy nudism but to what extent should I make it more a part of my life? Also, as I came out about 3 and a half years ago, a lot of that time was in isolation due to COVID. As a result, socializing with gay men and finding a new community have been tough. I came to realize what better way to go all-in than by going to a gathering of naked men. That's when I decided to sign up for NakedFest (although only for a half week - just in case). </p><p>While I am very nervous about being naked for those few days and what people will think about my body, I am hopeful that I will find a group of like-minded guys with who I can relax and enjoy being in their company. While I am looking forward to some of the classes, particularly yoga, I am more interested in getting to know people and enjoying the company of the other guys there. I know I will be nervous and be too shy to introduce myself and become part of the community. Additionally, I am looking forward to dancing naked and just being free to enjoy myself. I think my ultimate main goal from NakedFest is to find a group of new friends, a new community, and to deepen my understanding of my desire to spend more time naked. In short, I am hoping to get over my nervousness and just to have fun. </p><p>Btw, if you see me at NakedFest, please say hi as I may be too nervous to do so myself. See you guys at NakedFest!</p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-53802540914023434182021-08-14T13:15:00.000-07:002021-08-14T13:15:54.693-07:00NakedFest 2021: A First-Timer's Thoughts Before Arriving<p>Article by Jeffrey Egan - GNI Member</p><p>Forward by Johnny Konapelsky - BuffBuzz Editor</p><p>Forward:</p><p>As a neat perspective to NakedFest this year, I was able to get first-timer Jeffrey Egan to write about his thoughts right before he leaves for the campground. This will be a two-part series. In this first article, he will tell you about what he is feeling and plans to experience before NakedFest starts. In the second article, Jeffrey will tell you about his feelings when he gets home from the Poconos. He will let you know what he ended up doing and how the event ended up meeting his expectations. So enjoy part 1 and stay on the lookout next month (September) for part 2. Thanks BuffBuzz readers!! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>Hello Naked friends! NakedFest is upon us very soon. I started going over my checklist and packing today for my first NakedFest experience. Packing is pretty easy; no need for pants. Before I talk more about how I'm feeling about NakedFest, let me tell you a little about myself. I've been a naturist all of my adult life. Even when I was a kid, I looked for reasons or chances to get naked. For example, when my parents left me home alone, I was in our backyard in the woods naked. Or friends playing in the woods would say "it's hot! Let's go for a dip in the stream." I'd be naked in the water and the others would usually join in too. And if a neighbor was gone on vacation, we'd use their pool. Whenever I got the chance to get naked, I took it. I still hardly ever wear clothes at home and seek out clothing optional locations for vacations. I'm fortunate to now live in Vermont where there is no shortage of clothing-optional swimming holes.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9M-_ROnlk0NTNth6z6xRaH63OQ7S9JwSTYGlG_sa4ztI_S1tdMazqZpK_mS5aIrG42cV4fpkQ4I5wNA30b3-mtOlYMtolT-v2fnqR5L3yvzDI0maVrjyzFQK5nGdjA52CstGAy14rV80/s741/JeffEgan1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="741" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9M-_ROnlk0NTNth6z6xRaH63OQ7S9JwSTYGlG_sa4ztI_S1tdMazqZpK_mS5aIrG42cV4fpkQ4I5wNA30b3-mtOlYMtolT-v2fnqR5L3yvzDI0maVrjyzFQK5nGdjA52CstGAy14rV80/s320/JeffEgan1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Rock River in Newfane, Vermont in 2008</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I have been aware of the GNI Gathering for years. Unfortunately, I had not had the opportunity to attend until this year. Expectations are high of course with nothing much happening in over a year and an almost 30-year history of GNI hosting Gathering-type events annually. I'm very sure NakedFest will not disappoint. The classes and events planned look amazing and very diverse. There is something for everyone. I'm going to try to get a little bit out of my comfort zone and try some new things. I'm intrigued by some of the LeatherWerks workshops. And since I had a friend once ask me, "how can you be gay and not dance?", I'm going to give line-dancing a try. Yoga, wrestling, volleyball, running, massage, and doing it all naked? What's not to like. My philosophy is everything is better when done naked and with chocolate. Maybe that could be a future class? Life penis castings in chocolate. Make one of your own or a friend. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPJnc941wIzFber7NA1GWbhH9ux64KhULS2jAfJG_T3yhq2c7TPfH8EnMCtt464Iz6BhRYt-K_SN1E7Afvcj361cpbS_p7zJqsgPI2K3LuYKGf8glskKJh0OYXsfrCkI8I9_7uoTxKP4g/s798/JeffEgan2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="798" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPJnc941wIzFber7NA1GWbhH9ux64KhULS2jAfJG_T3yhq2c7TPfH8EnMCtt464Iz6BhRYt-K_SN1E7Afvcj361cpbS_p7zJqsgPI2K3LuYKGf8glskKJh0OYXsfrCkI8I9_7uoTxKP4g/s320/JeffEgan2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the ledges in Wilmington, Vermont</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p>Of course with the crazy year and a half we have had with COVID, I have gained the dreaded extra 20 pounds or so. I'm definitely not going into this looking my best. And I have been pretty isolated over the last 16 months. I hope I can still be fun and entertaining like I used to be. I'm also hoping to come to terms with my new dad bod. But I am looking forward to making some new friends and maybe get motivated to get out more and try some new things. I hope to meet all you beautiful nude men at NakedFest. If you see me, say hi. </p><p>See you soon,</p><p>Jeff Egan</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauzCoM7qS6TSZM7PqoVGBCGARxUBgD61ZUtaS3LF_z_QT1-rQfMLGrs554QroSXcGdW7ms4D8feTEbInmR4ak-jHP4BJFUYtXBgq9wCDBpL0twK6A-h6cf8EFlKjhwhjKtRqqvTm8TJkV/s1503/JeffEgan3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1503" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauzCoM7qS6TSZM7PqoVGBCGARxUBgD61ZUtaS3LF_z_QT1-rQfMLGrs554QroSXcGdW7ms4D8feTEbInmR4ak-jHP4BJFUYtXBgq9wCDBpL0twK6A-h6cf8EFlKjhwhjKtRqqvTm8TJkV/s320/JeffEgan3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of a friend's house after a bit too much sun in 2010. Make sure you lotion the tender bits; this sucked.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-15964234035695125082021-08-13T13:03:00.001-07:002021-08-17T09:33:20.420-07:00Naturist Action Committee (NAC) Comes to NakedFest <p>By Seth Paronick - GNI Member</p><p><br /></p><p>The <b>Naturist Action Committee (NAC)</b> and the associated <b>Naturist Education Foundation (NEF)</b> are coming to NakedFest, and GNI is delighted to (re)introduce them to you!</p><p><br />NAC advances and protects the rights and interests of naturists throughout North America and supports the responsible recreational nude use of public lands. NEF is dedicated to improving the awareness of naturism and body acceptance among both naturists and non-naturists and to achieving an understanding and acceptance of naturists and their activities throughout North America. NAC is the political adjunct, and NEF is the informational and educational adjunct, to <a href="https://naturistsociety.com/" target="_blank">The Naturist Society Foundation</a>, from which GNI originated. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhNC0iP4LwcgkJSRd3icer134zvLoP4vBaNoYc9_LRtq_zKXcgEnM9Jy5P5-gqn_aLlZmex-DbYiTsM7YOYYgC53ZGA4h5jBC0fwjgFjoBTK1W9IEJHeFCddBqE6yHL95ZW2CxONZ7KS2/s254/NAC+Silent+Auction.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="223" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhNC0iP4LwcgkJSRd3icer134zvLoP4vBaNoYc9_LRtq_zKXcgEnM9Jy5P5-gqn_aLlZmex-DbYiTsM7YOYYgC53ZGA4h5jBC0fwjgFjoBTK1W9IEJHeFCddBqE6yHL95ZW2CxONZ7KS2/s0/NAC+Silent+Auction.png" width="223" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><u>Learn about and support NAC and NEF at NakedFest! Here's how: </u></b></p><p>(Click/tap on each link below for details. Links will open up and provide details in the 2021 NakedFest app.)</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Join in</b> <a href="https://eventmobi.com/gni2021/agenda/e6eca050-f10f-4048-afe0-b756f032fd63/e840f20c-3fd3-4a3e-9fb8-859edd270af5" target="_blank"><b>NAC's Social Hour</b></a>, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Legally Nude</i>, on <b>Friday, August 20th, at 8:30 p.m. </b>in the Main Gym (Add it <i>now </i>to your 2021 NakedFest app schedule so you don't forget!) It is hosted by <a href="https://eventmobi.com/gni2021/people/cbb034a0-b7b2-449e-a2bd-21aa31693aa7/person/026d5791-ceba-4e64-9a49-7f3d936bc5a1" target="_blank">Jim Dickey</a>, NAC/NEF Board Secretary.<span><a name='more'></a></span></li><li><b>Participate as a donor and/or bidder in the annual <a href="https://eventmobi.com/gni2021/agenda/e6eca050-f10f-4048-afe0-b756f032fd63/7df14a14-3d91-4d56-91b2-74413843fe29" target="_blank">NAC Silent Auction</a>. </b>(Add it <i>now </i>to your 2021 NakedFest app schedule so that you don't forget!) Do you have a lamp, book, DVD(s), frame, art object, or other surplus items in excellent condition? Instead of selling it at a yard sale, bring it to NakedFest and donate it to the auction. Proceeds benefit NAC. Drop off donated auction items at the GNI Business Office during posted hours, but <i>no later than Wednesday, August 25th, at 10 a.m. </i>The auction takes place on <b>Thursday, August 26th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. </b>in the Crafts Tent area, across from the dining halls.<span><!--more--></span></li><li><b>Attend any of <a href="https://eventmobi.com/gni2021/agenda/e6eca050-f10f-4048-afe0-b756f032fd63/groups/b17231ff-acab-40c5-b637-2a95a0862315" target="_blank">NAC's <i>eight</i>(!) workshops</a> </b>on current and potential challenges and opportunities facing naturist interests in North America. (Add each one <i>now </i>that you want to attend to your 2021 NakedFest app schedule so that you don't forget!) They are led by <a href="https://eventmobi.com/gni2021/people/cbb034a0-b7b2-449e-a2bd-21aa31693aa7/f8fed993-3771-4054-9b63-2384b9e12010" target="_blank">Bill Schroer</a>, Chairman of the NAC Board of Directors, <b>morning through early afternoon on Thursday and Friday </b>(with a two-hour break for lunch) and <b>morning only on Saturday, August 26th-28th. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHACPORBz2E-_rivLc3QpvWQVOn5SjMmQQujjcoUg99_m0gL_r9ZFN-J3ygpSDXGkBSaIDC3lH58UWaAiv3pk7YbDNkB9nfAKqOHrf7XfD6rQa_KN28Y8UYCOgak1O2RDHqCsueXzwSCXF/s254/NAC-NEF+2021+track.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="253" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHACPORBz2E-_rivLc3QpvWQVOn5SjMmQQujjcoUg99_m0gL_r9ZFN-J3ygpSDXGkBSaIDC3lH58UWaAiv3pk7YbDNkB9nfAKqOHrf7XfD6rQa_KN28Y8UYCOgak1O2RDHqCsueXzwSCXF/s0/NAC-NEF+2021+track.png" width="253" /></a><span><!--more--></span></div><br /></b></li><li><b>Hear the brief <a href="https://eventmobi.com/gni2021/agenda/e6eca050-f10f-4048-afe0-b756f032fd63/2c97cd6a-d091-4175-9ceb-ec324f025c36" target="_blank">NAC/NEF Update Speech</a> </b>in the Auditorium on <b>Thursday, August 26th, around 8:30 p.m. </b>(Add it <i>now </i>to your 2021 NakedFest app schedule so that you don't forget!) It takes place just before the Mr. GNI Contest.<span><!--more--></span></li><li><b>Donate directly to <a href="http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/" target="_blank">NAC</a> and/or <a href="http://www.naturisteducation.org/donate/" target="_blank">NEF</a>. </b>Drop off a check made out to Naturist Action Committee or Naturist Education Foundation at the GNI Business Office during posted hours or donate online via the above links. (You can do the latter whether or not you attend NakedFest). Donations to NAC are <i>not </i>tax-deductible because it engages in political lobbying, but donations to NEF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational and charitable foundation, are tax-deductible in most cases. Consult your tax professional for advice. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzjCmRSLhDDcg-IWOQrCWoo4HmYoAifRpF2WwDyFhmj85zBorstUUmkeTYOqBg2jH5TXJZZwGEUVpjc3BDwb3sTQYJWbArFBMjzZM2Ea9ih7yU0w3QF65ksT1WHy1CVG627KnxMkEoqBR/s554/NAC-NEF+NakedFest+poster+image.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="417" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzjCmRSLhDDcg-IWOQrCWoo4HmYoAifRpF2WwDyFhmj85zBorstUUmkeTYOqBg2jH5TXJZZwGEUVpjc3BDwb3sTQYJWbArFBMjzZM2Ea9ih7yU0w3QF65ksT1WHy1CVG627KnxMkEoqBR/s320/NAC-NEF+NakedFest+poster+image.png" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wildfyresociety.org/docs/NAC-NEF%202021%20NakedFest.pdf" target="_blank">Download NAC/NEF flyer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></li><span><!--more--></span><li><b>Donate in kind to the NEF Research Library. </b>If you have any historic club newsletters or other archival materials specifically about or pertaining to social nudity and they are in good condition, consider bringing them with you or <a href="http://www.naturisteducation.org/library/donate.html" target="_blank">send them to NEFRL</a>. </li></ol><p></p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-48776110476796778962021-06-24T15:24:00.000-07:002021-06-24T15:24:08.097-07:00Naturism and the Gay Body<p>Article By Timothy Sargent - Guest Writer</p><p>Introduction Paragraph by John Konapelsky - BuffBuzz Editor</p><p>As an organization, GNI is always keeping an eye on its social media accounts and recognizes the contributions of individuals and organizations who/that promote naturism. While looking through our Twitter feed recently (@gaynaturists), we ran across a blog that we thought you, our readers, would like as it embraces the spirit of naturism that GNI works hard to foster. This blog has been republished in its entirety with the permission of author Timothy Sargent. You can find more about his blog via Twitter @AlmostWildBlog or at his blog site at https://almostwild.wordpress.com/</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><u>Naturism and the Gay Body</u></b></span></p><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I am writing this piece—which I’ve been pondering and rethinking and stressing over for months now—in honor of Pride Month, in honor of being open and transparent about the stories that make us who we are, in hopes that it might resonate with others to help them feel emboldened to do the same. In the piece below, there are discussions of naturism, self-acceptance, coming out, sexuality, and how all of those facets intersect. I feel vulnerable publishing it, but I’m pushing through. Happy Pride, everyone.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">I am a 32 year-old gay man who grew up in a conservative, evangelical home on the outskirts of a small farming town. To say I’ve had issues with my body image is an understatement (my youth pastor wouldn’t even let boys and girls swim in the pool at the same time!) and all the evidence suggests that my experience is not an isolated one, but it’s also one that I have not had a great deal of opportunity or willingness to be open about with others. It always feels like a secret—a secret that I needed to keep because who else would understand? Who else would understand what havoc an evangelical upbringing can wreak on a young person grappling with thoughts and feelings that everyone around them was decrying as sinful, disgusting, ungodly, sickening, perverse, deviant… Who else would understand what that journey to self-acceptance and self-love looked like?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKE03nega2UIduK4YAIR-amudqU9syKgs-0NbcKQgGftRyxeddaC4B9A9X-2nv8BZX8UYNNclI1cess8iAQ9ZpE5Jtc1XGKqxq7VhbvDyO3CahfSxGn0shogWCrpc_Sua_O6_XGkK_OTF/s2048/Timothy+S+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKE03nega2UIduK4YAIR-amudqU9syKgs-0NbcKQgGftRyxeddaC4B9A9X-2nv8BZX8UYNNclI1cess8iAQ9ZpE5Jtc1XGKqxq7VhbvDyO3CahfSxGn0shogWCrpc_Sua_O6_XGkK_OTF/s320/Timothy+S+4.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">Several months ago, I reached out to Gay Naturists International (GNI), hoping to contextualize the path I had taken to where I am now. I consider myself a longtime naturist (or nudist, if you prefer): Discovering and practicing naturism has been an important part of my journey to feeling comfortable in this skin of mine, so I assumed this would be a perfect place to discuss how those identities intersect. In retrospect, I realize that what I was hoping to find was validation of my experience, to be reassured that my journey coming to terms with my body as a gay man was a universal one. When I sat down to speak with Nicholas Roessler, the young, ambitious, and well-spoken president of Gay Naturists International, I did not find quite what I was looking for. I think I found something better.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">I wanted my story to be part of a bigger, shared experience. I wanted to hear that lots of other gay men come to GNI having travelled the same path. What I came out of my conversation with Nicholas realizing was that our paths as gay men and as naturists are disparate and nuanced and diverse, but that an experience does not have to be universal for it to be meaningful or valid or even relatable, that we gain more from learning about each other’s diverse experiences than we could ever gain from all sharing the same perspective. Even among a group as niche as the gay naturist community, no two stories are the same… which leads me to what I have felt both nervous and compelled to share for some time now: My story.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">I don’t think there was ever any doubt growing up that I was different. I played with Barbies as much as I played with LEGOs, Princess Leia was my favorite Star Wars character, the first CD I bought was that Britney Spears album with the pink cover, all my friends were girls, and while the other boys in the family were going on hunting trips, I was hiding in my room organizing my Beanie Babies and rewatching Pocahontas. I also spent a lot of time running around naked, making excuses to take off my clothes and run through the sprinklers or up and down the stairs… which makes a lot of sense, in hindsight. I was also a very quiet, shy, well-behaved kid. I knew I was different, even at a very young age, and I was terrified of the rejection that I might face if the other boys realized it, if the adults around me realized it. So I did not let anyone in, I kept to myself, and I created my own worlds to inhabit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHRpxu5-lC_0WQ7lyzJzR7ddZlUDpwGrqv0mdddbh_QZQFvgdagNwxjFPxS-6wa1t3CwNNGOGZiRJnxw35cLxL2OiVKnCdelb79wKCOr7QbSRTCW3fFZsRhXYf5Gv0y6GRGQMDp0cRHwd/s1039/Timothy+S+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHRpxu5-lC_0WQ7lyzJzR7ddZlUDpwGrqv0mdddbh_QZQFvgdagNwxjFPxS-6wa1t3CwNNGOGZiRJnxw35cLxL2OiVKnCdelb79wKCOr7QbSRTCW3fFZsRhXYf5Gv0y6GRGQMDp0cRHwd/s320/Timothy+S+2.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">Then came puberty, which was particularly painful because not only was I suddenly six feet tall and skinny as a rail with acne and big feet and clothes that never fit quite right, but I was also struggling with a major conflict: The thoughts and feelings I was experiencing were the same ones that everyone in my life was telling me God hated and would send me to hell for. I felt unlovable, ugly, socially awkward, and <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">I couldn’t talk to anyone about it.</em> All I could do was isolate myself even more, and for a young kid in the early 2000’s living in the middle of nowhere, that meant spending a lot of time on the Internet seeking the support and community that I lacked in my immediate surroundings. I stumbled across nudism around this time and found something resembling the non-judgmental space I needed online. I found body acceptance and diversity of thought. I found and connected with other people who were overcoming issues with their bodies, who were reclaiming their skin, who could be gay or straight or young or old or black or white and connect with one another through those experiences. Through naturism, I could let go of all the expectations that society was pushing on me and I could just be me, even if just from the privacy of my bedroom. For a little while, things were good. For a little while, I felt OK. For a little while.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">While puberty may have been painful, my coming-out experience was genuinely traumatizing. My time spent exploring naturism and connecting with other young naturists online had soothed the awkward body issues, but it could not prepare me for what was coming. I did not have the luxury of coming out on my own terms, instead it was thrust upon me. Without warning, everything I had ever known was ripped out from under me and I felt like I was in a free-fall. One minute, I was hanging out with my friends and playing board games and studying for my AP exams, and the next minute I was forced out of my home, out of my family, out of everything I knew. I was given an ultimatum: Give up my friends and freedoms and change who I was willingly, or have it taken away and changed against my will. I took the third option and walked out, full of rage and terror and heartbreak. I lost my safety net, my support network, my hopes for the future. For a period of several weeks, I was a homeless straight-A high school senior trying desperately to finish my last term of school. Shortly before graduation, likely to save face with the unwitting relatives who would be expecting a graduation party, my parents allowed me back into the house on my own terms: No conversion therapy or church counseling. Maybe a small win, but still I felt out of place, unsupported, and anxious, like I was surviving on borrowed grace.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">A few months later, I left for college. Things almost felt back on track, except that I was more alone than ever. Geographically distant, yes, but also permanently disconnected from the support network that I had grown up with; that trust was forever severed. The love and acceptance and encouragement that my peers could rely on from their families back home was just… gone for me. Being a young gay man in a much larger city than the town I’d grown up in offered some opportunities for exploration: Exploration of who I was, who I wanted to be, and what the world had to offer. Many of my pursuits for discovery and for the acceptance I was sorely lacking were tethered to awkward social settings and equally awkward sexual experiences, which is not to say that I was not in control, only that the gay community is unique and vibrant and multi-faceted and can also be a complicated space to navigate as a young person. I had a lot to learn about my body, about love, about growth, about relationships and boundaries and sex.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-E1zwc0RaLgJqiO2ClakCItvNL9evwMuJdoaP6q8ZItmzmQn5AGLnOE9WYArkZZftWfUsUF2AZYOq45bTJ7AMS5Qej_-FPS9ImmezCpgtPajk8YSxiOfA8FId0z7qsy2gRDQu0vbTz9L/s1039/Timothy+S+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-E1zwc0RaLgJqiO2ClakCItvNL9evwMuJdoaP6q8ZItmzmQn5AGLnOE9WYArkZZftWfUsUF2AZYOq45bTJ7AMS5Qej_-FPS9ImmezCpgtPajk8YSxiOfA8FId0z7qsy2gRDQu0vbTz9L/s320/Timothy+S+1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">It can be difficult to discuss sex in the context of naturism, but I would be remiss if I left this portion of the story out. I <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">needed</em> that time to explore sex and sexuality, to understand that facet of who I am. I can also understand why, for someone who has never been told that they should deny themselves this aspect of their humanity and their body, it may seem trivial or even gratuitous to mention it. I can understand why someone who is strictly heterosexual may have never felt cut off from their sexuality, denied an entire piece of what makes them a whole and complete person, but many queer people <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">are</em> denied those experiences, <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">are</em> denied the opportunity to feel whole and complete, at least for a time. Many queer folks make up for it in what is sometimes called our “second adolescence,” a time to catch up on the social, romantic, and sexual experiences that our straight peers were all exploring—or at least discussing—organically as teenagers. The flip side of this belated sexual exploration is that it took quite a toll on my self-esteem and the way I viewed my body. I was an awkward, gangly, young gay man trying to find my worth and navigate a sea of new expectations about what makes a man attractive, worthy of love, worthy of sex, worthy of feeling pleasure—it can easily make you feel disposable and objectified if you’re not careful. <a href="https://paintedbrain.org/blog/queer-men-a-new-face-to-body-dysmorphic-disorder/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">It’s no wonder so many gay men suffer from body dysmorphia</a>, given the expectations we put upon one another.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">From time to time during these years, I still recalled the freedom that I felt when I was exploring naturism and nudism online as a teenager, dreaming of living free one day. I wanted to be a part of that community, but I felt so petrified that it would reject me in the same way that my family had. The nude beach was a safe space where I could go to feel free in my skin without risking rejection—I was fortunate that Portland had two within a half-hour’s drive—but visiting an actual club or resort felt terrifying. I briefly outlined in a previous blog post entitled “<a href="https://almostwild.wordpress.com/2020/07/17/it-doesnt-come-off/" style="background-color: transparent; box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;">It Doesn’t Come Off</a>” how something as simple as the nearby non-landed nudist club using the terms “husband” and “wife” on their membership application was triggering enough to keep me from attempting to attend even a single event. I couldn’t overcome that hurdle at that point of my life, and I was also feeling overwhelmed with unstable income, keeping up with college and grad school, managing all the complexities of a relationship… I just was not in a place to prioritize fully embracing the naturist life that I had always wanted to live, though I still held that philosophy close inside, checking in on it from time to time, reminding myself that my body is enough, that it has value regardless of how attractive it is or whether it satisfies someone else… reminding myself of the freedom of feeling the breeze and the water and the sun against my skin, like nothing else mattered.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">As I approached my late twenties, I finally found myself in a stable job, finished with my studies and no longer relying on teaching night classes to make ends meet. I finally thought to myself, “I have time now. I owe this to myself.” I was determined to jump back into the community that I had felt so afraid to rejoin. I made a couple of nudist friends in my area, I visited the beach more often, I even made the trek out to visit a couple of the landed clubs… and then I started this blog to process what that all felt like. Throughout all these years, naturism has provided a balance to society’s demands, to the expectations to look a certain way, or act a certain way, or be a certain type of person with a certain type of body. I was finally in a place where I could put something back into this space, share my thoughts and my hopes for the future of this community, and ponder somewhat aimlessly about how naturism intersects with all these other aspects of life and identity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oHeBn98yj9jBWX5HuPJVsP0HJhyyw94YrDbUjv9gMpzeVN4GS1afwFNCC-aJ5LgNJSmFDx9hDDsecCmzaCzugVHeB-MUFdEIcfINvKqYkV9gLCwZVspzGERM2iKupS-HXN1KS3qN8zny/s2048/Timothy+S+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oHeBn98yj9jBWX5HuPJVsP0HJhyyw94YrDbUjv9gMpzeVN4GS1afwFNCC-aJ5LgNJSmFDx9hDDsecCmzaCzugVHeB-MUFdEIcfINvKqYkV9gLCwZVspzGERM2iKupS-HXN1KS3qN8zny/s320/Timothy+S+3.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">It would be irresponsible to claim that naturism cured my insecurities about my body, but I <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">can</em> say that naturism has consistently been a tool I could pull out of my tool belt to help me ground myself and remember that my worth comes from within and not from what others see in me, to remind me to be kind to my body and to embrace myself and others for all of our imperfections, insecurities, and diverse backgrounds. This philosophy of shedding our clothing attracts so many people from so many walks of life, all of us here for different reasons, to solve a different problem, to heal a different trauma or nurse a different wound… all of us here to be better at loving ourselves and being ourselves, discovering all of the facets that make us who we are. We sometimes forget that holistic self-acceptance is more than just accepting our fat rolls and knobby knees—it means accepting and understanding all aspects of ourselves from our appearance and physiology to our sexuality and psychology. For me, naturism encourages acceptance of all of those moving parts. It encourages me to accept myself for being gay, for looking a little awkward and being a little skinny, for being anxious… all of it.</p><span><!--more--></span><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">During my conversation with Nicholas Roessler, we discussed a wide range of subjects related to naturism, queerness, identity, various policies, and also a bit about GNI itself. If you’re unfamiliar with GNI, they are an organization that began in 1983 under the name “Gay and Lesbian Naturists” as a Special Interest Group under the umbrella of The Naturist Society, during a time when other organizations like the American Sunbathing Association (now known as the American Association for Nude Recreation or AANR) banned homosexuals from becoming members or visiting many of its affiliated clubs. GNI became its own independent organization in 1992 and is well known for its annual week-long “Gathering,” uniting hundreds of participants to enjoy non-sexual social nudity in a safe and structured environment as well as providing a separate, carefully designated space to celebrate and explore sexuality. Though that may shock the straight-laced heterosexual naturist, given everything I’m processing about my experience as a gay man and as a naturist, I get the significance of providing both of those spaces. I can see why, for gay naturists gathering amongst themselves, both of those aspects can be parts of a balanced journey toward self-acceptance and self-love… and besides, as Nicholas put it, “GNI spent a long time trying to prove to [AANR] that they were legitimate, and then at one point we were just like, ‘Why are we even doing this?’ We’ve never benefitted anything from trying to be like them, so we just stopped being like them.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">This isn’t me advocating for increased sexualization of naturism and, frankly, that’s not what GNI is advocating for either. I’m only advocating for each of us to feel empowered to shed societal expectations and explore who we each are so that we can be better to ourselves and to each other. Your journey may not look like mine or Nicholas’s, or anyone else’s, but it is yours and it is valid.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">I want to leave you with one final thought. Something Nicholas said during our conversation stuck out to me more than anything else, which is that, as queer naturists and nudists, we are fortunate to experience “coming out” twice, to experience letting go of the expectations that society burdens us with… <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">twice</em>. As painful and awful and shattering as my own coming-out experience was, it was also a release, albeit one that I had no control over. I was forced to let myself let go of the obligation to be someone I knew I could never be, to give myself the freedom to explore who I might be without those expectations looming over me every minute of every day. I was thrust into self-exploration but also into self-determination. Perhaps to a different degree, naturism is the catalyst for a similar release: A release of obligation to another set of social rules and barriers, relieving us of feeling shame for being human, granting us permission to love our bodies for all of their imperfections and flaws, pushing us to see ourselves and one another as whole and complex. I think we should embrace that release… and celebrate the opportunities it offers for exploration of ourselves and connection with each other. Otherwise, why are we here?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;">Thank you, Nicholas, for taking the time to speak with me and thank you to all those who took the time to read this.</p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-77767702365863480732021-06-16T12:44:00.001-07:002021-06-16T12:44:50.812-07:00GNI Has an Online Shop?? Get Your Merch Before NakedFest!<p> By Johnny Konapelsky - GNI BuffBuzz Editor</p><p><span> </span>GNI has a little secret that we're about to let <i>everyone </i>know about. GNI has an online shop! Who knew, right?? Well, now <i>you all</i> know. Have you ever gone to a Gathering/NakedFest event and wished you had some GNI merchandise to show your support? Or maybe you have a friend or loved one and felt that an item with a GNI logo would be a great gift? Well, now you can visit the <a href="https://www.cafepress.com/gnistore" target="_blank">online shop</a> and purchase item(s) from a wide assortment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte6O7XixuGr4jyWeLO36N792ZDj5AF_D0MLpNEjSPmo6AOYHSVl7o9VM27N7En44zhQspnStC6g-K3T_xQ_3kgFmt-xJ8R8FwVS-bP1td5CGgmd12nldPTYRCFsIqAb3EhIhayHpxB8TM/s1254/Screen+Shot+2021-06-16+at+3.36.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte6O7XixuGr4jyWeLO36N792ZDj5AF_D0MLpNEjSPmo6AOYHSVl7o9VM27N7En44zhQspnStC6g-K3T_xQ_3kgFmt-xJ8R8FwVS-bP1td5CGgmd12nldPTYRCFsIqAb3EhIhayHpxB8TM/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-06-16+at+3.36.25+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> One of the great things about the GNI shop is that there are so many items to choose from and they are set up in three different categories. "Stuff to Wear" (ironical for us nudists) is for those unfortunate occasions when you have to outside someplace <i>wearing clothes.</i> If you <i>have</i> to wear something, why not put on a shirt that has the GNI logo on it. It's a great conversation starter because people may ask, "What is GNI??" You have a wide variety of different styles of shirts to choose from in this section including a hoodie for the fall/winter or if you happen to live in a constantly colder part of the globe. The one must-have item for all us nudists in this area is a hat. And you have different types/colors to choose from here too. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYzi3gmE7UI0h_nLnjsullqRCnKtcU7eVa4dNibLirzHt82c-02jXieX1lbdePAl2wiX1F8fOV5IL8gpVcSZF2mhl4X_pTXf3UkFruMSBsGIw0BYk8VUThb6r_FcLkG3jkXXxct_nW2V1/s1250/Screen+Shot+2021-06-16+at+3.41.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYzi3gmE7UI0h_nLnjsullqRCnKtcU7eVa4dNibLirzHt82c-02jXieX1lbdePAl2wiX1F8fOV5IL8gpVcSZF2mhl4X_pTXf3UkFruMSBsGIw0BYk8VUThb6r_FcLkG3jkXXxct_nW2V1/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-06-16+at+3.41.49+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span> In the "Stuff for Home" section, you have quite a selection as well. There are a few more hats here along with a couple of mugs which is a must-have for those of you who aren't really awake until your first cup of coffee every morning. And another neat item listed here is a GNI sticker that you can put anywhere you want. </span><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK76qxmeGEYUi4YwhZVVVSjzC4Pjimnae-ZzqNOKKmm6NWSw2F3V01eGUPB0WLOXIbZBh5I6_KuztJ96NOf6vjC7F3ex6FHGFJe6rXBsd7dgBaiiTqnOndl_2KFybd5Wa7j-_e-rc1-DA/s1240/Screen+Shot+2021-06-16+at+3.43.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK76qxmeGEYUi4YwhZVVVSjzC4Pjimnae-ZzqNOKKmm6NWSw2F3V01eGUPB0WLOXIbZBh5I6_KuztJ96NOf6vjC7F3ex6FHGFJe6rXBsd7dgBaiiTqnOndl_2KFybd5Wa7j-_e-rc1-DA/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-06-16+at+3.43.14+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span><span> The final category is "Stuff to Give Away." This section has the largest assortment of items to buy for yourself or as a gift or simply to give away to anyone who is interested in GNI. You will find shot glasses and drinking glasses; for those of you on a health kick, there is an insulated water bottle; and for anyone who likes to make sure they can have a sip of something with a "kick," you will even find a flask. Other items of interest here include car or fridge magnets, stickers of various shapes, sizes, and quantities, GNI logo buttons, and even a shirt for your dog to wear to help show your love for GNI. </span><br /></span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSfp_N0EVq5rxDSN1B_7RDqQoDbZMFGmjmNK84WHyFQCziJmZAkMvwHgOBBf_cL_nUU68vh1UsA8R8909O5ae-Y7RPw948jy0Mx8VFUd_Ajc93GH1RbfqzXLpfq2hvjeARWpkqB0X9925/s1246/Screen+Shot+2021-06-16+at+3.44.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSfp_N0EVq5rxDSN1B_7RDqQoDbZMFGmjmNK84WHyFQCziJmZAkMvwHgOBBf_cL_nUU68vh1UsA8R8909O5ae-Y7RPw948jy0Mx8VFUd_Ajc93GH1RbfqzXLpfq2hvjeARWpkqB0X9925/s320/Screen+Shot+2021-06-16+at+3.44.02+PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span><span> When you buy anything at the online shop, not only are you getting a great item for yourself or a great gift for a friend/loved one, but you're also helping GNI. A portion of each purchase goes to GNI so that they can keep being the amazing naturist organization you know so well and love so much. Well, what are you waiting for? Head on over to the <a href="https://www.cafepress.com/gnistore" target="_blank">GNI Online shop</a> and get some stuff today! <br /></span></span></p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-51182505165585429262021-06-16T12:34:00.001-07:002021-06-16T12:34:29.578-07:00Missed the First NakedFest Mingle? Read On For More Opportunities.<p> By Jon P. - GNI Board Member</p><p><span> </span>A couple of weeks ago some 60 men gathered online from the GoNaked online magazine community along with members of GNI to talk about GNI's August NakedFest. GNI Board members Brian B. and Jon P. fielded a variety of questions ranging from cabin accommodations to entertainment to meals. Several regular Gathering/NakedFest attendees also showed up to help welcome the men and answer questions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-QbhvjA6N-9z5h6rNpc-vxf-qq88e62iZA791h-nAc-Q9fd0YVHioOJmYOO1TZVJgbFJibyn60er1FgLyj0ZE9N4NQUDw6mHL-JI4Ih5HBMTHuuNeUS0tEKHhOnc99QlBfiCM3LTFpbv/s2048/GNI_2018-292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-QbhvjA6N-9z5h6rNpc-vxf-qq88e62iZA791h-nAc-Q9fd0YVHioOJmYOO1TZVJgbFJibyn60er1FgLyj0ZE9N4NQUDw6mHL-JI4Ih5HBMTHuuNeUS0tEKHhOnc99QlBfiCM3LTFpbv/s320/GNI_2018-292.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span> More on what was discussed in a moment. First, the GNI Marketing Committee is happy to announce a couple of upcoming Mingles from some of our GNI men. One is devoted to questions around health protections and the second to new NakedFest attendees. Be on the lookout for those event announcements next month in July. In the meantime, you can bookmark your calendars for July 8th and July 22nd. </span><br /></p><p> Privacy regulations necessitate members to be more proactive about receiving email notifications for the Mingles. If you missed this first NakedFest Mingle, you can head over to the <a href="http://gaynaturists.org/mingle" target="_blank">Mingle</a> page and signup to receive the Zoom link for the next one. Also, feel free to go to your GNI member profile and <a href="https://www.gaynaturists.org/i4a/ams/publicLogin.cfm?login_type=0&pageid=3290" target="_blank">register</a> to be included in all future Mingle notices.<br /></p><p><span><span> One of the hardest things to do is to try to explain how our GNI events can be so life-changing, what with all the new friends one can make during the wide variety of daily activities. Our GoNaked brothers, led by Editor-In-Chief Nick Vanello, got a good idea of how special the Dance Club is, and what sort of nightly entertainment to expect, and what types of sports take place. Big on the men's minds during the Mingle were questions concerning housing and cabins, how quiet/noisy they might be, and how to get them all decorated. It's always fun to explain how one can "dress up" for Social Hour and still be "naked." <br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlXfJz8PrKsM7HSgle4jaLhKfdUvrMir0jG4o40VhdrKv4ygCsCuGZzlIMAp4gmyvU7-ylk7RQOu9yjmXleUZLho1DTzHPh7WqnvsWLltzodAFyo3QDJfPVF93ALOvlpFGzHvNWBKpLUX/s2048/2019-08+GNI+Gathering-1040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlXfJz8PrKsM7HSgle4jaLhKfdUvrMir0jG4o40VhdrKv4ygCsCuGZzlIMAp4gmyvU7-ylk7RQOu9yjmXleUZLho1DTzHPh7WqnvsWLltzodAFyo3QDJfPVF93ALOvlpFGzHvNWBKpLUX/s320/2019-08+GNI+Gathering-1040.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p><span> It's never too late to join GNI. Tell your friends to go and check out our newly redesigned <a href="http://gaynaturists.org" target="_blank">GNI website</a>. <a href="http://gaynaturists.org/nakedfest" target="_blank">Registration</a> is also still open for NakedFest 2021 in the Poconos. If you haven't registered yet, what are you waiting for?! Sign up for an experience you'll remember forever! <br /></span></p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-48992383352836784772021-05-25T07:10:00.002-07:002021-05-25T07:10:27.751-07:00Got Questions About Nakedfest 2021? We Got a Zoom for That.<p> By Johnny Konapelsky - BuffBuzz Editor</p><p><br /></p><p>By now a lot of you guys are well aware that Nakedfest is coming up in just a few months. And since GNI is hosting a Nakedfest this year and not a usual Gathering, a lot of members are confused and not sure about what's the same and what's different. Well, all your questions are about to be answered.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99PcAP8wY3GW2atK7b4AiT66eXnsFacMoQnVTXEAw3NIakTNr9rJUxMWoZlb6xxQ_Cf5bMRk8UCybrBe9JZDf0yWZYbf2hVFNWGDl0Y59h_HbFs1X-GMoNLuX6QdujlYH_3V7bc9dc8u8/s1080/GNI+GoNaked.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99PcAP8wY3GW2atK7b4AiT66eXnsFacMoQnVTXEAw3NIakTNr9rJUxMWoZlb6xxQ_Cf5bMRk8UCybrBe9JZDf0yWZYbf2hVFNWGDl0Y59h_HbFs1X-GMoNLuX6QdujlYH_3V7bc9dc8u8/s320/GNI+GoNaked.png" /></a></div><br /><p>Please join GNI Board Members Brian B. and Jon P. for a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, May 26, at 8 p.m EST to find out more about this year's Nakedfest. All of your Nakedfest questions will be answered by Brian and Jon so get them ready. Feel free to ask anything about the event. This Zoom meeting is a cooperative event with GNI and GoNaked Magazine. As a result, we will have attendees from both organizations at this event. </p><p>The Zoom link is as follows: </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Join Zoom Meeting</strong><br /><a href="http://sendy.gonakedmagazine.com/l/YKR2Fuf6IwJLduDOpiFhjg/4mMsvi1HD995s83HfrFMqg/HlnWN318MMuf9SwJqHfLOA" style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration-line: none;">https://zoom.us/j/95455535101?pwd=Y2hXQWV6NXR1WnJHWmpxRENjMnR2Zz09</a></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meeting ID: 954 5553 5101<br />Passcode: 439763</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Ubuntu, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We look forward to seeing you guys at this Zoom meeting! </span></p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-71197437749607521282021-05-17T13:52:00.002-07:002021-05-17T13:52:54.808-07:00First Time at The Gathering/Nakedfest? The List to Make it An Easier Experience<p> <span> By Paul Blascovich - GNI Social Media Member</span> </p><p><span><span> </span>Showing up to GNI for the first time can be nerve-wracking. You may feel like an outsider in an unfamiliar place where everyone seems to know each other. Luckily, GNI is a great group of men who are welcoming to first-timers. Before you head to the Poconos to shed your clothes, here are some tips that will help you make the most of your rookie experience. </span></p><p><span><b>Start Packing</b></span></p><p><b> </b>You might not need clothing, but there are other essentials to bring along. The GNI website (gaynaturists.org) has a sample packing list to help you remember what you will need. Pack a few sitting towels (old t-shirts also work) and a lot of sun-block lotion. A zip-up hoodie or jacket will make cool evenings more comfortable, and a pair of boots is also nice to have. Check out the social hour themes on the website before you leave; if a full costume isn't your style, a simple prop can be a great conversation starter. Get started early on deciding what you will be taking so you are not scrambling at the last minute or waiting for a package to be delivered. The campground is a short drive from nearby stores if you forget something, but you won't want to waste a minute away from naked paradise.<br /></p><p><b>Get Your Bearings</b></p><p><b> </b>As soon as you drop your bags (and your clothes), walk around camp and get the lay of the land. Also, feel free to ask an experienced cabinmate for a tour. Find both pools and the dining hall. Get to know the route to the dance club and back to your cabin (or camp/RV site). While most social hours are held at The Grove, learn the location of the main gym, too. Cross the damn -- don't forget to cover up! -- and take a peek "Across the Lake" (the spot where sexual activity can be had). Finding these places during the day will make it a lot easier to navigate after the sun goes down. </p><p><b>Have a Plan</b></p><p><b> </b>The daily activity schedule for Nakedfest will be posted online. Take note of items that catch your eye. Some activities are held daily; others are conducted only one time each year. Entertainment options change every night, and there is something for everyone. Read the descriptions, since some classes/events may require registration in advance of the Gathering/Nakedfest. A good goal is to have at least one activity in mind for each day that you are there.<br /></p><p><b>... But Be Flexible</b></p><p><b> </b>Activity locations and times may change. It's a virtual guarantee that rain will disrupt the schedule, and other unexpected circumstances may arise. Be patient. Activities are planned and run by volunteers. If there's something that really piques your interest, make it a reality by volunteering this year or next. <br /></p><p><b>Follow the Party</b></p><p><b> </b>The largest parties bring the whole camp together. The salsa party and the bears' pool party are highlights. Every day features a social hour before dinner, and there are late-night soirees as well. Except for a few private gatherings, you don't need an invitation to join the festivities.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYe85x6mLjL-EoDexXUjjt0iS12J2OAcNwEkXPMLwX99fF7h-4ySI_cMrAHuk-entEHIzsQy4eXdGCn2DO6vUbHllH8yVwvc_WDVHfOerUf81zM947gIEC8qo80blyZlTrwwBZ7xNwFhh6/s2048/22340272-0915-48E9-B91D-7400EC74A17A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1993" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYe85x6mLjL-EoDexXUjjt0iS12J2OAcNwEkXPMLwX99fF7h-4ySI_cMrAHuk-entEHIzsQy4eXdGCn2DO6vUbHllH8yVwvc_WDVHfOerUf81zM947gIEC8qo80blyZlTrwwBZ7xNwFhh6/s320/22340272-0915-48E9-B91D-7400EC74A17A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Article author Paul Blascovich (left) with Steve Herforth (right) at a Birthday Suit Social Hour event at Paul's first Gathering.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>... Or Go Your Own Way</b></p><p><b> </b>Take advantage of the two heated pools and fitness center. Grab a paddle and life jacket and jump into a kayak. Bring your balls and head to the courts for volleyball, basketball, or tennis. Lounge on a pool float, or hang out on your cabin porch. You can choose to do everything or nothing at all. <br /></p><p><b>Be Brave</b></p><p><b> </b>Thursday morning ziplining is a thrill you won't want to miss! (Be sure to pack a shirt, shorts/pants, and closed-toe shoes.) Maybe you're too nervous to play naked Twister or participate in lube wrestling? Take a deep breath, finish that drink in your hand, and have some fun. See a cute guy you want to meet? Go say "Hi!" If 2020 taught us anything, it is to seize the opportunities that are in front of us today.<br /></p><p><b>Be Respectful</b></p><p><b> </b>Put hundreds of gay naked men together on a campground, and sex is inevitable. With that said, sex is not the purpose of GNI. If it's not your thing, you're not alone. Nudity is not an open invitation, and sex is not welcome in most public areas. Read and respect the camp rules about where sex is permissible (if you have any questions, ask!), and talk to your roommates about what is accepted in your cabin.<br /></p><p><b>And Lastly...Enjoy Yourself!</b></p><p><b> </b>Everyone is nervous at their first GNI Gathering/Nakedfest event. Take advantage of the chance to socialize and unwind in the buff. You might meet guys who are just like you, or you might find a special appreciation for the things that make you unique. Be yourself, and you'll have a wonderful time! <br /></p>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-85584630266244231452021-05-06T09:01:00.044-07:002021-05-21T07:26:47.563-07:00NakedFest! Did I get your attention? Or, “if I had a nickel for every time someone asked why The Gathering is called NakedFest, I’d be rich."<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">By Jon P. - GNI Board Member</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica;">I didn’t mean to make light of an important question, but the headline says it all: you can expect something <i><b>different</b></i> for GNI’s 2021 event. Men new to our gatherings should expect to make new, life-long friends in an idyllic setting. Our regular attendees can know that due to circumstances, requirements for large gatherings have changed in 2021.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica;"> </span></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;">You may have noticed that GNI is out front in its leadership in Covid safety as a naturist organization. Other related groups are looking to our event to see what is possible as more and more of the world becomes inoculated to this virus. You can be assured that the GNI Board and executive leadership are meeting often to create the safest possible event for both new and experienced nudists.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe10KH1CPqexjoLcv0qa3cH5hCVhyNj_MThVv6EqEzRsXZ22JurCtHdUEwfE1ODQMrpPXmsczmdITVO9Z0_q2sevkEQV9YHxYLM34OMKHJD9Rm5HcN4NCc4HscnJXfAyvq64S8KEzYl1z/s2048/GNI_2018-299.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAe10KH1CPqexjoLcv0qa3cH5hCVhyNj_MThVv6EqEzRsXZ22JurCtHdUEwfE1ODQMrpPXmsczmdITVO9Z0_q2sevkEQV9YHxYLM34OMKHJD9Rm5HcN4NCc4HscnJXfAyvq64S8KEzYl1z/s320/GNI_2018-299.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Nakedfest 2014</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, I still haven’t answered your question, have I? Why call it “NakedFest?” Well, back in 2014 we created an alternative, smaller event to vary our offerings and to simply try something new. We called it NakedFest, with the full intention of bringing it back. NakedFest2014 and 2015(!) were a LOT of fun, in a different setting, with new activities, and an all-around sense of greater community. Why<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>wouldn’t</i><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>we want to bring that back?</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75hmpLRQYpixf79afD9JXlZ3Crg47qmY5SAijxaTEiddjFq8s7DwBGerS-KBvVlOR7eQwL0XcXqK6VNU_gS7qxdRXqYwpf9sZPpm0PmDI_mtoT8c1bHP6HwgomCMoyJn8cV0TplJ4xSAk/s2048/20140803-NakedFest-10.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75hmpLRQYpixf79afD9JXlZ3Crg47qmY5SAijxaTEiddjFq8s7DwBGerS-KBvVlOR7eQwL0XcXqK6VNU_gS7qxdRXqYwpf9sZPpm0PmDI_mtoT8c1bHP6HwgomCMoyJn8cV0TplJ4xSAk/s320/20140803-NakedFest-10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Nakedfest 2014</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;">Because our 2021 event will look a bit different, we want to help everyone enter the space with a mindset of discovery and adventure. Calling it The Gathering, or even using our alternate name Naked Camp wasn’t a fair way to describe the large, international event that we’ve become. Though it will be at our traditional location, activities will look a bit different. Some events may not happen or will occur in different locations. But, all in all, we are giving you an event where everyone is vaccinated and you can make a complete range of choices in how you want to get involved.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZWZW7tpC3syOS1ughUEaGRLADs5cOnNbBYv92_lJaIeI0zXS8TharEXPbZCDctgwMEqiB-KlN_ocg-pwLKbeVy_41SV4JZ5dksze88R3oljcU0WJ8CYp3h4CQ4iHxox-ArQ0PvosNGel/s2048/20140803-NakedFest-35.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZWZW7tpC3syOS1ughUEaGRLADs5cOnNbBYv92_lJaIeI0zXS8TharEXPbZCDctgwMEqiB-KlN_ocg-pwLKbeVy_41SV4JZ5dksze88R3oljcU0WJ8CYp3h4CQ4iHxox-ArQ0PvosNGel/s320/20140803-NakedFest-35.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Gathering 2018</td></tr></tbody></table></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;">One activity that our volunteer organizers are working on is the Dance Club. A variety of measures are being discussed and debated about how to keep it fun while <i>not</i> piling 400 wonderfully hot and sweaty bodies right on top of each other. We're also working to streamline your dining. What nightly entertainment will look like at this point is also still being discussed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;">Covid has changed our event. It has changed so <b>much</b> of our lives. We hope 2022 will be the big 35th Anniversary event we’ve all been waiting for. Until then, bring your excitement and enthusiasm to NakedFest and make it the event that YOU will remember forever.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica; text-size-adjust: auto;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZHWToD5RrE2ZACIJbqLWIG7TvHQqDe-xpgKG_AYMvuLC2j8OE1nzZGH9ULP5LOmCKZruJzri73dKjlSpPpxXDx2HE-W9wphcRbBm7KdVzpK9jtBrKknQtYJtDeNw9tRQp91Ta4uO3eex/s2048/GNI_2018-26.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZHWToD5RrE2ZACIJbqLWIG7TvHQqDe-xpgKG_AYMvuLC2j8OE1nzZGH9ULP5LOmCKZruJzri73dKjlSpPpxXDx2HE-W9wphcRbBm7KdVzpK9jtBrKknQtYJtDeNw9tRQp91Ta4uO3eex/s320/GNI_2018-26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Gathering 2018</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">New attendees! Be on the lookout for an upcoming Thursday Mingle where you’ll have the chance to ask questions about NakedFest2021.</span></div></div>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-80361363815199960432021-04-29T15:09:00.017-07:002021-05-19T12:20:49.458-07:00New BuffBuzz Editor Ready To Create New Buzz<p>Hello everyone. Johnny K. here. Some of you may know me as the new manager for the GNI social media accounts on Facebook and MeWe. What you may not know about me is that I am also the new editor for the GNI blog "BuffBuzz." As a way to reinvigorate the blog and get it back up and running, I thought it would be a cool idea to formally introduce myself to you guys so you could know more about me and my experience with nudism and GNI.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZNEeLnhyphenhyphenlh8Vf7bWXgpljPp1jJK7Z25-YV40a9OJjIxIJMAR441RFlViMlX1V_f_D1WuanY9MvjTtD9d1vewVTi4LHqnDSRDH511mcRPup_BkSRjtVcxw3jgEl8HRy6aDzpHISxcY0ua/s2048/F278E5F6-ECEA-4FAA-9760-3D3D9DA702C5.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZNEeLnhyphenhyphenlh8Vf7bWXgpljPp1jJK7Z25-YV40a9OJjIxIJMAR441RFlViMlX1V_f_D1WuanY9MvjTtD9d1vewVTi4LHqnDSRDH511mcRPup_BkSRjtVcxw3jgEl8HRy6aDzpHISxcY0ua/s320/F278E5F6-ECEA-4FAA-9760-3D3D9DA702C5.heic" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just me relaxing in my room.<br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"></blockquote></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The picture above pretty much describes me to a T as some might say. Besides my interest in nudism (which I will mention next), I am a hard-core video gamer. I have been playing video games since the original 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System came out in the mid-1980s (yes, I'm that old even though I have been told I don't look it). It's a major part of my life. In addition to that, I am very much a Disney fan. My ultimate dream right now is to move from Miami to Orlando (or somewhere nearby) so I can visit Disney frequently. And besides that, I am majorly into pop culture and just a very casual kind of guy.<div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><p><br /></p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS_6yeVvspmAxpsUjVp5WPG7WEcyD1bMOAXAAZxX46o8j_Rq5C6TLGND05ik0DZ8fnfdfgAQZeItKvVt1D5vJdrThxbhHo0S-q-s-xneySWEIb1fK37_LnzDPO0HibU6earNYOFn_kOe8/s1555/IMG_0041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1162" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS_6yeVvspmAxpsUjVp5WPG7WEcyD1bMOAXAAZxX46o8j_Rq5C6TLGND05ik0DZ8fnfdfgAQZeItKvVt1D5vJdrThxbhHo0S-q-s-xneySWEIb1fK37_LnzDPO0HibU6earNYOFn_kOe8/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A relaxing day at Haulover Beach in Miami.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>My journey with nudism has been an interesting one. I was not part of a nudist family. I got into it totally 100% on my own. Growing up, I would always take the opportunity to be naked whenever I was home alone. I think that's when I started to realize how liberating nudism can be. But it wasn't until my early 20s when I finally took a chance and went to the local nude beach here in Miami (Haulover). It felt amazing to be around all the other nude people there even though I myself didn't get naked just yet. The normalcy in being around all the other nude people felt wonderful though. About my third visit is when I finally grabbed life by the balls as the saying goes and dropped my swim trunks and got fully naked at Haulover. And it felt so freeing and I just really immersed myself in the feeling of the warm sun-kissed breeze all over my body. And then I went into the ocean naked and it was just like being in the biggest bathtub ever in which everyone was allowed in. After this experience, I would never again go to a beach that wasn't nude/clothing-optional.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GS8B3dgiaHW47MlyFjlNatTCy5ckNyJ4RCxncZ2iRu89PXinrnGWhmuL6R-csohi2VMrTQwlVAc_6mGvpQfNKy3pIBc6CVPzN0-SkLhEMF_SZzfisT2I7KpS-Zd0BCrlNhB5aP2AYehm/s502/IMG_8799.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GS8B3dgiaHW47MlyFjlNatTCy5ckNyJ4RCxncZ2iRu89PXinrnGWhmuL6R-csohi2VMrTQwlVAc_6mGvpQfNKy3pIBc6CVPzN0-SkLhEMF_SZzfisT2I7KpS-Zd0BCrlNhB5aP2AYehm/s320/IMG_8799.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, that's about it with my nudist experiences. I have been a huge GNI follower for many years but as of yet have I been able to get involved with any of the events that this amazing organization offers. It's still something I hope to change in the next 2 years. I do hope to attend a Gathering event very soon so I can meet as many of you guys as possible. I look forward to increasing my circle of amazing nudist friends through GNI. Thankfully that's already happening with the help of social media apps and now with this blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm just going to close this first BuffBuzz blog of 2021by stating that we will be relying on you, our amazing GNI members and BuffBuzz readers, to contribute articles to this blog. Please keep an eye out on both the Facebook and MeWe social media groups for call-outs for blog writers. Whenever we have new topics for writers, we will post messages there. Also, if you ever have any ideas of GNI/nudist topics that you feel should be on our blog, or any questions about the blog, please e-mail me at: buffbuzz@gaynaturists.org. Thanks for reading this blog article about me guys. I hope you were able to learn about who I am and I look forward to learning about you all as time goes by. <br /><br /></div></div>Johnny K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04148343408955144442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-48592781144381936372020-12-29T11:09:00.008-07:002020-12-29T11:13:58.551-07:00Support Your Local Men's Resort<p><span style="font-size: medium;">These challenging times of COVID-19 quarantine has hit the hospitality industry particularly hard. We continually hear about the challenges occurring to men’s resorts, and those that support social nudity. GNI is here to lend support to getting the word out to promote resorts as best we can. </span></p><p><a href="https://gaynaturists.org/events-and-travel/naked-deals/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">GNI has a dedicated page listing resort deals for GNI members.</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As an example, recently, Vitambi Springs in Clewiston, Florida </span></p><p><a href=" https://www.vitambi.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.vitambi.com</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">recently sent out a communication detailing that they were facing probable closure in 2021 unless there was a turnaround in their business. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">GNI has an ongoing arrangement with Vitambi Springs for a 3-4-2 discount (buy two nights, get the third night free) for current GNI members on Naturists at Vitambi Springs (N-VS) weekends. Please call the resort for full and updated details.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you know of a resort that would like to promote itself via GNI, let us know!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzSNm0J-2qWVxqGLf8_MViEaKKVsGDN4NMos003DEpOd3mLR7HxtkSx-pUnO56M_iRu-TzB7sZyqXjVdMi-_Fd-BBwYX6eKLxyWwoCocFRz-WDZjxLi4ToJOYccxD30yMQAhbIqAxvOE/s2048/GNI+2019-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzSNm0J-2qWVxqGLf8_MViEaKKVsGDN4NMos003DEpOd3mLR7HxtkSx-pUnO56M_iRu-TzB7sZyqXjVdMi-_Fd-BBwYX6eKLxyWwoCocFRz-WDZjxLi4ToJOYccxD30yMQAhbIqAxvOE/w640-h426/GNI+2019-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>GNI Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16791908982393840721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-35595194142007001522020-12-29T09:30:00.005-07:002020-12-31T03:42:35.634-07:00GNI Mingle Movie Parties set to resume in January 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSQyNkZDCa22oAv6jF3C5Rfx0YjLgNt4LXyg3kyanNnuMQRssdrNsp-dVZ7sJsNkGz-j7iv9ro99frEym7K0dtDQtW_2iMlLp4KSvm9p4xwOUTp6Gwi0ufFXFBfLyZvlbWH2V0G3x268/s2048/2020-12-29_11-24-37.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSQyNkZDCa22oAv6jF3C5Rfx0YjLgNt4LXyg3kyanNnuMQRssdrNsp-dVZ7sJsNkGz-j7iv9ro99frEym7K0dtDQtW_2iMlLp4KSvm9p4xwOUTp6Gwi0ufFXFBfLyZvlbWH2V0G3x268/w640-h444/2020-12-29_11-24-37.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Our GNI Mingle movie parties were a big hit this past Autumn.</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Keep your eyes peeled (and your bananas, too!) for the January 14 GNI Mingle, where Jon P shares clips and his love of Campy Movies. </span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Then, starting on Friday, January 22 we’ll watch four Gay Camp movies together on YouTube while we connect on Zoom. </span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://gaynaturists.org/watchparty/" target="_blank">Click here to sign up</a><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinr3L-kkB8vL2Hc1zbpbFK6ltsrPC9krF1WxoiLcEE_6O1snwCuKoi0H2dBWua74T0xDJyqVnrUtwtyO27__-Gv4qC8m3STXv50mVlAb2KN2P25OJZ7fc0p2znrkXWAJzueVDq-aA9uo0/s1080/watch_parties_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinr3L-kkB8vL2Hc1zbpbFK6ltsrPC9krF1WxoiLcEE_6O1snwCuKoi0H2dBWua74T0xDJyqVnrUtwtyO27__-Gv4qC8m3STXv50mVlAb2KN2P25OJZ7fc0p2znrkXWAJzueVDq-aA9uo0/w640-h640/watch_parties_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><p></p><p></p>GNI Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16791908982393840721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-85456972989189348232020-12-29T09:16:00.004-07:002020-12-29T09:16:46.075-07:00VIDEO: 2021 Gathering Promo<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> GNI has a new promo video for the 2021 Gathering</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Watch it here:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/457120230" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/457120230</a></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1No7S0DKVkasakMsC5F-gSzn2O6tEUv3Dq6_Naal4zyCQ5DRzEEH8u1hBVNdiAZk2OZ3QriNCEaoD5O_P2WBk5oTqQ84IJbw6cx3lCwNeyPaS9YMAnqR_5LkHh6g3e7quKLIHI0NcEo/s2048/GNI+2019-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="2048" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1No7S0DKVkasakMsC5F-gSzn2O6tEUv3Dq6_Naal4zyCQ5DRzEEH8u1hBVNdiAZk2OZ3QriNCEaoD5O_P2WBk5oTqQ84IJbw6cx3lCwNeyPaS9YMAnqR_5LkHh6g3e7quKLIHI0NcEo/w640-h630/GNI+2019-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>GNI Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16791908982393840721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-1277365895818485582020-12-29T08:42:00.002-07:002020-12-29T09:17:00.253-07:00VIDEO: World's Largest Naked Dance Club<p><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 46, 59); color: #1a2e3b; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.16px;">Exclusively at the GNI Gathering, you'll find the nicest men, hottest music, and experience the most liberating feeling of dancing naked with hundreds of other men at our week long event every August. </span></p><p><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 46, 59); color: #1a2e3b; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.16px;">If you've dreamed of ever letting your inhibitions go, daring to try something new and exciting, or dancing naked in the world's largest naked dance club, join us at our next event!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out our new promo video below:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/462380269" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/462380269</a><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg0v_VlkEWGTbFNXBB81cA5pxOD42go_GoJaXqID-pmyvBueH_SyugJxueptDuHbX0LeJRQQSajwJ-7oIPC8CrzIyp3c6b0fWapUH9njSSIDTnCISnJVH73ka-GJKHn-OEaF4A_LyDjY/s2048/GNI+2019-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg0v_VlkEWGTbFNXBB81cA5pxOD42go_GoJaXqID-pmyvBueH_SyugJxueptDuHbX0LeJRQQSajwJ-7oIPC8CrzIyp3c6b0fWapUH9njSSIDTnCISnJVH73ka-GJKHn-OEaF4A_LyDjY/w640-h426/GNI+2019-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>GNI Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16791908982393840721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-67673182878120460192020-12-29T08:32:00.008-07:002020-12-29T09:19:52.722-07:00VIDEO: Pocono Eagle at GNI<p><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 46, 59); color: #1a2e3b; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.16px;">GNI has a new promo video for the Pocono Eagle.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 46, 59); color: #1a2e3b; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.16px;">Check out the men of Pocono Eagle at GNI's annual Gathering. </span></p><p><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 46, 59); color: #1a2e3b; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.16px;">Daily fetish and kink workshops, onsite leather store and accessories by LeatherWerks (Fort Lauderdale), Mr. GNI Leather Contest, Leather Barracks and Dungeon ... all for discerning males. </span></p><p><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 46, 59); color: #1a2e3b; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.16px;">Visit our website for more information.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/479024550">https://vimeo.com/479024550</a> </span></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jLpkaCHT6_qa6tE3UDNq5X61duxO5eYmdAKD3EfdFbSbikG4VFT8PjRVV7MNAbCy25dSuZ1r7IoMLeqwdYEeziHzqVwv9f3evn_ZoP52jFuD1n0RYeBbdsFZa9H0FvkWFvL0pw8jPXo/s2048/GNI+2019-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jLpkaCHT6_qa6tE3UDNq5X61duxO5eYmdAKD3EfdFbSbikG4VFT8PjRVV7MNAbCy25dSuZ1r7IoMLeqwdYEeziHzqVwv9f3evn_ZoP52jFuD1n0RYeBbdsFZa9H0FvkWFvL0pw8jPXo/w640-h426/GNI+2019-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>GNI Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16791908982393840721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-64680975001449275902020-12-29T08:26:00.001-07:002020-12-29T11:16:30.550-07:00New Website and Membership Directory Coming in 2021<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">After 18 years of using MemberClicks, GNI will be migrating away from using this service and signing on to a more dynamic, lower cost service. </span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">What does this mean for you as a member? </span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">All of your contact information will remain intact, but if you’ve been using the social community module in MemberClicks (posting on walls, sending internal messages to other members, sharing photos, etc) we won’t be able to carry that over to this new service. </span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">If you are an active member (that is, your membership has not yet expired) and want to save any information before we turn off the MemberClicks service, we encourage you to log in to your profile and save as much information before it’s no longer accessible.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;"> </span></p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Our new directory provider will have a similar social community feature that will allow you to post on walls, share photos, send internal and instant messages to other members, etc. but will also change how you will set up your payment profile for paying your membership dues and Gathering registration fees. </span><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;">We’ll have lots more on this later when we finally finish the data migration and build the social community for you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;">We’re hoping to roll this out around February 1 but are working hard to expedite this for a mid-January release. Once this change is made, you’ll see other major features that we have been working on as well. We’ll be assigning new login credentials and have a new membership form, donations form, and Gathering registration form along with other surprises coming soon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">--Rick</span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Executive Director</span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReJc7fhppkFgA53iMABYLV-avYwEnL2beuDFXBA8slMz2RLi902_CmYsCjjr02N3n8zcOBMVHroKGfUC0LEUj-0lILUaLp6uucLQEy6-fI25475rq2sIkcPrs_TzDpWRZ_Cmqz26W5VQ/s2048/GNI+2019-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReJc7fhppkFgA53iMABYLV-avYwEnL2beuDFXBA8slMz2RLi902_CmYsCjjr02N3n8zcOBMVHroKGfUC0LEUj-0lILUaLp6uucLQEy6-fI25475rq2sIkcPrs_TzDpWRZ_Cmqz26W5VQ/w640-h426/GNI+2019-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>GNI Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16791908982393840721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8804008584757467322.post-1173473192811942092020-12-29T08:25:00.001-07:002020-12-29T11:23:46.774-07:00BuffBuzz Blog Survery Results<p>Back in the fall, we sent out a survey asking your opinions about this blog, the BuffBuzz.men blog.</p><p>GNI will using the results of this survey to craft our 2021 communication plan, and helping to optimize our social media going forward. </p><p><b><u>Here are the survey results:</u></b></p><p>We had 204 responses, which we thought was a very good response rate!</p><p>Listed below are the the questions we asked and the top responses</p><p style="text-align: left;">1. When do you visit the BuffBuzz blog?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">47% = every time I get an email reminder</p><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p>2. The current publishing frequency is:</p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">73% = as it currently is</p><p></p></blockquote><p>3. How would you rate the BuffBuzz blog?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">49% = Good</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span>16% = Excellent</span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">21% = No Opinion </p></blockquote><p>4. What topics are you interested in?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">25% = news about the Gathering</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">23% = GNI business / organizational news</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">23% = news about male social nudity (non-GNI)</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">15% = interviews with members </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">14% = articles about GNI history</p></blockquote><p>5. Buff Buzz layout?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">53% = Good</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">38% = Excellent </p></blockquote><p>6. BuffBuzz photos?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">48% = Good</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">42% = Excellent </p></blockquote><p>7. BuffBuzz ease of reading?</p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">47% = Good</p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">43% = Excellent</p><p></p></blockquote><p>8. BuffBuzz article length</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">53% = Good</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">38% = Excellent</p></blockquote><p>Some Comments:</p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p>Potential Meet Ups for travel, trips and planning.</p><p>I have sent a few emails and you guys are great getting back to me in a timely and very personal manner... I have not attended The Gathering yet, but the more you guys talk to me... the more I get excited about cumming... I hope I have the courage to come this year!! Kisses!! Love you guys!!!</p><p>Is there any gay nudists places in southern Ca </p><p>Where nudist places are.</p><p>I know we’re still getting BuffBuzz off the ground, but I’d enjoy a bit more content. Yes, I know that’s the hard part. So, good job so far. Let’s keep this going.</p><p>I know it’s a lot of work and it’s greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p><p>I thoroughly enjoy the group and the offerings. I get the impression the way the blog is set up and the site for GNI it was done several years ago. I don't know what your budget is, but you might want to have a professional look at the site and make recommendations for a revamp.</p><p>T hi s is the first time I am seeing this. I have not received any other communication on this group. I am very interested and want to participate more.</p><p>a wonderful blog</p><p>I just really wish to be part of the family and attend your gatherings</p><p>Hello, j'aimerais qu'un tel rassemblement existe en Europe avec un changement de pays chaque anne y compris en France ne pouvant pas aller au usa.</p><p>More pictures!!!</p><p>I just learned about GNI recently. I plan on to start participating and being more involved in the future especially after the COVID-19 is over.</p><p>Thanks it's inspirational seeing other men my age my very similar condition enjoying themselves.</p><p>Thanks for the interviews with others from around the country. Makes me think I am not alone with my feelings. I am sorry that my situation prevents me from attending a GNI in August. I would love it.</p><p>Keep up the good work</p><p>I apologize that I don’t check in often enough to read it. My experience is too limited to be of value to you.</p><p>I've never really looked at it... so can't really say either way. Thanks.</p><p>You know, I love being nekkid, I love sun and air on my body, but I am a near micro-penis guy growing more and more aware of how different I am. I have seen shots of similar guys, they might not label themselves thusly, but they're out there. I would love any "talk" about this in GNI or BuffBuzz.</p><p>More photos are always welcome.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> More videos would be nice</p><p>I would think under the isolation, you would have included questions about attendance to travel and camp in August</p><p>I look forward to getting the latest BuffBuzz edition.</p><p>It helps me feel connected during this time of isolation. Many of us are really alone.</p><p>didn't know there was a blog but I don't read blogs don't know what they are now buffbuzz I read when it is sent to me</p><p>I like it. It's difficult to please everyone and like most old people I miss the paper copy days of publications, but a blog actually is so much easier to produce and more timely. So I would not change anything.</p><p>It would be better, more interesting, and more pleasurable to read if it were presented in an online magazine format with pages that turn like a magazine. Magazine style communications are simply better, even if only a few pages.</p><p>I don't bother with the BuffBuzz blog. Were it to disappear, I probably wouldn't notice.</p><p>I'd like to see members be able to post their photos on the blog. Thank you.</p><p>good for maintaining GNI visibility among members</p><p>It seems clunky when I want to read an article. I wish it was just one document I could access like a magazine.</p><p>I can’t recall the last time I saw this publication. Stick to Facebook and Instagram. Would enjoy ride share section before the gathering to facilitate travel.</p><p>having a broad spectrum of topics, with more focus relating to the Gathering & events during the Gathering. So as to create more interest in going to Penn in Aug.</p><p>It almost seems irrelevant to keep posting the blog this summer. See you in 2021.</p><p>A regular schedule would be nice to have, even if posted less often.</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoUBNgyXL4eScmTHrAN4vAX-hVH6EGlAnTGrdW43yMwDd3Lys27RyVKe9f4T2Ipu5M5rUjEpSrUbtJ1WBUZF7rUTLzQd814EMgoUaa5qqknZsWyUG_0EBXQFL0cbctSOoQBu_3GBlTLE/s2048/GNI+2019-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1651" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoUBNgyXL4eScmTHrAN4vAX-hVH6EGlAnTGrdW43yMwDd3Lys27RyVKe9f4T2Ipu5M5rUjEpSrUbtJ1WBUZF7rUTLzQd814EMgoUaa5qqknZsWyUG_0EBXQFL0cbctSOoQBu_3GBlTLE/w516-h640/GNI+2019-11.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p></p></blockquote>GNI Communicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16791908982393840721noreply@blogger.com