MAL 49 Reflections

By Jonathan K. 

Mr. GNI Leather 2018

Jonathan K, Mr. GNI Leather 2018

Mid-Atlantic Leather (MAL) 49 has come and gone but things feel very different for me. Although I had attended MAL five times, I was anxious about going this time, since I would be there as an International Mr. Leather (IML) contestant, your Mr. GNI Leather 2018 titleholder. Should I edit myself, tone myself down to a degree more ‘fitting’ of an IML contestant? I bugged a friend about it the evening before my departure and he was very understanding suggesting that I “just be myself”. I thought how wonderfully supportive of him. This is why these leathermen mean so much to me.

Upon arrival at the MAL host hotel, I met my roommate outside, my friend Joe Gebbs who is Mr. Fire Island Leather 2017 and Northeast Handler 2019, and we went to check in. Right beyond the front door, I saw friends and went to say hello. Walking down the steps, other friends greeted me. It was a good 15 minutes of hugs, kisses and promises to catch up during the weekend before I arrived at the check-in desk. And in those 15 minutes, everything changed. I was no longer anxious; I was great! I was with my leather brothers and sisters and with them I could ‘just be myself’.

Waiting for our room, we met up with my sash granddaddy, Ralph Bruneau, Mr. GNI Leather 2016 and Mr. IML 2017, and LeatherWerks’ Bear Man. After registration, I went down to LeatherWerks in the vendor market to purchase specific Wesco boots for IML and caught up with my sash daddy, Brian Ballone, Mr. GNI Leather 2017. My thought is, if you’re going to compete, give it your all and look your best.

Within 20 minutes of opening, the vendor market was packed and remained so for the rest of the weekend, as was the hotel Lobby. It was filled with sexy leathermen from around the world and is truly a remarkable experience. I met many of my IML brothers for the first time and we all started a bonding process that grew quickly over the weekend. After a Drummer party, a Rubber Cocktail Party, later followed by more of the continual lobby socializing, I decided at 1am to call it an early evening.

Current & Alum Mr. GNI Leather: Alan, Dave, Dan, Brian, Jonathan, Ralph,  & John

The rest of the weekend flew by faster than I have ever experienced. Saturday was incredibly busy with IML related events and GNI’s first Pocono Eagle Boots & Bourbon Partyfor the year. My IML brothers and I were introduced to the IML production team, our den daddy, our judges and the contestant application process. Group photos were followed by the always entertaining Onyx Fashion Fundraiser and a private IML brother party hosted by Christopher Booth, Mr. DC Eagle 2019. After a brief break from formal leather to very satisfying near nakedness, I had to don formal once again for the evening Leather Cocktails and Parade of Colors, celebrating all the various leather clubs that have members attending MAL. Though naked is beautiful and provides an amazing sense of freedom and grounding, men in full formal leather are equally beautiful, exuding a generous sense of kinship and leadership.

Saturday evening, I was lucky to finally have my naked moment, our Pocono Eagle Boots & Bourbon Party. GNI President, Dan Marrs, Marketing Director, Gene Evangelist, and I had been promoting the fundraiser party for over a month and the result was a sold out success. Dan’s selection of bourbons were stellar and all the guys did indeed come in boots, one guy in Uggs!

Sunday was equally busy with a leather brunch social followed by the Mr. MAL Contest and the Parade of Current Titleholders, including myself. Six brave leathermen competed for the title, each showcasing their inner strengths, charisma, and contributions to their local leather communities. Emërson Anicëto, Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2019, won the title.

 By the time the contest was over, photos were taken with our IML brother, Emërson, and I was once again happily stripped down to a bare minimum; I decided to just hang in the lobby with my brothers and sisters, old and new friends. I heard later that the closing dance party at a separate venue was amazingly fun and I briefly regretted having missed it. I love dancing with near-naked, sweaty and fragrant men. Men are beautiful and we should celebrate that in positive and loving ways. MAL weekend is packed with concurrent activities and you can’t do everything. I was happy to relax, chat, be frisky, observe floggings and other mild BDSM activities, as well as watch the Patriots/Chiefs game listening to the lack of enthusiasm when the Patriots won, and submerse myself in what is arguably the most unique and enjoyable aspect of the weekend - just being in the lobby.

Many guys have complained about ‘event drop - that horribly depressing feeling of having to return to everyday ‘reality’ once an amazing experience has ended. I used to suffer from that after every event but somehow I’ve learned to overcome it. There’s always the next event to look forward to. There’s always another occasion to hang with my leather brothers and support one another through whatever it is, good or bad, that life brings us. And maybe this high I’m riding from my GNI Leather title is sustaining me every day, making me happy and grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience and encouraging me to be the best I can be every day.

Through the Looking Glass

By Rick J., 

GNI Executive Director

If you’ve been around GNI long enough, you may remember the days when we published a quarterly newsletter known as The GNI Informer. GNI started publishing a newsletter for its members many, many years ago; the first known version of our newsletter was a small publication called The GNI Quarterly in the early 90’s. The fledgling publication didn’t formally become The GNI Informer until Spring of 1995. I had the pleasure of digitizing back issues of The GNI Quarterly from 1992 (the oldest edition we could find) to 2000 and converting them to a digital format that can be read on a computer or mobile device. These back issues, which we thought were long gone and unavailable, were provided by long-time member and previous board member, Steve Ericson. Steve sent me his stash of newsletters knowing that his contribution would benefit all members and for that, we are sincerely grateful. This was a huge project to undertake as each issue had to be scanned, files imported into our software to create digital publications, digital files uploaded to the GNI server, and the Member Directory pages updated to include links to the various issues. This process repeated itself over 30 times and took almost a month to complete.

A step back in time

What was really amazing for me was to go through each issue page by page and to read the important news of the day. These back issues are rich with GNI history and frames the foundation of many of the policies that we continue to observe today. From deciding sexual policy issues, ruminating about first-time naked experiences, to the announcements of the loss of our GNI brothers at a time when antiretroviral drugs were not readily available, The GNI Quarterly and GNI Informer back issues provide a fascinating tale of our history. It truly is a must-read for everyone who wants to know more about the organization. You’ll see ads for businesses that supported naturism; many are no longer around. You’ll read about stories of legislation in the 90’s that threatened our sacred nude beaches and naked swimming holes and thanks to the hard work of The Naturist Action Committee, we continue to enjoy many of those same places today. You’ll peruse the issues and recognize the faces of men still around today but were 25 years younger. You’ll read about the struggles that GNI faced, the adversity and challenges we overcame, and recognize the deep and unwavering commitment by any number of men and volunteers who served the organization to make it what it is today.

One of the most eye-opening revelations for me personally was when I came across an advertisement in 1997, 1998, and 1999 for Gay Naturists Australia (no affiliation to GNI). This was an event organized by a group in Australia that hosted an event similar to The GNI Gathering. And it was held at Turtle Cove in Cairns, Queensland – the same place where we are holding GNI Australia, February 21 – 28, 2019! I’m including a screen shot of the ad found in the Spring 1999 issue of The Informer. While I was at Turtle Cove in 2016, I heard about GNA from other men who were at the resort. They gave me a brief history of GNA and hoped that GNI would help resurrect an event that was lost when the event got too large and needed more people to help organize it. GNI is recognized as a leader in naturism and event planning and with the board’s approval in 2016, GNI started to plan for GNI Australia 2019. We have some really fantastic things planned so if anyone is still interested in coming, don’t hesitate to sign up now.

Do yourself a favor. When you have a few minutes, log on to the Member Directory and click on “The Gay Naturist Informer” navigation link. You’ll find “The GNI Informer” 1990-1999 and 2000-2013 issues when the last GNI Informer publication was published. I encourage you to read all of the issues at some point, but for those who really want to gaze through the looking glass of time, spend some time in the 1990-1999 section. 

Enjoy the read. I did!

Let's Go To Australia

If you haven't heard GNI’s first international event will happen at the spectacular 4-star Turtle Cove Resort in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia February 21-28, 2019.

Turtle Cove is an exclusively gay, nude adult holiday resort located near Cairns on absolute private beach frontage, set amongst unspoiled rainforest overlooking the world famous Great Barrier Reef. It offers the best in privacy, discretion, peace, relaxation, and experience.

This isn't camping.

This is a luxury experience with beautifully appointed rooms, a pool and spa that never close, full bar and quality dining, gymnasium, health spa, library and games room. 

In addition to the naked thrill of a GNI gathering in Australia, there are some fun activities and special events planned. You can dive or snorkel on the adjacent Great Barrier Reef, go sailing at Port Douglas or tour the Daintree Rainforest.

There is also an opportunity to fly down to Sydney for the 2019 Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade – the world’s biggest. Grandstand seating has been secured as well as a kayak trip with Tony Carr on one of Sydney’s beautiful waterways, with a clothing optional Aussie barbecue celebration to follow at Tony's place. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience Australia’s extraordinary sights, wildlife, and vibrant gay culture. And with Tony Carr's local boots on the ground (and everything else), it should be a smooth sailing adventure.

By the way, airfares to Australia have dropped dramatically and the US dollar is very strong against the Australian dollar.

So check out the details on our website at: https://gaynaturists.org/australia/

For registrations, trip itinerary, and rooming details, 

contact Rick Johnson - gni@gaynaturists.org.

For information on Turtle Cove, the Mardi Gras, Tony’s kayaking day and clothing optional barbecue or just to say hi, 

contact Tony Carr - tonycarr@ozemail.com.au

We hope you can join us.

Hashtag Your Way Through Naked Camp

#TheGathering2018

As camp approaches, we want to see your posts about getting ready for, arriving at, and your festivities at camp. Obviously you MUST keep them PG, but why not share the fun with the social media universe? Use the following hashtags on your posts about GNI to join the conversation!
- #GNI
- #GNI2018
- #TheGathering2018

And here are some secondary hashtag ideas as well!
- #MrBareBear
- #MrGNI
- #MissLace
- #PoconoEagle
- #Nudism
- #GayNudism
- #NakedCamp

See you at camp! Less than a week!

Naked Camp Checklist of Things to Consider Bringing

CHECKLIST OF SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING

We suggest that you may want to bring the following items to camp. This list is not all-inclusive and should be used as a suggestion, only. Please feel free to bring what you think you may need or may want to use.

SHIPPING ITEMS TO CAMP

If you would like to ship your items to camp before The Gathering begins, you will find the exact address on the Driving Directions page found in your Confirmation Documents.

CHECKLIST

 Antiseptic
 Athletic Equipment, Tennis Racquet, Volleyball
 Band-Aids
 Beach Towel(s)
 Bedding: Pillow, Blanket, Sheets (for single-size bed)*, Sleeping Bag
 Cabin Decorations / lights
 Clock / Watch
 Condoms & Lube, Personal Sexual Protection
 Costumes for Social Hour Theme Parties
 Drums, if desired, for Campfire Drumming
 Earplugs
 Country’s flag (for International members)
 Flashlight
 Hat
 Item to donate to the NAC Silent Auction
 Insect Spray
 Musical Instrument, if desired
 Personal Medical Supplies (OTC's)
 Poison Ivy medication
 Prescription(s)
 Roller blades
 Soap / shampoo
 Shoes
 Shower Shoes
 Socks
 Snacks
 Sunglasses
 Suntan Lotion, Sun Block
 Talent Show Music & Props
 Towels / Washcloths*
 Tylenol / Aspirin, as appropriate for you
 Tweezers (for splinters)
 Umbrella
 Vaccinations (Hepatitis A / B - tetanus)

* A linen rental package is available for $48.00/set which includes a pillow, pillowcase, flat sheet, fitted sheet, blanket, three towels and two washcloths. We do not have tents and RV's to rent.

How to Bookmark and Access GNI Online Schedule

A simple HOW-TO guide for accessing the GNI Gathering online schedule app/site.

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30 Days and Counting

Letter from the Editor

As August 17 approaches on my seventh year attending The Gathering, I’m vividly remembering my first in 2010. I was kinda scared to death and yet crazy excited. I knew all of two people going to The Gathering - one was my dear friend, Rick, our Executive Director, and the second was a man I met at nudist pool parties in Atlanta. That was it. Out of 500+ men, I knew two.

What ensued for me upon arrival was nothing short of life altering. The men I met every day were incredibly kind. Completely non-judgmental. Many many returning GNI members took me under their wing to ensure I was enjoying the experience. I had the wonderful opportunity to be a volunteer where I ensured we had popcorn popped for the dining hall after the performances. It was a glorious time to be working the popcorn machine (back when we were able to pop fresh popcorn) and soooo many men would stop by to say hello.

The night the disco opened, my cabin-mates and I walked down together to see it. One of my cabin-mates, Ian, nudged me to get on one of the pedestals to dance. I protested, “I don’t know how to dance.” and “Everyone will be watching me.” He encouraged me further by saying, "You will dance up there before this week is out." I don’t have words for how it felt to get up there finally and dance my heart out - free of judgment, full of freedom - amongst the men who just wanted to be themselves.

To bring my journey down memory lane to a close - walk peacefully under the stars at night, hang out by the campfire, go to the disco and dance your heart out, discover the freedom to be yourself…all of this is possible and so much more.

If you’re on the fence about going, take the leap. Listen to your intuition; your body and soul need this experience.  I'm also thrilled to mention that I met my fiance at that first Gathering. We're getting married in Oct. So...ya never know who you'll meet!!

This One Time at Summer Camp...

Camp is 30 days away.

You've checked out the schedule for the social hours, you've heard about yoga, the Pocono Eagle, Mr. GNI, Mr. Bare Bear, Miss Lace, Body Electric, and all the other events at camp...

With so many options for activities to participate in, it might get a bit overwhelming. Here at BuffBuzz, we are here to help! Take a glance at some of the images from years past and see if it's something you're interested in! Make The Gathering the best Summer Camp experience of your life!

Letter from the Assistant Editor...

I'm Chris G. I grew up a dancer. A dancer whose shape and size were not typical. A dancer who was told numerous times he would never succeed or be successful in the dance community because of his weight, yet here I am teaching dance and performing to this day...

It's odd. I'm not only looking forward to The Gathering for the regattas, contests, parties or anything of the sort. I'm looking forward to the introspection that will occur by stripping away that which protects me from the mirrors, clean windows and metallic car doors that show my truest reflection. I've struggled to understand why I couldn't just love my body. And while that question may not be answered 100% at camp, I know that this experience will be one that will allow for that self reflection and self love. Maybe fully, maybe not...but this is more than just a summer camp. It provides for the community a safe space where you come as you are and leave a more humbled version of yourself.

Love your body. Love yourself. Love your friends. Love your enemies. Because in the end, we are all struggling for that one basic need we all share in common: the need and want for love.

I cannot wait to meet as many of you as humanly possible at camp. If you see me, say hi!

Happy Naked Pride!

Photo Courtesy of History.com

In June of 1969, the Stonewall riots in New York launched a powerful worldwide movement establishing June as the official month of Pride but its significance and meaning to the LGBTQIA community has since broadened dramatically. Pride month conjures up images of go-go boys dancing in speedos as floats slowly sail past the throngs of allies and supporters lining city streets for miles on end; drag queens decked in full regalia wearing dresses, eyelashes, high heels, wigs, and feather boas dancing to the tunes of old-school disco; bare chested leather men in harnesses and bare-butt chaps marching in step with their boys, masters, pups, and daddies; and average “guys next door” types with nondescript “dad bods” living a quiet life proudly walking hand-in-hand with their husbands celebrating their marriage that was once forbidden and illegal.

Pride is a microcosm of a much larger and diverse community. But where do naturists fit in? In many festivals, nudity is frowned upon and often enforced with strict anti-nudity legislation. With the exception of a couple of annual events, naturists are not readily accepted into mainstream Pride events. Naturist materials at Pride events are often censored or stored out of public view citing “decency” clauses. The perception that nudity equates to sex is overwhelming in public opinion; naturists are called upon to educate the public - oftentimes mostly of our own community’s gay and bisexual men - in terms that we represent every aspect of society. We *are* like everyone else looking for love and companionship, but we enjoy social and recreational nude activities with other men by proudly participating in local, regional, and national nudist communities, identifying as a “home nudist,” or finding the simple satisfaction of quiet time on nude beaches alone or with friends.

Nudist Pride is about owning who we are. Nudist Pride is about celebrating our diversity as gay, bisexual, and gay-friendly men. Naturists embrace the differences of our various body types, our shapes, and our penis lengths because for naturists, those things are trivial and non-issues. We engage in a much different - dare I say deeper? - level when clothes are cast aside leaving nothing behind but heart-to-heart sharing with each other. Our hearts are touched; our lives are changed; the healing of our self esteems begin; we thrive. We may not be able to dance naked on a float during Pride month in public, but we can rest assured knowing that we belong to a dynamic, growing, visible, and exciting naked community. Celebrate. Be proud. Get naked. Live. Happy Pride!

A Letter from Miss Lace 2017, Iona Mink

GNI Miss Lace 2017, Iona Mink (Photo credit Brian Becnel)

Dear GNI Campers,

I am Iona Mink, your reigning GNI Miss Lace 2017 and I thought I would sit down and tell you all a bit about where Iona came from and what I have been doing since being crowned. Since being crowned Miss Lace I have been very busy promoting GNI whenever I can. I have attended RuPaul’s Drag Con and Bette Midler’s Annual Hulaween Extravaganza.

Attending GNI Gathering is the high point of my year. I look forward to it and start counting days to the next year the day I get back. There is a sense of camaraderie and friendship that is so welcoming. You can do as much as you want or nothing at all and both are good. The first year I attended The Gathering I had just turned 50 and if someone would have told me that I would be dancing buck naked on the center go-go platform in the dance club I would have told them they were crazy!!! Well... that was exactly what happened.

There are several contests and events that you can participate in. There is something for everyone. The contest that spoke to me was Miss Lace. Being a former dancer I was in several productions of La Cage Aux Folles so the Miss Lace Pageant was right up my alley. The first year I competed for the crown it had been 25 years since I was onstage in front of an audience. Nerves were very high but I felt so safe and supported from the other queens and the audience welcomed and cheered me on. It was a moment that I will never forget! It took 3 other times before I took the home the crown. Each time I felt the same love and support.

If there is a queen inside waiting to strut her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent I say strap on those heels and shashay the runway! Unlike some of the other contests, there is more preparation needed for Miss Lace. You have to pack wigs/dresses/makeup/heels. There is a talent portion to the pageant, which could be anything from lipsyncing to singing live, from doing a dramatic reading to tap dancing.

I love my other title brothers and we always have a good time when we get together.

I look forward to welcoming a new queen to the Miss Lace family. But fear not, Iona Mink is not going anywhere. Who knows you may just see Iona Mink on RuPaul’s Drag Race!!!

World Naked Gardening Day 2018

Submissions from our readers for World Naked Gardening Day 2018. As much as we asked, our outside-USA nudist brothers are missing from our WORLD celebration of naked gardening.

Brooks from north Georgia, USA

Bryan from Kansas, USA

Davey from Pennsylvania, USA

Jason from Atlanta, USA

Jason from Atlanta, USA

Jay from Atlanta, USA

Jay from Atlanta, USA

Gerry from Michigan, USA

Roger from NY, USA

Hugh from Vermont, USA

Mickey from Pennsylvania, USA

1/2 Week GNI Raffle with Mr. GNI Leather 2017

A message from Mr. GNI Leather 2017:

Brian Ballone, Mr. GNI Leather 2017 (Photo Credit: Brian Becnel)

I am eager to announce that raffle tickets to win one of 3 half week prizes are still available. 
The drawing will be in early June, so hurry now!

You might be my invited guests at The Gathering: Wednesday, August 22, 2018 through Sunday, August 26, 2018. 

That’s right… enjoy half a naked week with me and over 500 men at GNI’s The Gathering, in northeastern Pennsylvania, to vacation, play, and help choose Mr. GNI Leather 2018 and most importantly enjoy my step down speech! You could even become Mr. GNI Leather 2018. 
 • No cash value for the invited guest if they do not attend. 
• Transportation to The Gathering is the responsibility of the invited guest. 
• All rules of GNI apply including this is a naked event. Clothing is not an option. 
• Invited guest must be 21 years old at the time of arrival. 
• Adding first half week and/or early arrival is the responsibility of the invited guest. 
• Add-ons are the responsibility of the invited guest. (E.g. linen rental, GNI membership if not already a member) 

Tickets are $20 each (plus $3 shipping) and you get my "Duck It No Pants" Donald Duck pin as a thank you. 

PayPal to princealbert25@hotmail.com or email me for the address to mail a check.

I look forward to seeing you…ALL of you…at The Gathering!

XXX 
Brian J Ballone 
Mr. GNI Leather 2017

GNI Board 2018 Elections Results

The results of the 2018 GNI Board of Directors' Election is in! We had three (3) very qualified candidates running for two (2) positions. We would like to thank the three candidates for running as well as everyone who voted in this year's election. Over 20% of our members cast their ballot this year.

And the winners are ...

M. Danny Allman joins the board for the first time and Nick Roessler returns to serve a second term.

Here's a little more information about Danny and Nick: 

Danny

Ever since I attended my first NakedFest in 2014, I knew I had found a group where I belonged.  Since then, I have attended a GNI-sponsored event each year. There is a sort of magical camaraderie that exists between everyone at camp. The only word I can use to describe what causes the enchantment is: “nothing.” Having nothing separating us from each other removes the veil of elusiveness and awkwardness that surrounds everyone in the real world. Because of this magic we share at the Gathering, I am running for a seat on the 2018 GNI board.

I kicked off my social nude roots by attending a Party Naked Pittsburgh event right after I graduated college. Since that time, I have become a regular camper at Roseland Resort in West Virginia and finally went to a few clothing-optional beaches on Maui and Florida.

Between check-in, tours of camp for newbies, or working Bingo nights, I always volunteer in some capacity each Gathering. Between events, I have distributed GNI pamphlets around my current city of Baltimore and advertised GNI on my TrueNudists profile to promote our mission. I love being a part of this inclusive group of men and I want to do my part in keeping GNI alive!

Nick

I have been a member since 2006. I was 23 when I attended my first Gathering; I drove alone from Michigan, arrived without knowing anyone, and made some of the most significant friendships of my life all within 48 hours of being there. This kicked off the next 12 years of volunteering at camp; working in almost everything from the auditorium, to being Rick Johnson's assistant, working in the dance club, and serving on the board. During this time I have also been honored with the Murray Kaufman Natural Man Award for my activism in the naturist community, and I also have been honored with the title of Mr. GNI 2013. These experiences have taught me a great deal about how The Gathering is created and what makes camp so special to all of us, which is why I ran for a board position again. 

Congratulations, Danny and Nick!