VIDEO: 2021 Gathering Promo

 GNI has a new promo video for the 2021 Gathering

Watch it here:

https://vimeo.com/457120230

VIDEO: World's Largest Naked Dance Club

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. 

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!

Check out our new promo video below:

https://vimeo.com/462380269

VIDEO: Pocono Eagle at GNI

GNI has a new promo video for the Pocono Eagle.

Check out the men of Pocono Eagle at GNI's annual Gathering. 

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. 

Visit our website for more information.

https://vimeo.com/479024550 

New Website and Membership Directory Coming in 2021

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. 

What does this mean for you as a member? 

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. 

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. 

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. 

We’ll have lots more on this later when we finally finish the data migration and build the social community for you. 

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. 

--Rick

Executive Director

BuffBuzz Blog Survery Results

Back in the fall, we sent out a survey asking your opinions about this blog, the BuffBuzz.men blog.

GNI will using the results of this survey to craft our 2021 communication plan, and helping to optimize our social media going forward.  

Here are the survey results:

We had 204 responses, which we thought was a very good response rate!

Listed below are the the questions we asked and the top responses

1.  When do you visit the BuffBuzz blog?

47% = every time I get an email reminder

2.  The current publishing frequency is:

73% = as it currently is

3.  How would you rate the BuffBuzz blog?

49% = Good

16% = Excellent 

21% = No Opinion 

4.  What topics are you interested in?

25% = news about the Gathering

23% = GNI business / organizational news

23% = news about male social nudity (non-GNI)

15% = interviews with members 

14% = articles about GNI history

5.  Buff Buzz layout?

53% = Good

38% = Excellent 

6.  BuffBuzz photos?

48% = Good

42% = Excellent 

7.  BuffBuzz ease of reading?

47% = Good

43% = Excellent

8. BuffBuzz article length

53% = Good

38% = Excellent

Some Comments:

Potential Meet Ups for travel, trips and planning.

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!!!

Is there any gay nudists places in southern Ca 

Where nudist places are.

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.

I know it’s a lot of work and it’s greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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.

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.

a wonderful blog

I just really wish to be part of the family and attend your gatherings

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.

More pictures!!!

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.

Thanks it's inspirational seeing other men my age my very similar condition enjoying themselves.

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.

Keep up the good work

I apologize that I don’t check in often enough to read it. My experience is too limited to be of value to you.

I've never really looked at it... so can't really say either way. Thanks.

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.

More photos are always welcome.

 More videos would be nice

I would think under the isolation, you would have included questions about attendance to travel and camp in August

I look forward to getting the latest BuffBuzz edition.

It helps me feel connected during this time of isolation. Many of us are really alone.

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

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.

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.

I don't bother with the BuffBuzz blog. Were it to disappear, I probably wouldn't notice.

I'd like to see members be able to post their photos on the blog. Thank you.

good for maintaining GNI visibility among members

It seems clunky when I want to read an article. I wish it was just one document I could access like a magazine.

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.

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.

It almost seems irrelevant to keep posting the blog this summer. See you in 2021.

A regular schedule would be nice to have, even if posted less often.

 

GNI FRIDAY FILM WATCH PARTY

We got together this past August to view 4 flicks featuring lives of Gay and Trans Men of Color, and in October we’ll be diving into 4 International Gay Movies. 

Dates and movies are below; they’re found on Netflix and other services....but if you’re outside the U.S., please look for them ahead of time. 

Visit this link on the GNI website to receive the Zoom link so that we can connect during the movie (while you watch the movie on your own.)

Help Us with a Gathering Promo Video

Have you been to the GNI Gathering?

Are you planning to go August 20-29, 2021?

We want to interview you! 

If you are one of the five (5) chosen and complete your commitment to this video project, you will receive a free membership through August 31, 2021 *and* a complimentary Early Arrival Weekend attendance package (conditions apply).

Video Project #1: Gathering Promo Video

We are looking for a few men who have been to The Gathering before to volunteer to be in our video and answer some questions.

Questions like:

• What is The Gathering really like?
• Do you have a story about a good time at The Gathering?
• What do you like to do at The Gathering?
• Did you make new friends?
• How many days did you go to The Gathering?
• What is offered at The Gathering?
• How is the value for the high price?
• What is there to do at The Gathering?
• Did you feel safe at The Gathering?
• How is the atmosphere?
• How was the entertainment?
• How was the food?
• Would you return next year?
• Introductions – name, where you live, what do you do etc. (generic description) and any naked events or activities you participate in.
• When did you first experiment with naturism? What did you do?
• Favourite nudist places to go? (Record going to do something naked – hike, beach, party, etc.)
• Are you a home nudist, situational, or recreational nudist? (Open ended “story telling”)
• Planning for GNI – if you have been before tell us what to expect, if you have not been before ask questions about what you are curious about.
• Film as you attend naked summer activities
• Packing / getting ready for The Gathering

Video Project #2: Naked Men Mini Series

Over the next few months record yourself in documenting your experience as we build up to the next Gathering.

• Introductions – name, where you live, what do you do etc. (generic description) and any naked events or activities you participate in.
• When did you first experiment with naturism? What did you do?
• Favourite nudist places to go? (Record going to do something naked – hike, beach, party, etc.)
• Are you a home nudist, situational, or recreational nudist? (Open ended “story telling”)
• Planning for GNI – if you have been before tell us what to expect, if you have not been before ask questions about what you are curious about.
• Film as you attend naked summer activities
• Packing / getting ready for The Gathering

What are we looking for?

We're looking for men who won't mind having their stories published by GNI in short video clips. Ideally, we'd like to have a diverse representation of men of all ages, ethnicities, and body types. Since we are trying to promote GNI to the next generation, younger men and men of color are definitely encouraged to volunteer! However, all interested candidates will be considered including first time attendees of GNI's annual signature event and regular attendees who may have been coming for years. Don't be shy; sign up!

Now for the finer print ... In order for us to have a successful video series, we are seeking men who will make a commitment to record themselves in a variety of situations over the course of the next year through July 2021. Our project manager, Shai, will assist you with the "theme" of each recording needed and he will provide you with the list of questions to answer or topics to be discussed. He will also provide some direction on the activities you might also want to capture on video. Shai will be your point-of-contact for all things video related; he's the producer and director of this series.

Your volunteer efforts will be rewarded with a complimentary membership through August 31, 2021 effective immediately upon your acceptance of a firm offer by GNI and if you complete all of the video segments throughout the year, GNI will award you with a free Early Arrival Weekend attendance package at our annual event in August 2021. Your package will include complimentary housing, food, beverages, activities, and linen rental (if needed). If you not be able to attend the weekend of August 20 - 23, 2021, and are able to attend another time of the week, a credit for the same amount can be applied to any other attendance option. If you wish to attend longer than the package offer, you are able to extend your stay by paying the difference of upgrading to the attendance dates of your choice. You will be able to work out the specifics of your arrangement with Rick, GNI's Executive Director.

If you lose interest in the project before its completion date, are unable to complete the project for any reason, or fail to provide usable video any time before July 2021, GNI's offer for the Early Arrival Weekend attendance package cannot be honored. Sorry, we are unable to award partial packages to those that do not complete their commitment to this project.

This should be fun and we want men to enjoy getting to know you over the year. We also want you to tell your story and to experience naturism with you as you live your naked life. We'd like to get started as soon as possible, but certainly before October 15, 2020. If you have any questions or need any more information, please feel free to reach out to Shai at shai@gaynaturists.org or to Rick, Executive Director at gni@gaynturists.org.

Thank you and we hope to see (all of) you on video!

GNI's Anti-Racism Meetings

Just look at these lovely faces. These are a few of the dear, warm men who came together in August to look at how racism has affected their lives and what they wanted to do about that. If you’ve been following us through my blog posts or just hoping you could find a way to join us, now is the time. 

We’re starting again this October, and we want you! We want you however or wherever you are on this journey. We want all GNI men...Black, White, all men of color and internationalites.

Please follow the link below to read about what we wanted to share with you from the first sessions where GNI men worked on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

1st Link: https://deiatgni.blogspot.com/2020/09/what-we-want-you-to-know-about-august.html

Please follow this link to see how this work will be carried through into our next four sessions. 

2nd Link: https://deiatgni.blogspot.com/2020/09/read-this-for-info-on-august-series.html

The Psychology of Naturism

Fascinating research  on how social nudity can help deal with body image issues.

GNI Memorial Book

Each year at our annual Gathering, we hold a short memorial service to remember our brothers who have passed away. We’ve been curating names and head shots of men since the 1990’s in the GNI Memorial Book; our memorial book has become a wonderful and solemn way to pay our respects to those we’ve lost over the years. 

But we need your help. The only way that we can update our records and add names to our memorial book is if family or friends let us know of anyone who’s departed. This is where you come in. 

If you know of any GNI member, past or present, who is deceased, please drop an e-mail to the GNI Business Office with his name. If you have his obituary or any photos of him, you’re welcome to send that as well. Or you may be so inspired to write your own tribute. That’s perfectly fine as well. We’ll update our database and create a page exclusively for him in our memorial book. Don’t assume we have his information on file; you’ll be surprised how many men we’ve missed. 

For security and privacy, we do not publish any names on the internet or on our website; the only place anyone will see this information is if he attends The GNI Gathering in August. Our memorial book is on display throughout the week and is used during the formal memorial service, and then it is safely stored in the office until the following year. 

Please help us maintain our memorial book by letting us know if you have a family member or friend who once belonged to GNI. You can e-mail the Business Office at gni@gaynaturists.org with his information. Thank you in advance for any leads you can offer. Stay safe and we hope to see (all of) you next year!

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GNI Watch Parties in July

GNI, and our movie manager, Jon, are teaming up to bring movies to you this summer. Over the next four (4) weeks on Friday evening, we will be hosting Movie Watch Parties for you and your friends.

Description of the parties:
Pride celebrations may not be at their usual strength, but we can get together to watch some movies that celebrate our strengths and connections. You must have a Netflix account to view our selected movies.

Our Netflix Watch Party is a weekly event every Friday at 9 pm EDT (UTC -4). We hope that men across the globe will join us, but timings are mostly designed for those living in the U.S. and Canada.

How to sign up:

Fill out your contact information below. We’ll respond and send you the details of the movie, and URL needed to join the party. 

Please check your spam or junk mail file if you don’t receive a message in your inbox.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Basic watch party things:

• Understandably, sometimes technology fails. GNI is not responsible for connectivity or Netflix performance issues. Please be respectful if you experience technological issues.  
 •  Netflix is a registered trademark of Netflix, Inc. GNI is not affiliated with Netflix and only refers to the brand to promote their online watch parties.
• Be aware there is always the possibility for 3rd party hackers or members to illegally record or photograph their screen. GNI intends to maintain the privacy of the individuals who participate in our Mingle parties, but cannot guarantee such privacy. GNI shall not be held liable, and is hereby released from liability, for any violation of its privacy policy by participants in any of our online parties. Liability for any such violation shall rest solely with the person committing the violation.

Please read about a new anti-racism initiative led by Jon P to start in July

Hello, men.  Hello, Gay men.  Hello, naked Gay men! This post is for men of all colors, but specifically an invitation to men like myself, namely, White Gay men who want to work to eliminate racism. ELIMINATE racism? Pretty tall order, right? It definitely is but every bit of thought and care that you put into that effort makes a difference. It may be uncomfortable to consider gathering together as White men and I understand that. But that discomfort is part of the very reason I am doing this, namely, to examine our role in a system that is built on the oppression of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.)

And I want you to join me for a weekly Zoom gathering where we as GNIers look at racism in our lives, at the systemic nature of racism surrounding and hurting all of us, and create ways to think better about all people (yes, that includes thinking better about ourselves as White men.)

We will meet for four consecutive Saturdays for one hour (longer if the turnout necessitates).  After the four weeks we will collectively decide what the next phase looks like. You don’t need to bring anything other than yourself exactly as you are. There won’t be “homework” but we might find ways to keep in better touch with each other as we look at the ways we feel separated from others, whether that be our families of birth, our families of choice, our Gay brothers, or our Brothers of Color.  Dave B will be assisting me.

Here is the link to information on the first four gatherings

It would be great if you could join us for all four, but do your best. Know that you’re welcome at all times. Please join at least 15 minutes early to manage any technical issues.  By now most of us are getting adept at Zoom, but if you haven’t used it yet, please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to run you through some basics.  We’ll take about an hour each time (trust me, it’ll feel like too short a time) and there will be many opportunities to comment, perhaps speak, and spend some time in small groups (Yikes! Lol)  

Whether you’ve never thought about this, feel like you really need to “do something about this,” or are already an experienced activist, we want all of you. We’re going to learn how to be better listeners and how to get closer to each other.  This is challenging but together we'll pause, reflect, play, and renew our commitments to each other as we work to change ourselves, GNI, and the world.

--Jon P