Each of our Gatherings (Spring, Summer, and Fall) is an extended weekend retreat where men explore different ways of looking at life and expand concepts of self while having a lot of fun at the same time.
Who attends?
Attendees come from across California and some venture from out of state and other countries. Men who attend our Gatherings and local social events are a diverse group of varying ages, beliefs, religious traditions, and spiritual practices. We have differently- abled men and men from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. While attendees are predominately gay and bisexual, all men 18 years or older are welcome, including those who are transgender or straight.
What takes place?
An all-volunteer planning committee designs each retreat to include large group activities with smaller workshops offering a wide choice of topics, thought processes and activities, a few being clothing-optional. Also planned are games, dances, a variety show, hikes, heart circles, yoga and much more. The choice of activities allows each man to create his own personal experience. It's a weekend to try new things, be a kid again, make new friends and reconnect with old friends. For some, a Gathering is like going to summer camp; for others, it's non-stop workshops and
self-exploration.
The California Men's Gatherings environment facilitates deeper connections with other men and a special place
where men readily let down their guards, open up their hearts, and have fun.
Want to be notified of new CMG events and workshops, upcoming CMG event and workshop reminders, newsletter postings to the CMG Web site, and all Gathering-related information? Here's how!
Somewhere there are people
to whom we can speak with passion
without having the words catch in our throats.
Somewhere a circle of hands
will open to receive us,
eyes will light up as we enter,
voices will celebrate with us
whenever we come into our own power.
Community means strength that joins our strength
to do the work that needs to be done.
Arms to hold us when we falter.
A circle of healing.
A circle of friends.