One of the most attractive qualities about the Emerald City is the size and vibrancy of its gay population. Whether or not the gay pride parade marches down Broadway next year, Capitol Hill still remains the home of the modern gay movement in Seattle.
A host of non-profits, from Seattle Counseling Services to Lifelong AIDS Alliance to Lambert House, have nobly served the community, but I'd like to pay tribute to one celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and a program it conceived that enriches my life and countless other gay men in the city.
Gay City
Gay City Health Project opened its doors in 1995 at a time when burnout from AIDS was at a high point. The message was clear. Current HIV prevention efforts were failing. Simply dispensing condoms didn't address underlying issues many gay men felt: isolation, loneliness, low self-esteem and feeling disconnected from the very community they were a part of. Gay City was founded as an experiment in community building, an alternative to bars and bath houses.
During its first five years, Gay City sponsored book clubs, support groups and community forums addressing the latest in AIDS research to how to improve Seattle's dating climate (leave your attitude at the door!). The last five years saw the organization change as its mission expanded to include HIV and STD testing at the Broadway-based Gay City Wellness Center. While the range of programming shrank over the last few years due to cuts in federal, state and local funding, one program continues to thrive thanks to the committed efforts of volunteers and, in its 10th year, still enrich the lives of gay men.
CAMP
I first attended Gay City CAMP in 1998. In the Manastash Canyons near Ellensburg, 120 miles east of Seattle, I discovered a desert-like region with a campsite off the side of the road and a bridge with a sign overhead: "Welcome Campers to Lazy F Ranch." A bubbling stream ran along the edge of the site, the mountains on the other. I'd lived in Seattle for more than 10 years, had an established network of friends, but wanted to branch out and meet a broader variety of men.
Held over Labor Day weekend in a rustic setting, Gay City CAMP aims to build community in a place where men leave their attitude and preconceptions at the door. The entire weekend is alcohol and drug free. Upon arrival each man is assigned to a tribe of eight to 10 campers. Daily check-ins with the tribe create moments for small group sharing and bonding to occur.
There are opportunities to hike, swim, participate in a silly mini-Olympics and simply relax and be oneself. A dance, talent show, and nightly campfire round out the evenings. There's also time for solitude.
Workshops abound. One I attended explored dating and commitment. Other workshops allowed me to learn more about photography, theatrical improvisation and the art of drag! Each class taught by CAMP volunteers offers an opportunity for personal growth and development. We discovered by looking deeper within ourselves we have something of value to offer. Whether this led to healthier sexual practices is hard to predict. But I know many men left feeling a greater sense of confidence, connection and pride.
Campers come in a whole range of ages, shapes, and sizes. I've met recent high school graduates and men recently retired. Some are jocks, others are drag queens, musicians and artists. There are men newly "out," and others considering coming out. As the weekend wears on categories matter less and less. We become a brotherhood.
In the last two years, CAMP has taken on greater significance for me. On a warm August afternoon in 2003 I arrived at Camp Solomon Schecter outside of Olympia with my friend Robert. Our friend Dan invited us to room with a group of men in his cabin. We'd barely set down our backpacks when Dan introduced me to handsome, blue-eyed Ter (yes, that's his name).
Little did I realize we would discover how much we shared in common. We took a Thai massage class together the second day after we met. We hiked in the woods surrounding the lake. We played tennis, a game we both love, on the camp courts.
Going strong
Two years later the relationship Ter and I began that Labor Day weekend continues to grow and change, adapting to the times and our interests, but also strengthening in our commitment and love for one another. We returned last year and plan to attend CAMP again at the end of this month.
Why go back? Prior to our history is the 10 year history of Gay City CAMP. A history of beaded friendship necklaces, campfire songs, longs walks, and telling the stories of our lives. What could be better in a world of too little time and random terror? For one long summer weekend we gather with our blood brothers, recognize our common heritage, and pledge to create a safer, more loving and healthy world for our community and the rest of humankind.
CAMP 2005, co-sponsored by Gay City and Q Squared, will be held September 2-5. Call 984-CAMP, or visit www.gaycity.org, for more information.
Jack Hilovsky's column appears in the second issue of each month. He can be reached at editor@ capitolhil ltimes.com.
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