Gay Men's Group Bridges Generations

Some of us who have been involved in the gay movement for decades are apt to take gay activism for granted, as if all those under the LGBT rainbow are like-minded and committed to the cause, with a younger generation prepared to carry on when the elders are gone.

Other veterans of the gay rights struggle may grumble that too many young people today have no sense of community or social responsibility, and are lost to complacency and apathy as they revel in the freedom others worked so hard to give them.

And plenty of younger LGBT people are probably sick of hearing about it, feeling patronized and demeaned by a bunch of geezers who no longer seem relevant or even very interesting to them.

Then there’s 100 Gay Men, a group that wants to do something about it.

Organized in 2009, 100 Gay Men is addressing the gay generation gap issue with a mission to bring young and old together, explore what it means to be a gay adult, and create a supportive environment where future gay activists and leaders can develop and make a contribution in the LGBT community and the broader world.

“As our social norms and laws change for the better, the nature of and needs of our community may also change,” said Jason Lee, the group’s president, explaining its purpose. “As the ‘enemy’ without disappears for some of us we need to re-examine what it is a thriving, healthy community needs and what it is that we have to offer in support of that community. We have an opportunity to build on the momentum of change…”

Toward that end, the group will present its first public program, “The Gay Adult: Calling Ourselves Into Being,” on Saturday, Feb. 26, with partial funding support from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the city of West Hollywood.  The day-long event will be held at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza in the Renberg Theatre, 1125 N. McCadden Pl., Los Angeles.

“100 Gay Men is sponsoring the event as part of its mission to support gay identified men in their role of adult within the LGBTQ community,” Lee said. “It is important to hear the needs, experiences, inspirations, and recommendations from a broad cross section of the community – women as well as men and from young, adult and elderly individuals. We are reaching out to a broad array of community organizations and invite participation of anyone within the LGBTQ community, including our straight allies.”

 Described as "highly interactive,” the event will open with presentations from four notable speakers from within the LGBT community, personally reflecting on the conference theme. Participants will then break out into discussion groups to explore a wide range of questions about what it means to be a gay adult in the new century, including related social and political issues, ways to contribute to the LGBT community and the larger society, and intergenerational relationships.  Diverse members of the community, representatives from community organizations, and trained facilitators will be involved at various levels.

“The day will end with opportunities for participants to identify actions and make personal commitments that will carry the movement forward,” Lee said.

Approximately 200 people are expected to attend.  The fee for the program, which includes a catered lunch, is $75.  Some full and partial scholarships are available.

“We will adjust the number of scholarships depending on need and funds available,” Lee said. “Those who can make partial contributions will allow us to extend scholarships to a larger audience. Some individuals are purchasing extra tickets and [donating them back to be used] as scholarships.”

For more information or to order tickets visit the group’s website or call 877-755-5100.