GAYLA Celebrates 30 In July

GAYLA 30 "Celebrating the Spirit of Brotherhood" will be held at the Ferry Beach Park Conference Center in Saco, Maine July 12-19, 2008. This year's theme will commemorate GAYLA's creation 30 years ago as one of the earliest communities of gay brotherhood created in the US.

Over these many summers a number of male Interweave members and UU congregants have attended GAYLA and have always enjoyed themselves. They have joined hundreds of men from--Maine to Texas, Florida to Canada, Scotland to Hong Kong--who have come to the ocean to rekindle friendships, renew their gay spirituality, find love, and experience the re-creation of a community of purpose and brotherhood. Single and partnered gay and bisexual men ages 18 and older continue to come to GAYLA for an all-inclusive, affordable vacation alternative that can potentially change men's lives.

During GAYLA week, men are given opportunities to discover their true nature as they share experiences, expand horizons, have fun, and learn from peers. GAYLA brothers participate in a variety of daily activities including track sessions, conferee-initiated Open Space workshops, GAYLA Men's Chorus, Talent/No Talent show, "Decades of Decadence" Tea Dance, Morning Chapel in Grove, creating/wearing fabulous outfits, and participating in festive evening activities. When brothers need to decompress, they always have the option of just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the beach amidst the waves and scenic sand dunes or on Quillen porch with the refreshing ocean breezes and beautiful Maine scenery serving as a backdrop for fellowship and developing new friendships.

GAYLA 30 tracks presently scheduled include: "Making Spiritual Practice Part of Your Daily Life", "What Does It Mean to Live an Integrated Life", "Alternative Sex Play: From Prude to Pro!", "Great Queer Composers and How They Touch Us", "How to Be a Team Player aka Sports for Sissies", "The Beach Is Back", "Nature with John" and "Expressing Your Art as a Man".

With special surprises scheduled and many returnees expected for GAYLA 30, early registration is urged. This year's inclusive rates with all meals option are $820 for comfortable dorm rooms and $752 for camping in the Grove. To see lower-cost meal options and register contact www.ferrybeach.org or 207-282-4489 and www.gayla.org for further conference info.

Limited needs-based financial assistance is available by contacting Wayne Cotnoir (waynecot1@coxnet.com) before June 1, 2008. Interweave or Welcoming UU Congregation members who have specific questions can contact member Tom Malone, at (tmalone2@comcast.net).