Gay Naturists International (GN) began as part of The Naturist Society in 1981 and became an independent organization in 1993. Through its affiliated clubs, GNI “lends a bare hand to any fellow who’s comfortable being gay and naked.”
GNI’s “mission is to serve as a resource to male naturists by hosting and sponsoring men’s naturist events and providing information and resources to individuals and local clubs. In addition, GNI is a voice for gay naturists in wider naturist efforts to educate society about naturism and to advance the interests of naturists worldwide.”
Every year since 1985, GNI hosted up to 800 gay and bisexual male nudists at its Annual International Gathering of Male Naturists, held at a campground in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. This year the Gathering is taking a one-year hiatus, due to a scheduling conflict at the campground. Instead, GNI will host NakedFest 2014, a weeklong (August 2-9) event at Camp Ramblewood in Northern Maryland. Though it is a smaller venue than the campground in the Poconos, Ramblewood is big enough to accommodate 7 days of naked fun, camaraderie, education and relaxation in a beautiful rustic setting with a lake, Olympic size pool, tennis and volleyball courts, and secluded wooded trails. NakedFest is open to all men 21 or over, regardless of sexual orientation.
Registration fee covers housing in dormitory-style cabins, all meals and beverages, events, activities and entertainment (including Mr. GNI and Mr. GNI Leather contests). GNI also offers optional bus transportation to and from the Philadelphia and Baltimore International Airports. There is also a $49 Cancellation Guarantee through July 15 and a bed linen rental package for $39. Camping, RVs and offsite-housing is optional, as well as premium housing and private room upgrades (for an additional fee).
One of the highlights of GNI’s NakedFest is the daily social hour. Each social hour has a theme; and participants are encouraged to dress according to that theme (while being naked, of course). This year’s Social Hour themes are: Get Your Naked On (8/2), The Grand Tour (8/3), Locker Room Confessions (8/4), Spectacle Spectacular (8/5), Something Borrowed, Something Blue (8/6), Harness Your Desire (8/7), and Privates of the Caribbean (8/8).
Another highlight of NakedFest 2014 is a special performance of Kendall Kelly’s one-man show, “Clothes Get in the Way.” And since Maryland is a marriage equality state, NakedFest will host a big (naked) wedding on August 6.
For more information and reservations to NakedFest 2014, visit www.GayNaturists.org. There is still time to register, though private housing is sold out. This writer will be at NakedFest, covering the event for SFGN, and I hope to see you there.
