Greetings and welcome to the first of what I hope will be a monthly message from me. It is my great honor to serve you this coming year as your president.
We had a wonderful board meeting on Nov. 12th. In lieu of a president’s report, I asked all present to share their visions for SGM. Everyone had something positive to say about what SGM has meant to him, along with some great suggestions for improvement. There was a recurring call for greater outreach to the community, so expect to hear about more and more opportunities for everyone to get involved and spread the good word about this great organization.
Allow me to share with you my own vision. SGM’s greatest strength is its diversity. I moved to the Seacoast in 1999 from Oak Park, Ill., just outside Chicago. I lived there ten years, and the eight years before that I lived right in the heart of Washington, D.C. Both Chicago and Washington have very large, well organized gay communities, and there was a plethora of groups and activities to become involved with—quite literally, something for everyone. While on the surface this may seem good, the downside is that I found myself involved with very focused, specific groups. This led to a situation where, for example, Butch Gay Men Who Play Poker on Tuesdays had nothing to do with Friday Night Disco Queens. Of course, I’m being facetious, but gay life in the big city sure seemed to be splintered and segregated. Nonetheless, I cherish my urban period and the great growth I experienced in both cities.
When I moved to the Seacoast, therefore, I had a bit of trepidation as to what my social life might be like. To my great surprise, I actually found that my social life improved, due to SGM and CGM. Through these two organizations, I met a lot of wonderful men, many of whom I would not have met in Chicago or Washington, simply because we’re so different. But here in “rural” (by comparison) New Hampshire, we’re it. We have to get along. And for the most part, I’m pleased to observe, we do.
SGM’s strength is its diversity. Consequently, I am concerned whenever I hear someone say or do something exclusionary. When a younger member talks about “old trolls,” I cringe. Likewise, when an older member “hits on” a younger one, my heart goes out to the latter. And then there’s politics, inescapable here in New Hampshire. I encourage all staunch Democrats among us to remember that we do not all speak with one voice on political issues. Ageism and political inflexibility are two areas of concern that I have experienced; I’m sure you can come up with many more.
So, my goal this coming year is to make SGM a truly safe space for all gay men. I’d hate to see our diversity—our very strength—diminish due to anyone being driven away by intolerant speech or actions. And if anyone ever has a problem he wants to bring to my attention, I am here for you.
Our board meeting was wonderful, and our policy is that they be open to everyone. But you don’t have to wait till the next board meeting to share with me your own vision for SGM. Let me know how we can serve you better.
Happy holidays, and here’s to a great 2006!
Carl