by B.R. and D.D., from my Nudes-Letter v1 n1 April 1995
The Clouds:
It's hard to believe that it was over a year ago that nine
of us got together to form a nude social group in Toronto. We found
each other listed in the GNI (Gay Naturists International) membership
directory. Thanks in large part to our founder J. M.'s particular interest,
we met at Trax for brunch one Sunday in the spring of 1994
to get to know each other, and a
few weeks later had our first naked brunch at J.M.'s.
A few of us had very little experience with open nudity, and interest
waned over the summer. But when we returned from the GNI Gathering in
the Poconos in August '94, we couldn't stop talking about the naked
dances, the erotic massages, the 975 men and the non-stop activities.
Later that fall J.M. once again took it upon himself to organise
something here in Toronto, and he placed a series of ads in Xtra for a
group he called TCAN. About 20 people responded to the ad, and on
February 4th, 1995, we held our first real meeting at the
Toolbox. There were almost 30 men there, excited and at the same time
unsure about this new nude social group. We chatted and ate and looked
at pictures from previous naked gatherings at first, and then met as a
group to discuss what kind of events people were interested in, and we
spent time getting to know each other. Thanks to the helpful staff and
the door on our meeting room, we eventually got naked together for our
first time as TCAN.
The Rain:
Shortly after that, we had our first house party at R.H.'s (11 Feb
95), a Naked Night at the Black Eagle (20 Feb 95),
a brunch at R.P. and B.R.'s place (4 Mar 95), and
the Double Dare Underwear/Nude party at the Barn, on Sunday March 5th.
These events were great successes, and our numbers rose as word of mouth
spread.
The Flood:
David arranged an extension at 925-XTRA Ext. 2940 in the
middle of February, 1995.
The first listing appeared on Thursday 2 March, and
by the first Barn event we had over 80 calls. We've been averaging
about 15 calls per day ever since. We have come a long way since our
first small gathering. With the enthusiasm and support of our members,
we are pleased to report that as of this date [April 1995]
we have over eighty
registered members. The applications are still coming in and word on
the street about the group and its activities is very positive.
What's in a name?
Where did the name TCAN come from? J.M.
chose the name based on a gay nudist group in Vancouver called PCAN
(Pacific Canadian Association of Nudists), which was listed in the GNI
directory. J.M. thought it would be great to parallel that name, and
chose TCAN: Toronto Canada Area Nudists. The name is intended to
represent not only Toronto but areas outside of Toronto as well. So far
we have members from such places as Thunder Bay, Peterborough, St.
Catherines, and Dundas. Now that we are listed with GNI, IMEN, and
Naked Magazine, we expect our membership will extend to men outside
Ontario and Canada. [It certainly has: we have members from Buffalo,
Detroit, and even from Halifax!]
Rob's Party: Our First
by A.L., April 1995
The first weekend in February, TCAN held an information meeting at the
Toolbox. It was well attended and lots of activities planned. A good
start was a party at Rob's place the following Saturday.
That Saturday was bitterly cold and windy, the wind chill reaching -40Á
C that evening. The last thing anyone would think of was taking off
your clothes! Those 20+ guys who braved the weather and attended the
party must have been dedicated to the experience of nude companionship.
It was a very nice group, all ages, all backgrounds. It was a free form
party, bring your own drinks, snacks and finger food arranged by our
host.
Well, being strangers to each other, it took some time to break the ice.
Then David arrived with his great ideas. Everyone had to say his name
and repeat everyone else's name around the circle. When you hear all
names 20+ times you sure will remember a few!
One way to get to know other guys was also to talk to the guy next to
you and then introduce him to the others by telling a little about him
and how he got involved with the nudist movement.
There were men from Burlington to Quebec City, and everyone had a great
time. Videos were playing in the intimate smaller den, and members took
full advantage of this exciting room. The kitchen always seems to be
the best place in everyone's home. For a while it looked that everyone
was standing there, talking and enjoying each other's company.
I left at 1 a.m., the party still going on strong. Summer is
approaching fast and we can look forward to plenty of summer fun. Come
winter again, let's party indoors as often as we can.
Naked Monday at the Black Eagle
by P.G. and D.D., April 1995
P.G.:
Home from work, potatoes on to boil, pork chops in the pan. Eat.
Out to Oakville to deliver a sofa with a white slip cover (my handiwork).
And home to Ruth Rendel -- oops, not tonight! It's the Black Eagle's
Fetish and Nudes. A quick jaunt home to pick up our leather cockrings
and accoutrement, and we make it to the Eagle by 10pm. Check: yes, I've
got my leather strap, dog chain, and tit clamps (a present from my
boyfriend David). Camera: check. Batteries: oh shit, the flash won't
work!
Mount the stairs to second floor. Doorman. Private party. "Yes,
TCAN." "Enjoy." Noticed many clothed men, but hey, Jack is naked!
Yummy! And there's J.M., who says, "I know, I know," referring to his
clothes. We see B.R. and R.P., both naked, surrounded by men
pretending not to stare. Back to the coat check. Off with our jackets.
Off with our pants. Off with our underpants. Keep the workboots on,
though.
Tie a leather strap around my balls, and clip the heavy chain to it,
dangling down between my legs. Adjust my tit clamps. I'm ready.
David checks his clothes. Next thing I know, he's undressing a bar
patron who is not a TCAN member. They both seem to be enjoying
themselves. And so the evening progresses. More men disrobe. Michael
with a leather jumpsuit doesn't need much persuasion, and his friend
follows suit. He bends over to tie his boots. I lean over to sniff his
butt. Mmmmmmm. The bartender says, "Hey guys, keep this service area
clear." Some people are SO fixated on their jobs....
Next thing you know I'm tasting his cock. Michael's, that is.
D.D.:
Hey, I never saw that! Guess I was too busy with Ross. He was
kinda shy at first, but willing, and as pretty as he was clothed, he was
much nicer naked. Kept his clothes close by, and even slipped them back
on when I went to talk to the manager, but I got them off again pretty
quickly. Only this time he insisted that he needed some ornamentation,
so he borrowed my cock and ball strap. I helped him put it on (it was a
tight fit). Bad move „ he ended up going home with it! But I have a
feeling he'll be showing up at future events.
Inspired by my success, I started undressing all the men I could. I'm
amazed at my chutzpah for approaching the attractive fellows I usually
shy away from. Somehow being naked seems to make me feel more
confident, more brash, especially when the other men are clothed. It
was certainly that way in New York City last year at Stonewall 25, when
Peter and I were among the twenty or so naked people marching with the
million or two clothed ones. I was never so photographed in my entire
life!
Anyway, the first naked bar night of TCAN was a terrific, and I look
forward to many more. Thanks for arranging it, B.R.!
On this long weekend, several TCAN members will once again be going
to Jones Pond, an adult male clothing optional campground in New York
State, about 1 hour south of Buffalo. This will be our third trip this
summer. Can you tell that we've been having fun? :-) We invite all men
to join us. You don't have to be a member of TCAN. You don't even
have to be a nudist.
Heartlywoods is having another East
of Eden clothing optional picnic weekend. You can call Heartlywoods for more information at 705-374-4987. Heartlywoods is
about 100 minutes north of Church and Wellesley.
Sun 6 August: The Barn
On most Sundays, from 4 to 9 pm, The Barn (418 Church Street, south
of Carlton) has an "underwear" party. You will find some TCAN members
there most Sundays, but the first Sunday of the month is when we try to
make an official presence.
Wed 9, 16, 30 August, 8-10pm: Coffee Nights
These will be quiet evenings for 8 to 12 people to socialise naked
in members' homes. These events are for members and their friends
only. If you are interested in attending, please leave a message on
our Info Line, or RSVP to the person listed in
your newsletter for that specific date.
Thurs 10 August: Boots
Boots (at Selby St. and Sherbourne St.), periodically over the last
few years one of Toronto's most popular dance bars, has for the last few
years hosted the Betty Page Society's Fetish Night. On this night, Betty
Page is hosting a Fetish / Underwear party, where you can go as bare as
you dare. They've invited TCAN to attend. There may be a cover
charge.
Sun 20 August: Unicamp
The Unitarian Universalists (long time friends of the gay community)
have a camp about 90 minutes north-west of Toronto, with a large pond
with two sandy beaches, one of which is clothing optional. TCAN is
heading up for the day to enjoy some time on the beach. Everyone,
regardless of gender or age, is welcome to join us. The camp is
looking forward to our attendance, and has suggested we plan a weekend
up there soon. The fee for the day will be $5.50.
Gay Naturists International is hosting their annual International
Gathering of Gay Male Naturists, in the Pocono Mountains in
Pennsylvania. GNI is an umbrella organisation for gay nudist groups
around the world. Last year there were almost 1,000 men attending.
Registration officially closed July 20th, but it may still be possible
to register. The price for the whole 9 days is US$490, or you can stay
for half a week for US$315 if you book by June 30th. If you aren't a
member of GNI, you will also have to pay a US$25 membership fee for one
year, which will entitle you to their very good bi-monthly newsletter.
For more information, please call GNI at 415-924-1547. If you are
interested in car-pooling, please leave us a message on our Info Line.
August 24th and 25th: Leather Weekend at Jones Pond
This is their second Leather Weekend of the season. Several TCAN
members attended the last one and had a terrific time, so you might want
to consider driving down to Jones Pond. It takes about 3 and a half
hours to get there from Toronto.
On most Sundays, from 4 to 9 pm, The Barn (418 Church Street, south
of
Carlton) has an "underwear" party. You will find some TCAN members
there most Sundays, but the first Sunday of the month is when we try to
make an official presence.
Wed 6 Sep 8-10pm: Planning Meeting
Please call and leave a message with the TCAN Info Line or call the number listed in your
newsletter, letting us know that you are coming. This is a working
meeting.
Saturday 9 Sep, 1-6pm: Naked Lunch at The Kurbash
This will be our second at The Kurbash, 9 Selby Street,
Toronto. This event is a naked event (unlike the Sunday afternoons at
The Barn), and it is open to all men. There will be a small cover charge
(probably $3). The last one was a lot of fun; come out and join
us! We'll let you know the specific date soon.
Sat 9 Sep and Sun 10 Sep: Underwear or Less weekend at Jones Pond
Expect to find TCAN members there!
Thurs 14 Sep, 8-10pm: Coffee Night
This is a quiet evenings for 8 to 12 people to socialise naked in a
member's home. This event is for members and their friends only.
If you are interested in attending, please leave a message on our
Info Line.
Thurs 14 Sep: Underwear Party at Boots
The success of the weekly Sunday afternoon underwear parties at the
Barn is driving the other dance bars nuts, so Boots has decided to get
into the action by providing some mid-week competition. Boots is
planning to have an underwear party on the second Thursday of the month
for the indefinite future.
This workshop for men is a celebration of the erotic, creative, and
spiritual essence of the Native American Berdache tradition. If you are
interested, please contact Heartlywoods at 705-374-4987.
Friday 22 Sep, 9-11:30pm: Naked Bowling
TCAN is hosting a night of naked fun and silliness at the Danforth
Bowl, 1554 Danforth Avenue (just west of the Coxwell subway station).
The $10 admission includes bowling shoes, but you must arrive before
10pm, as the doors will be locked at that time. This 5-pin bowling alley
is fully licensed, and between the disco lights and the disco music, it
should be quite a blast. This G-rated event is open to everyone, but we
are limited to 50 bowlers only. To reserve your space in advance, please
leave us a message on our Info Line.
Sat 23 Sep, 7pm: Pot Luck Dinner
This potluck dinner will taking place near the town of Clairemont,
about 50 minutes north-east of downtown Toronto. Space is strictly
limited, and you must reserve in advance. Leave a message on our Info Line and let us know that you are interested in
coming. The autumn leaves should be out, so it will be a great time for
a trip into the country.
This workshop for men is put on by the Body
Electric School, founded by Joseph Kramer. Through
conscious breathing and sacred sex rituals based on Taoist, Tantric, and
Sufi traditions, it allows men to experience their erotic energy as
playful, sacred, energizing, and transformative. This event is quite
different from TCAN events, many of which are completely non-sexual, but
we have many members and interests in common. For more information, call
Frank at (416) 964-6154.
Sun 1 Oct, 4-9pm: TCAN attends the Barn Underwear Party
On most Sundays, from 4 to 9 pm, The Barn (418 Church Street, south
of Carlton) has an "underwear" party. You will find some TCAN members
there most Sundays, but the first Sunday of the month is when we try to
make an official presence.
Thurs 5 Oct, 8-11pm: Coffee Night
Yet another coffee night. Be sure to reserve your place in advance:
these events are proving to be quite popular, and space is strictly
limited.
Tues 10 Oct, 7-10pm: Swimming CANCELLED.
We're going swimming at a large downtown swimming pool! Naked men
splashing in the water! This will be a monthly event. At this
moment, there has been some trouble with the government ministry from
whom we are renting this pool. We are working on it, and expect to
suceed. Sigh, we failed. See November 7th.
Thurs 12 Oct, 8-10pm: Planning Meeting
We now have an official committee of seven men, all of whom are
expected to attend. We welcome all other members who wish to get
involved in some way, even if it is only to offer your own opinion on
what we are planning. If you've got some creative ideas or want to offer
your place for an event, please leave us a message or come to the
meeting.
Thurs 12 Oct, 10pm+: Boots Underwear Party
Yet another coffee night. Be sure to reserve your place in advance:
these events are proving to be quite popular, and space is strictly
limited.
This workshop for men is a celebration of the erotic, creative, and
spiritual essence of the Native American Berdache tradition. If you are
interested, please contact Heartlywoods at 705-374-4987.
Fri 20 Oct, 8pm: Naked Party
This party will take place in a member's home, and is open to members
and their guests. You must reserve your space in advance.
Sun 29 Oct, 4-10pm: "Flesh and Fantasy"
Hallowe'en Party
TCAN is hosting a Hallowe'en party at the Barn! It's amazing how
creative people can be when it comes to finding ways to dress up while
staying naked. The Barn will be providing masks for people to wear if
they don't already have costumes, and we'll be having draws throughout
the evening for some great prizes. This event is open to all men, so
bring your friends.
My lover Peter and I will be
hosting this event. We've done this several times in the past and always
had a great time. Leave us a message on the Info
Hotline if you would like to come.
Sun 5 Nov,4-9pm: Barn Underwear Party
On most Sundays, from 4 to 9 pm, The Barn (418 Church Street, south
of
Carlton) has an "underwear" party. You will find some TCAN members
there most Sundays, but the first Sunday of the month is when we try to
make an official presence.
Unfortunately, despite the hard work of our Events Producer and a
great local gay politician, the people we were going to rent the pool
from have turned us down, fearing another Toronto Sun (a horrible local
rag aimed at people of low intelligence and less compassion, featuring
naked women throughout mixed with moral outrage and a desire to make life
safer for the priviledged few) rampage in the name of bigotry and hatred.
We are still working on procurring a site, and will let you know when
we've found one. If you have any suggestions, please leave us a message
on our Info Hotline.
The food and company was really good the last time. Tickets cost $15
plus tax and a couple of dollar to TCAN, for a total of $20. It's all
you can eat, and the menu is given below. Only 35 tickets will be sold,
so get them soon, either directly from The Bulldog(457 Church Street),
or from the TCAN Organisers at one of our events. You must have
purchased your ticket by Wed 8 Nov to get in, so don't delay!
Mon 13 Nov, 10pm+: "Truly Naked" Beer at the Black Eagle
These events are great for the brave exhibitionists among us: most of
the bar is filled with men dressed in jeans or leather, and mixed among
them are brave souls going truly naked, drinking the latest in clever
marketing ploys, "Truly Naked" beer, from Hamilton's Lakeport brewery.
The beer is pretty good, the advertising is fabulous, and it's an
incredible rush to be naked there. Come join us. If you dare.
Tues 14 Nov, 8-10pm: Planning Meeting
All seven board members should be there, and interested members are
welcome to join us as well. If you've got an idea for an event, or a
suggestion, or a complaint, you can either leave us a message on our Info Hotline, or come in person to the meeting.
Thurs 23 Nov, 8-11pm: Coffee Night
A night of coffee, snacks, and pleasant conversation. It costs $3 to
attend, to reimburse the host for expenses. Be sure to reserve your
place in advance: these events are proving to be quite popular, and space
is strictly limited.
Sat 25 Nov, 1-6pm: Naked Party at the Barn
In the tradition of our past Kurbash events, this will be a naked
event, not an underwear party, and we invite all men to join us. There
will be a small cover charge (probably $2), and some snacks will be
provided. So if you prefer to get naked only among other naked men, this
is the time to do it! We'll have the place to ourselves, including the
disco on the second floor and the a-maze-ing third floor.
This weekend retreat explores the erotic, creative, and spiritual
aspects of gay men through storytelling, breathwork, massage, erotic
touch, regressive play, and creative expression. Call Heartlywoods for
more information at 705-374-4987, or check out their web page. For directions select option 7 on the Info
Hotline.
Sun 3 Dec,4-9pm:
The Barn
- Toys-for-Tots and
Priape
Fashion Show
On most Sundays, from 4 to 9 pm, The Barn (418 Church Street, south
of Carlton) has an "underwear" party. You will find some TCAN members
there most Sundays, but the first Sunday of the month is when we try to
make an official presence.
On this occasion, we are preparing for the holidays by collecting Toys
for Tots for the Woodgreen Community Centre. We are asking people to
bring new toys, which will be distributed to some of the many disadvantaged
children in our urban core. This special day will also feature an
underwear fashion show, with prizes from Priape.
Pegasus (491 Church Street, 2nd Floor) has invited TCAN to come and
shoot some pool and hang out naked. This will be a naked event, not a
clothing optional one. The tables will be half price at $4 per hour.
Sat 9 Dec, 8pm+: Massage Exchange
One of our members is having a massage exchange. If you are
interested in attending, please leave us a message on our
Activities and
Information Hotline.
Tues 12 Dec, 8-10pm: Planning Meeting
We now have an official committee of seven men, all of whom are
expected to attend. We welcome all other members who wish to get
involved in some way, even if it is only to offer your own opinion on
what we are planning. If you've got some creative ideas or want to
offer your place for an event, please leave us a message or come to the
meeting.
Remington's (377 Yonge Street) is one of Toronto's hottest gay
strip clubs. In the interest of turning the tables and getting really
ironic and fun, they've invited TCAN to come and get naked and watch
the strippers strip. Naked men get in for free, and have the
run of the place. It's a clothing optional event, and most people
will be clothed. The idea of naked men watching strippers is just too
delicious to pass up! If you've got the balls,
come join us: it'll be a blast!
Wed 13 Dec, 10pm+: "Truly Naked" Beer at the Black Eagle
These events are great for the brave exhibitionists among us: most
of the bar is filled with men dressed in jeans or leather, and mixed
among them are brave souls going truly naked, drinking the latest in
clever marketing ploys, "Truly Naked" beer, from Hamilton's Lakeport
brewery. The beer is pretty good, the advertising is fabulous, and
it's an incredible rush to be naked there. Come join us. If you
dare. And if you daren't, but you're interested in finding out more
about the group, then this is a great way to get to know us without
having to get naked yourself.
Fri 15 Dec, 7-11:30pm: Dinner Party
One of our TCAN members will be hosting a buffet dinner and party.
It's BYOB, but our host will be doing all the cooking. TCAN
recommends a $5 donation to cover the cost of the food. For more
information and to reserve your space, call the TCAN Info Hotline.
Mon 25 Dec, 10am+: Christmas Open House
One of our TCAN members will be hosting an open house all day
long. It's BYOB, and there will be a great buffet available.
TCAN recommends a $5 donation to cover the cost of the food. For more
information, call the TCAN Info Hotline.
Tues 26 Dec, 10pm+: "Truly Naked" Beer at the Black Eagle
These events are great for the brave exhibitionists among us: most
of the bar is filled with men dressed in jeans or leather, and mixed
among them are brave souls going truly naked, drinking the latest in
clever marketing ploys, "Truly Naked" beer, from Hamilton's Lakeport
brewery. The beer is pretty good, the advertising is fabulous, and
it's an incredible rush to be naked there. Come join us. If you
dare. And if you daren't, but you're interested in finding out more
about the group, then this is a great way to get to know us without
having to get naked yourself.
Sat 30 Dec, 8pm+: Massage Exchange
Once again Jim is having a massage exchange. If you are
interested in attending, please leave us a message on our
Activities and Information Hotline.