Past Eventsby Bert B
When we started TNT!MEN, we weren't certain what kind of reception we would get. The support and encouragment we received was extremely gratifying. People told us they wanted a group that was democratic and not-for-profit, where members could have fun. They wanted it to be inclusive and respectful, with accountability and fair-play. To help provide a framework for this, we prepared a Constitution and did a lot of careful planning.
Our hard work culminated in TNT!MEN's Launch Meeting & Party on March 1st. The forty-eight men who attended agreed that we had made the right decision in starting a new club. What they saw and heard was exciting enough that most immediately signed-up as members. The new TNT!MEN membership then ratified the draft Constitution, and installed an interim board to serve until the regular election at the end of May.
Now that TNT!MEN is up-and-running, we're helping to lobby for an officially-designated clothing-optional beach in Toronto. (Please see Peter S's article). But most important of all, we are now able to concentrate on creating fun events, and making a difference!
TNT!MEN has 99 fully-paid members at time of writing (Apr. 24th), with more joining every week. We've enjoyed a spectacular rate of growth since our official launch on March 1st.
Past EventsCreating interesting opportunities to be naked with other men is the reason for our existence. One fun event was our glamorous Academy Awards Party on Monday, March 24, attended by about 40 men. We devoured the Oscar's buffet--including meats supplied by The Bulldog--and gave away fabulous door-prizes.
Another successful event was an evening of art, wine and cheese at the O'Connor Gallery. Those who attended had the opportunity to gain insight into the work of the featured artist, Mark Reid. This free event was co-sponsored by the O'Connor gallery and TNT!MEN.
On the last Saturday of each month, TNT!MEN will host a naked party at The Barn from 1-6 p.m. Admission is $3 for members, $5 for non-members, and free for those who join on the spot. Each of these events will have door-prizes and feature a different theme. For example, April 26th is a Mad-Hatter Party. On May 31st, The Emperor Has No Clothes! is the theme of the Election Meeting & Party. June 28th will be our big Show Your Pride celebration.
On Wednesday, June 25, TNT!MEN will hold another event at the O'Connor Gallery. The title of the show is The FAG Project-paintings about gay-bashing, by Spencer Harrison. This event and Show Your Pride are specifically created to help you celebrate Gay Pride Week, naked!
TNT!MEN will also enjoy various privately-hosted functions, such as coffee nights and potluck brunches. We are organizing a further barrage of events, such as pool parties, BBQ's, and even maybe some beach parties. A few special events may be fund-raisers to help cover the filing fees for TNT!MEN to officially become a not-for-profit corporation.
To stay current with all of our events, check TNT!MEN's phone-line. It is updated twice a week to keep you informed. We recently upgraded to a "tree" phone-line system. This will enable you to zero in on information you want. Call us at 925-9872, extension 3010. For those of you surfing the Web, don't forget to check out our website: http://gypsy.mie.utoronto.ca/tnt
The interim Board would like to give special thanks to: Spike for his outstanding work with the newsletter and website; and to Barry B. for his enthusiastic phone-line messages, and for creating and organizing many recent TNT!MEN events. We would like to thank the individuals who have hosted events -- Geremy, Charley, Keltie, Colman, Peter Gray & David. Thanks as well to the O'Connor Gallery, The Barn, Bulldog, Toolbox and Black Eagle for holding events. We really appreciate the door-prizes donated by Glad Day Bookshop, Slashing Blades salon, Barbwire salon, and Prints on Church. Our final thanks is to you, our members. Without you, our inception and growth could not have become a reality. To all, a great big thank you-and may the nude force be with you!
I am sure that we will entice even more men to join TNT!MEN and maintain our atmosphere of joy and respect for all. But we need your help to continue the fun. In my experience, creating events is often as enjoyable as attending them. It gets you involved and offers an opportunity to meet other members. Hosting events gives you a chance to be charming and gracious to a group of naked men in your own private surroundings!
You can help us out by:
If you have an idea for a fun event, we'd love to help you make it a reality. To get involved, call 925-9872, ext. 3010, and leave us a message!