Who are the Billys?
We are a growing community of country and city friends and neighbors, mostly gay men (but not all) centered in Northern California. Lots of us live in the country, some Billy's would like to, and others enjoy the outdoors and a retreat in nature for just the weekend. We are NOT...the Goat Herders Ranching Association, a radical splinter group of police baton fetishists, a gay sub-chapter of Hell's Angels, a gaggle of Lady Holiday's enraptured fans, or a lesbian tennis team. We tend not to be "mainstream" and include a diverse range of ages, body types, ethnic backgrounds, occupations and interests. We march in pride. We get involved. We love each other. Lots of us would claim to be "spiritually oriented," although this spirit may manifest in many different ways: Pagan, Episcopal, Jewish, Sufi, Buddhist or nature worshiper, for starters.
Mostly, we enjoy each others' company, and the things we cook up when we bring our energy and talents together. We put on 5-6 Gatherings throughout the year, at beautiful rural retreat centers, with an abnormally large number of attractive and fascinating men at each and every one!
What happens at Billy Gatherings?
First, the Gathering is created and sustained by Billy energy. A Gathering is set up and run smoothly by the loving intention of a Billy volunteer staff. Every step of the way, we need participation. That means that helping in the kitchen and the dish sink are part of the gig for everyone - plus it is a way to meet cute guys and be an important part of Billy energy. There is usually a bunch of organized activities. Workshops, classes and self-discovery groups are offered by Billys. We create outrageously ridiculous "No-Talent" shows. We explore the realm of ritual and communal expression. We sit gently together in "Heart Circle," revealing our fears and beauty, telling tales of horror and wonder from the rich and colorful quilt that is woven out of our individual lives. We like to dance and play. We like to be serious. We go on long hikes, cook great meals together, and hang out on the porch, side by side. And there's also a LOT of just hanging out. Gatherings are times to slow down, relax, de-pressurize, make new friends, yack and gossip, hug a lot, run around naked if you want, and enjoy being intimate with other men. Join us, we love new Billys!Our mission and values statement
Billy Mission Statement
The mission of the Billys is to foster community, intimacy, and personal exploration among gay, bi, and queer men through shared values and heart-centered brotherhood.
Billy Values Statement
We are a heart-centered community woven together by shared values and by our shared experience as gay, bi, and queer men. We strive to be present and mindful with ourselves and each other and to foster:
>> compassion, generosity, honesty, and respect for ourselves and for others.>> responsibility for ourselves, to each other, and to our community, including those in need.
>> personal expression and growth.
>> fun, frolic, and fabulousness.
>> celebration of our sexual and spiritual natures.
>> an environment conducive to our physical, emotional, and sexual health, safety, and well- being.
>> welcoming and active integration of new Billys as well as openness to friends and family who share our values.
>> diversity that embraces differences including race and ethnicity, class, age, body type, HIV status, physical ability, education, and financial circumstances; we welcome gay- identified transmen.
>> the building of bridges to other communities that support our mission and share our values.
>> authenticity.
>> reverence for nature.
>> commitment to resolving conflict through active engagement.
We encourage ourselves to be present and mindful by advocating an environment free of drugs and alcohol at our gatherings.
We envision the creation of a world based on principles of nonviolence, sustainability, cooperation, service, and the building of deeper wisdom through shared perspective.
Heart Circle is our central ritual and consensus is our process; they embody our values.