What Some Billys Say About the Billy Gatherings

I want to begin by saying that I am deeply grateful that the Billys came into my life. First, through meeting R who moved to Portland with his partner, and then through A W who dragged me to my first potluck in December and now through my 55 + new friends that I met over the New Year's holiday. Little did I know that I would find hearts like mine and a container capable of holding me as I shared (or should I say "wept") forth my truth. All I can say is that I am incredibly humbled by the amount of compassion, understanding, love and concern that came my way over the weekend and that I was overwhelmed by the experience and am hungry to return to as many gatherings as I am able.

D. V.

The Billy gathering was probably one of the most significantly positive things that has happened to me in recent times. It was an amazing experience and my only regret is that we didn't come earlier in the weekend.

Since the weekend we have gone on a hike and had dinner with several of the local Billys.

During the weekend, I heard life experiences that were amazingly helpful at this point in my life. In the heart circle I got to hear men talk about the places they are in their lives, the happiness and the fear and the way they are dealing with their life's bumps and road blocks. All of that was so affirming that I can't begin to tell you.

We felt so welcomed by everyone and we met some real friends and potential friends. Will we be back? You bet we will. We plan to go to the gathering in September and one of us will be at the October gathering as well.

I am very happy we found this group, or they found us - What ever it is, we are very happy to be here.

M. E.

On my way home tonight I called a friend, a previous co-worker. She and her husband are good friends. I came out to her tonight. Part of telling my story to her, I told her I had gone to S.F. in July and went to a "gay men's retreat" for five days. I told her how I had had the best 5 days of my life. I was with other men who were in a lot of cases just like me...  divorced with children. I could be who I was without ridicule or criticism. I had a great time. It was a little weird at first not knowing but a few guys. But that soon changed.

J. H.

I just want to thank you all from my heart for such a wonderful, warm welcome to the billy club. I know I did not speak with each of you individually during this past week's gathering, but I believe I spoke with most of you at least briefly and/or heard your shares in heart circles, and some of you I had the pleasure to connect with in more personal ways.

I really didn't know what to expect, and on the first day in heart circle, after another brought it up, I realized I had expectations and shared that, and shared that I would try to drop them. And then as if by magic, I got some of my expectations and so much more on top of it.

Thank you for your shares -- I was very moved and touched by your pains and joys -- for letting me listen to your stories, and for listening to mine. And for encouraging me in so many ways. Being back at work last night was .... interesting ...  not easy to get back into it, and I'm still readjusting to the so-called "real world" ... but I really do feel uplifted by your supportive brotherhood. I will definitely be back, and hope to get to know more of you next time around.

Eric aka Cinnamon