Nanaimo, What's a Guy to do?

I was in Nanaimo on Monday November 24. I was there for some office business, the opening of the AVI Health Centre.

While there I made a point of reconnecting with some gay guys I know from the area. I had some good coffee with three of them.

I was asking them what someone gay does to connect with other guys, find support, or just have fun. What do young guys do? What about gay couples? Gay HIV guys, how do they feel, find support or just get together with guys?

Where/what are the gay friendly joints for men? Where are the cruising spots? etc.

I had lots of questions. They had some answers for me. Guys meet on the internet, through informal networks, in Vancouver or Victoria, at 70 Below or Prism.

They laughed when I asked about support for those coming out or needing someone to talk too.

There are some supports in the straight community, if you want too or feel you can talk to them, and if you do have a network of gay friends you can call on them, other wise very little.

So I asked what they thought could be done, how could we start finding ways to offer the supports, what would those supports look like, who could help recruit guys to discuss this in Nanaimo?

So these guys I know thought they could come up with a couple of names. I need more names than a couple, need some help here.

That's where you guys in Nanaimo and area come in. Give me some ideas as to who to contact. When would be a good time to set up a meeting? Hey I will supply the beverages, you bring the ideas and guys!