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GAPA 35-Plus |
| GAPA,
an organization for gay &
bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander men |
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GAPA 35-Plus is a social and conversation group for gay and bisexual Asian and Pacific Islander (API) men, 35 years and older. We get together once a month on a Sunday evening (usually the second Sunday of the month). We talk about things like relationships, families, being older and gay, dating, being gay and API in the workplace, casual sex, etc. GAPA 35-Plus is thus a friendly, safe space for gay and bisexual API men, 35 years and older, to chat, socialize, and learn from each other's experiences. Our conversations are informal. We encourage people to participate at their own pace, in whatever way makes them comfortable. We meet in the San Francisco Bay Area, at the homes of our members. The home setting contributes to the relaxed and casual environment we seek to foster for our get-togethers. We start at 6 pm with a potluck dinner. Please bring a food item of your choice to share with the group. For
more information, please contact
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GAPA
35-Plus, 2005 Calendar |
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Topic: "Forever Single"
Date: 9 January 2005 Open to Asian Pacific Islander (API) men at least 35 years of age. Please bring a dish or dessert to share. All of us were, are, or will be single at some point in our lives. In this rap session, we will be discussing the various aspects of the single gay API man: what are the advantages and disadvantages of being "unpartnered"; why is being "uncoupled" more fulfilling for some of us and not for others; how do we handle dating; is it more difficult for mature gay men to begin relationships; and any other related points you would like to bring up. Contact: dion@gapa.org. Topic: "Same-Sex Marriages"
Date: 13 February 2005 Open to Asian Pacific Islander (API) men at least 35 years of age. Please bring a dish or dessert to share. Most, if not all of us, favor same-sex marriages but it is obvious that many Americans and other nationals do not. Why is this concept so intimidating and shocking to so many people? Why do some countries seem to have no problem with it and others are so fervently against this? Is there anything we can do to defuse this situation? Is it a religious issue, societal issue, and/or something else? Come and offer your viewpoints, comments, and ideas. Contact: dion@gapa.org. Topic: "Health Issues For Gay 35+"
Date: 13 March 2005 Open to Asian Pacific Islander (API) men at least 35 years of age. Please bring a dish or dessert to share. Are we as healthy as we can/should be? How healthy do you think you are? What are you doing to maintain your health? What preventitive maintenance procedures do you use? What medical/insurance plan(s) do you have for your future? While health issues are individually distinct, perhaps some of the steps we are taking healthwise will also help others. Come and share your thoughts and practices regarding health issues as we age. Contact: dion@gapa.org. Topic: "Asian Body Image"
Date: 10 April 2005 Open to Asian Pacific Islander (API) men at least 35 years of age. Please bring a dish or dessert to share. How do Asians see themselves physically? Is there one specific stereotype that we subscribe to or are there as many images as there are individuals? Or is it somewhere in-between? Is there a difference both physically and imagewise between Asians born and/or raised in the West compared with those born and raised predominantly in Asia? We may also delve into the image stereotype(s) of the film industry (both in- and outside of Asia), that of "Rice Queens", and any other related issues that may arise. Contact: dion@gapa.org. Topic: "Asian Parents/Gay Sons"
Date: 1 May 2005 Open to Asian Pacific Islander (API) men at least 35 years of age. Please bring a dish or dessert to share. Asian culture is said to be very traditional (read:old-fashioned & conservative). It often looks askance at those who deviate from the accepted norms. One of the most disturbing issues seems to be sexuality which is simply not or reluctantly discussed in the open. How do parents of gay/bisexual Asian men deal with this concept? Do they really ignore it or disown sons who are gay? What is the reality? How do/did you "come out" to your parents? How did they react? What advice can you give those who haven't reveal their homosexuality/bisexuality to their parents? Tonight we can both give and/or receive advice on this topic. Contact: dion@gapa.org. Topic: "Gay Political Expression"
Date: 12 June 2005 Open to Asian Pacific Islander (API) men at least 35 years of age. Please bring a dish or dessert to share. After the last election, many gays were dismayed, disappointed, and perplexed. Many of us did not expect such a negative response to gay-related issues. In this discussion, we may ask ourselves if we are living on an island; that people elsewhere do not think quite like us. Other questions for discussion may be: does being gay/bisexual affect how we feel about the whole gamut of political expression or only gay issues?; is there common voice that all gays can depend on?; what can we do to gain influence among the straight population?. While we are not the majority, we may be able to tip the balance in close races. Contact: dion@gapa.org. |
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