June 2020
California Men’s Gatherings and its members stand together with our Black brothers in solidarity: Black Lives Matter.
We are with you in this time of pain. We renew our call for racial justice and economic equality. We are committed
to listening, learning, understanding, and connecting at the heart in order to bring about the needed changes within
our own organization and in society at large.
California Men’s Gatherings y sus miembros se unen con nuestros hermanos de color en solidaridad: Black Lives Matter.
Estamos contigo en estos momentos de dolor. Renovamos nuestra llamada a la justicia racial e igualdad económica.
Estamos comprometidos a escuchar, aprender, comprender y conectarnos en el corazón para lograr los cambios necesarios
dentro de nuestra propia organización y en la sociedad en general.
(The below needs to be updated to reflect our current stance.)
Once upon a time, it seemed enough for CMG to be a safe haven for gay, bi, and even some straight men to come together for personal development, community, and fun. With our collective growth as an organization (and as a nation), it is now time for CMG to do and be more than that.
The next frontier for our men’s community is to expand its diversity.
While all adults who self-identify as male are welcome at CMG, we have begun to focus discussion and outreach on how to cultivate a membership in CMG that better represents the diverse population of men in California. This includes working for greater inclusion and appreciation of men of color, men of non-American origin, transmen, men of all socioeconomic statuses, and men in the millennial generation.
Our group consciousness continues to be raised by the men in the groups above who join
us and share in our vision and values…both at our statewide Gatherings and our local events.
It will be an evolution to see CMG reach our goals of diversity, only achievable by the power
of these men coming to CMG, sharing their gifts, and stepping into leadership. As they then
reach deeper into their own communities − sharing with them that there is something
powerful and good to be found with us − we expand our community.
We are just at the beginning of this phase of looking at who we are and how we connect in
a wider realm. It will take time as we listen to both the men currently in our organization
and those who join us.
Whether you see yourself in the list above or just value being a part of a group that sets such
an intention, we invite you to come, be part of planning in this sensitive and vital progression,
and grow with us. You are important to us and very much welcome!
If you would like to be involved as we develop our Diversity Panel,
please drop a line to diversity@thecmg.org and we will be in touch.
“It’s heartwarming to see CMG acknowledging and recognizing the importance of groups that have so much to bring to CMG culture. I really feel valued here.”
− Vic Fusilero
“CMG continues to be a welcoming community for individual exploration & healing for Men of Color.”
− John Torres
“CMG is a space created where all men can learn something about themselves, learn from others, and have lots of fun in the process. Inclusion of men is what makes California Men’s Gathering a special place where men show up and express their true authentic selves: culture, age, race, sexual orientation, national origin, and different abilities, you will be celebrated. California Men’s Gathering, come one, come all! We are all different yet, at the core, we are all men.”
− Lamont Bransford-Young