I was blessed to go to my NWTA just over two years ago with no expectations, except that I'd get something valuable.  I did:  self-acceptance.  After decades of feeling like an outsider, yearning to be one of the cool kids. 

So on my training I found myself to be one of the "cool kids."  And I found that it didn't matter whether I was one of the cool kids, since everyone was a cool kid!  Better than that, I found myself invited into a community that celebrates every man's gifts.  I've been cool ever since.

Randall David Marks

My own weekend, back in 1998, was a real breakthrough in having men bless me for who I am and encouraging me to become the man I can be.

I know from my own experience, and from talking to countless others, that religious leaders have often shamed gay and bi men. I intend to show another way, that God (or God's equivalent) blesses and cherishes us for who we are, and smiles happily when we give and receive affection and love to and from other men.

Steve Norcross