Mission
Core Values
- We are a grass roots and peer-based community.
- We are inter-generational and cross-cultural.
- We support healthy transformations in ourselves and our community.
- We are open, respectful and honoring in a safe environment.
- We model stewardship and mentorship.
- We encourage deeper personal connections among men, unaltered by drugs and alcohol.
- We support a healthy expression of our sexuality.
- We promote health, responsibility and ownership in a gay-affirming community.
History of Colorado ManREACH
The idea for Colorado ManREACH began in 2003, when representatives from two HIV prevention providers that serve the rural, mountain and frontier regions of Colorado, Northern Colorado AIDS Project (NCAP) in Fort Collins and Western Colorado AIDS Project (WestCAP) in Grand Junction, were introduced to a group in Northern California known as the Billy Community. The Billys are comprised of gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (GBTQ) men and draws its inspiration for creating community from many sources, including…
Comments from the Community
Why did you come to this gathering? “Colorado ManREACH has helped me find honest, supportive connections I didn’t think were possible with other men.” “To catch up with old friends and make new ones.” “Because this is about my community, and community is important to me.” “I’m addicted to love.” “To experience the love and beauty I see in each individual and the sense of power I experience when we get together.”
What did you enjoy most about this gathering? “Relaxing and interacting with other men in an environment that encourages us to be all we can be while acknowledging who we currently are.” “The love and support that comes from being in a group of men who want to free themselves from the stereotypes and judgments of the outside world.” “The love, compassion and honesty.” “Discovering that my experiences as a gay man are far more common than I realized and just knowing that others have gone through it, too, makes things easier.” “The heart circles and the massage workshop.” “The fabulous food!” “What’s not to like?”
What will you take home from this gathering? “Greater self-acceptance.” “Increased knowledge to protect my health.” “A support network for personal change and growth.” “Hope.” “Unconditional love.” “A sense of belonging and acceptance.”
What does Colorado ManREACH do well? “Welcomes people with open arms.” “Brings together men of various ages and backgrounds.” “Shows me that there really are gay men out there with hearts and souls.” “Creates community.” “Provides a safe environment.” “Reassures me.” “Adjusts itself for each person’s needs.” “Food!” “Everything from beginning to end.”
Colorado ManREACH has helped me… “…discover my inner strengths.” “…meet new friends.” “…relate to men in non-sexual ways.” “…identify patterns in my life that have prevented me from living life to the fullest.” “…renew lost hope.” “…celebrate my plumage!” “…realize how lucky I am.”
