Have you ever longed to swim, hike, camp or party naked with friends who enjoy the same? Have you enjoyed the feeling that comes from working or playing nude? And have you ever just wanted to drop all the masks and pretensions that are so often required of us?

California Men Enjoying Naturism (CMEN) is an international organization for gay male naturists. As naturists we enjoy being nude, preferably outdoors, for social and recreational activities. We enjoy the freedom of being without clothes whenever possible and practical.

Naturism is a way of life in harmony with nature characterized by the practice of nudity, with the intention of encouraging body acceptance, self-respect, respect for others and respect for the environment. Social nudity is an expression of naturism, exploiting the beneficial effects of the sun, the air and water.

We take the nude human body for what it is: a gift of nature, dignified and worthy of respect. No body parts are shameful; none need take on more significance than others. Naturists think that all natural bodies are whole and complete, no matter what shape they take, or what scars they bear. Being naked makes one more open and honest about himself, and more accepting of others. If clothes make the man, then nudity makes everyone more equal.

Come join the growing number of gay men that have discovered male bonding au naturel! Gay men everywhere are discovering the enjoyment of gathering together with other men for nude camaraderie and the freedom to be found in non-judgmental body acceptance.

CMEN was formed in 1995 with the following goals:

• To provide a safe, non-threatening environment where men can have fun naked.
• To sponsor activities that promote being naked.
• To promote male bonding and friendship.
• To work toward overcoming negative programming associated with being nudists.
• To seek to develop an improved self-image and acceptance of our bodies.
• To provide opportunities for naked men to freely express themselves in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.

CMEN membership is open to all gay, bisexual, and gay-sensitive men without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, physical appearance, HIV status, or age (except that a member must be at least 21 years of age).

CMEN's West Coast Gatherings for naturist men now take place in the Malibu hills each September. This week long all nude event features outdoor recreation, social activities, workshops and evening entertainment. Activities allow men to have fun together, share their interests, and develop new friendships. First held in October 1999, the West Coast Gathering has grown to draw 400 to 450 male naturists each year from throughout North America, the Pacific Islands and Europe.

CMEN's Southeast Gatherings for naturist men are held at the Whispering Oaks Retereat Center, about one hour North of Nashville, Tennessee. First held in Geneva, Alabama in May 2008, the Southeast Gatherings moved to Whispering Oaks Retereat Center in June 2009. This smaller gathering also features outdoor recreation, social activities, workshops and evening entertainment. The Whispering Oaks Retreat Center is also the location of other CMEN Southeast events.

CMEN Los Angeles holds a variety of all nude events, including pool parties, cocktail parties, potlucks and massage parties throughout the year in the greater Los Angeles area. Most parties are held at private homes, and typically range in size from 10 to 30 members.

CMEN Massage Connection is for men interested in giving and receiving massages with other men in the Los Angeles area. All participants practice giving massage as well as receiving a massage.

Travel Opportunities with CMEN Friends present opportunities for CMEN members and friends to travel together. In 2010 the group will enjoy an exotic two week tour of Thailand, repeating the successful 2007 Thailand tour. While these cruises and tours typically include naturist activities they are generally not all nude events.

CMEN also maintains a moderated discussion bulletin board on Yahoo.

CMEN is affiliated with Gay Naturists International (GNI). GNI and its affiliated clubs now have over 6,000 members in 12 countries who enjoy nude recreational and social activities.

Statement on Sexuality:

CMEN and CMEN Los Angeles join GNI in supporting healthy, legal, non-sexual nude recreation.

CMEN and CMEN Los Angeles, as GNI affiliated clubs, acknowledge that sex is natural, but sex is not equated with naturism. GNI affiliated clubs respect all of their members for their individuality, whether or not they choose to express their sexuality, and shall endeavor to respect individual sensibilities as may be appropriate, and encourage their members to do the same. In addition, all sexually active individuals are encouraged to practice safe sex.

To Contact CMEN:

For further information about the West Coast Gatherings, Spring Gatherings and for further information about local CMEN events in Los Angeles, contact CMEN at 1-877-NUDIST-1 (1-877-683-4781) or email: info@cmen.info.

For information about this web site email: webmaster@cmen.info.

Our mailing address is: CMEN, 8424-A Santa Monica Blvd. #119, West Hollywood, CA 90069.

Copyright 2002-2010, California Men Enjoying Naturism, Los Angeles, CA