Even after all these years, this day continues to be a somber one for me and many people who I know. I still very much feel for the family of my friend who lost their son, Graham Berkeley, who was on United Flight 175, and I feel for the colleagues and friends of Sergio’s who were also on that flight.
At the time, Sergio worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines and was based out of Boston. He almost exclusively flew the nonstop flights from Boston to Los Angeles and San Francisco and may have been scheduled to fly UAL 175 that day (we never went back to check his schedule), but as chance had it he had taken the time off to be with his family, and he was in Brazil on September 11, 2001.
For those families and friends who lost loved ones on the hijacked flights, for those who were injured and traumatized and for all those first responders and citizens who were hurt or died aiding in the recovery following that terrible day, this post is for you.
With the influx of so many new residents at the start of each academic year, I like to update and share this post. If you are new to the area or looking to meet more people outside of a bar setting, the groups listed below might be a good first step.
If you don’t see relevant or up-to-date information in the links shared below, contact me, and I can help find a contact for that group to learn more.
BAGLY is a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization committed to social justice, and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs and policies for gay youth (volunteers are always welcome).
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Auditions will be held January 19 and 23, 2022.
Boston Gay Men’s Books Club is monthly book club on MeetUp that focuses on literature by and about gay men. Their next MeetUp is on 9/19 at the BPL to discuss Virology by Joseph Osmundson.
Boston Gaymers is a thriving gaymer community, that holds various in-person and virtual events to bring together members and to have fun.
Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation creates safe spaces for events to help build lasting relationships by breaking the cycle of disfunction in marginalized communities and helping to make medical and mental health awareness a priority to help lift up the black / brown / latino LGBTQ+ inner city community.
Boston Prime Timersis a social organization of mature gay and bisexual men and their friends who join together for educational, support, and social activities.
Boston Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence an areligious Order of Queer, Clown Nuns who pledge to promulgate joy and to eliminate stigmatic guilt by volunteering, activism, entertaining, and educating people.
Boston Sober Gay Sundays is a private FB group that organizes social events for people who identify as sober in the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about the group, members, and activities they organize by requesting to join the group.
Dignity Boston is a progressive, inclusive community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics and their allies.
Fenway Healthhas been serving the local LGBT community for more than 40 years; the Fenway and AAC are always looking for volunteers.
Gay Beer Club is a Boston based organization that produces events and gatherings for members of the gay community.
Gay For Goodmobilizes the LGBT community to interact with the greater community by volunteering their time with different monthly activities.
Gays for Patsy is a country western dancing club that meets weekly on Sundays at the Calvary Church, 300 Mass. Ave. 6:30-8:30 pm. The first hour is for beginners.
History Project is a volunteer-driven organization established in 1980 that focuses on preserving the history of Boston’s LGBT community to make it accessible to future generations.
Keshet works to ensure the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families. The group also create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued and work to advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
LGBT Elders of Color is a local group that conducts outreach to isolated LGBT older adults of color who build community through events, creative programs.
Mass Asian & Pacific Islanders (MAP)is a group that provide health counseling & support, referral & screening services, as well as general health promotion and advocacy for APIs in the Boston metro area and beyond.
Mass Bears & Cubs is a non-profit corporation, organized to provide and promote an inclusive LGBT+ community through charitable fund raising and other community events.
Men of Melanin Magic is an active social group for those who identify as queer men of color. They host an annual Men of Color Weekend in Provincetown and co-host Bussdown Fridays with Gay Mafia Boston at Legacy each Friday night.
Mountain Tops if you like to get out and hike, check out this gay hiking group in Boston that organizes trips and hikes regularly.
Naked Yoga for Men Naked Yoga For Men has been meeting since January 2000. For most of its history it has met twice per week.
Non-Scene Gay Friends of Greater Boston is a place for the LGBTQ+ community to hang out, make friends, explore Boston, and have fun doing a wide variety of activities typically separate from the gay bar “scene.”
Opus Affairwhile not exclusively a LGBTQ+ organization, it draws many from the community and is probably best known for their monthly cocktail parties to help raise money for local arts organizations.
OUTbreathoffers a safe space for those who identify as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning to come together to explore the practice of meditation and support each other in community.
Queer Boston Board Gamersis a friendly LGBTQ+ meet up group that connects regularly to play board games.
Yankee Cruising Clubbrings LGBTQ+ boaters together to meet, make friends and most importantly get out on the water. You don’t need to have a boat to join – just a passion for boating.
Apologies if I have overlooked any gay organizations in the area. Add information in the comments section or reach out to me, and I’ll be happy to add your group to this list.
Labor Day Weekend officially brings the summer season to a close in New England. The warm weather will continue to bring people to the beaches but the summer-state-of-mind shifts back to reality when I return to the office on Tuesday so I thought I’d recap what has been a wonderful summer.
MAY: Hello Captiva Island Our first large group vacation since the COVID-19 outbreak took place over Memorial Day Weekend. Our friends David (taking the selfie), Mark (next to him in the green polo) and Rodney (in the back with the I ❤️ Fig Newtons shirt) organized this amazing trip. It was a great start to the summer season.
JUNE: Summah in the City We spent most of June in Boston and highlights included going to a few Red Sox games at Fenway Park and going to M Street Beach (a.k.a. Kiki Beach) in Southie on the weekends. I love Boston in the summer.
@Fenway Park with Paul
Goofing around before the crowds arrive
JULY: Ptown & Brazil We spent the July 4th holiday in Provincetown relaxing at our friend Marco’s beautiful home, and seeing friends, including the proud new owners of the Crown & Anchor, Paolo Martini and Jonathan Hawkins. They’ve done an amazing job since purchasing this inn, restaurant and entertainmnet complex, and I couldn’t be happier for them.
New owners of Crown & Anchor, Paolo Martini and Jonathan Hawkins
Hanging with DJ James Cerne at July 4th Crown & Anchor Pool Party
Then it was off to Belo Horizonte, Brazil to celebrate Sergio’s Mom’s 90th birthday at the end of the month. Kudos to Sergio for pulling off an amazing party. Below is a selfie I took to show off Belo Horizonte (Sergio’s hometown).
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
AUGUST: Back to Provincetown for Carnival After unpacking from Brazil, we turned around a week or so later to go to Provinctown. We spent Carnival Week enjoying drinks and meals with friends, seeing a few shows, and visiting “Boys Beach”. Below are a few photos from our week at Carnival. BTW, Carnival 2023 theme is Land of Toys so start thinking about your costumes.
I’ll definitely miss the summer of 2022. Much thanks to Mother Nature for giving Boston and much of New England one of the best summers in recent memory.
September 11, 2001 impacted many people in the Boston area especially hard. The flights that crashed into the World Trade Center left Logan Airport. Those planes were filled with people from Boston so despite the fact that 20 years have passed it is still a day that is tinged with sadness.
Like many in the area, I lost a close friend that day. My friend, Graham Berkeley (shown above) remains frozen in time as a 30-something who had a devilish personality and wicked sense of humor. If he were alive today he’d be in his mid 50s (I think 56), but sadly that isn’t the case. While life continues, I still feel for those families and friends who lost loved ones as well as those who were injured and traumatized in the wake of those attacks. This post is also for all of you.
I’m sharing this photo of my friend Joe from a few years ago, because I think it is a visually stimulating way to acknowledge this day. Joe lives in San Francisco and is a successful coach and trainer so if you’re in the Bay Area and looking to get into shape check him out at rebel-warrior.com. He’ll provide ample “gympsiration” and is a great guy.
I recognize that many people may not be with friends or family this Thanksgiving because of the coronavirus. It has certainly seemed like a long slog to get to this point but with a new administration coming into office and promising results from Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca, I feel as if we may be rounding the corner and truly have something to be thankful for.
Wishing you a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season.
This past weekend Sergio and I went to San Francisco to see a friend I’ve known since childhood get married. It had been about ten years since Sergio had last visited so we played the role of tourist, walking all over and visiting places like Noe Valley, The Castro, North Beach, SoMa, The Embarcadero and more.
We stayed at The Adagio Hotel on Geary Street just a few blocks from Union Square. The boutique-style hotel fit our needs perfectly, but it was upsetting to see how many homeless have settled in downtown. There are still many beautiful parts of the city but it was still unsettling and made me wonder what the city can do to reverse this trend and help these people get back on their feet.
It was great being a tourist with Sergio (I took my first trolley ride) and to connect with friends in San Francisco but it was Jeff and Ritch’s wedding that brought us to San Francisco. The weather on Saturday could not have been better for their ceremony, which took place on a ship called “The Merlot”. Jeff and Ritch exchanged vows under the Bay Bridge with the skyline as a backdrop and after photos were taken as the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge.
The sky was incredibly clear and unseasonably warm, making it incredibly picturesque and providing Sergio and I with some amazing views. I’ve shared a few of my favorite photos from the evening below. Despite the city’s ongoing issues with providing affordable homes and caring for those who seem unable to care for themselves, San Francisco remains one of my favorite cities to visit.
Anyone who knows Sergio or me, know that we regularly frequent Boston Chops South End on Washington Street. A big reason is because of the staff who are a tight-knit group of fun professionals who make their bar is one of the best places to meet up with friends for a drink in the neighborhood.
One of my favorite bartenders in Boston is Kiko. His flamboyance, wit and charm is a draw. While Boston Chops is not a gay bar – it is a place where the 30-something and 40-something gay men of Boston can often be found meeting for cocktails or grabbing a dinner, which only adds to the appeal when Kiko is holding court (a.k.a. tending bar).
Most of you likely have plans for New Year’s Eve. Sergio and I typically order out and watch movies; switching to watch the ball drop in Times Square at Midnight then crawling into bed with hopes that we will strike it rich in the New Year, quit our jobs and travel for the rest of our lives.
You too may have plans for New Year’s Eve but in case those plans fall through or you are procrastinating and wondering what you can do, I’ve pulled together a list of options for you to consider. Many of these parties require tickets or have a cover at the door so click the link to learn more if interested.
Photo Source: bostonharbornow.org
Boston First Night Celebrations & Parties
FIRST NIGHT BOSTON is tame as compared to most cities but if you would rather get out and are on a budget this may be a great way to spend part of your evening. Highlights include:
Boston Family Fireworks 7-7:30PM on the Common
Copley Countdown at Midnight with a multi-sensory display of live music, a dazzling light show and pyrotechnics
SLUTCRACKER holds their final show at 7PM in the Somerville Theater HEROES NYE doors open at 9PM at the Middle East in Central Square ONESIE NYE BASH (upstairs) doors open at 10PM and is hosted by the Men of Melanin Magic with DJ Begbick and (downstairs) NYE bash with Tatiana and Violencia with DJ Jay Ine BEARS FIRST NIGHT is at The Alley Bar wit the doors opening at 10PM dBAR GOLD PARTY starts at 10PM in Dorchester with VJ Ryan Grow NYE CELEBRATION at Club Cafe starts at 9PM with DJ Susan Esthera
However you celebrate, have a safe time and a wonderful 2019.
Boxing Day is always on December 26th. It is not a recognized holiday here in the U.S. but is a bank or public holiday in many of the Commonwealth Nations.
A very good friend and blogger (her blog is Life Food Wine), who is originally from Manchester, U.K. started hosting a Boxing Day Dinner party back in 2008 and nearly every year since she has played the role of gracious host serving some memorable meals for friends each Boxing Day. When she moved to Chicago earlier this year, I thought the tradition would come to an end. However, she has been my guest this week so it appears we will be able to have at least one more celebration (at my place with Tracey playing the role of host and chef as usual). Tonight we plan to make the most of what is quite possibly the last Boxing Day dinner party by drinking more wine than we should, eating a delicious dinner and playing foolish party games late into the evening.
September 11th has long been a day tinged with sadness for me due to the loss of a very close friend on September 11, 2001. In years past I’ve dedicated a post each September 11th to this friend of mine who happened to be on United Airlines Flight 175, which crashed into New York’s World Trade Center.
My friend, Graham Berkeley (shown above) remains frozen in time as a 30-something who had a devilish personality and wicked sense of humor. If he were alive today he’d be 54, but sadly that isn’t the case. In recent years I’ve used this date to think of happy memories with Graham but truthfully those are starting to slip away from me and I’m left with just a few fond memories of our summer together in Provincetown and fun evenings spent in Boston.
While life continues, I still feel for those families and friends who lost loved ones as well as those who were injured and traumatized in the wake of those attacks.
With the influx of so many new residents at the start of each academic year, I like to update and share this post each September.
If you are new to the area or looking to meet more people outside of a bar setting the groups listed below might be a good first step. Check out my accompanying post, Boston’s gay sports clubs / teams.
BAGLY is a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization committed to social justice, and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs and policies for gay youth (volunteers are always welcome).
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Auditions are being held on Sunday, September 9th
Boston Gay Men’s Books Club is monthly book club on MeetUp featuring literature by and about gay men. This month’s book is Night Soil by Dale Peck. They will next meet on Monday, September 24 at 7PM at Trident Booksellers on Newbury Street in Back Bay.
Boston Prime Timersis a social organization of mature gay and bisexual men and their friends who join together for educational, support, and social activities.
Dignity Boston is a progressive, inclusive community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics and their allies.
Fenway Healthhas been serving the local LGBT community for more than 40 years; the Fenway and AAC are always looking for volunteers.
Gay Beer Club is a Boston based organization that produces events and gatherings for members of the gay community.
Gay For Goodmobilizes the LGBT community to interact with the greater community by volunteering their time with different monthly activities.
Gay Men 50+ Club is for gay men and their male friends who wish to meet monthly for brunch and enjoy good conversation.
Gays for Patsy is a country western dancing club that holds events each month. Beginners are encouraged to join.
Gold Fruit Gamingis a team of LGBTQ+ [PC] Gamers with a passion for competition, cooperation, and kicking ass. Come here to queue up with others who seek to improve their gameplay.
Hispanic / Black Gay Coalition HBGC is one of few non-profit organizations in Boston dedicated to the unique and complex needs of the Black, Hispanic and Latin@ LGBTQ community.
Keshet Bostonis a grassroots organization working for the full inclusion of LGBT Jews in Jewish life, offering community events for LGBT Jews in Boston.
Men of Melanin Magic is a social group in the Boston metropolitan area for those who identify as queer men of color.
Opus Affairis probably best known for their monthly cocktail party hosted at local restaurants to raise money for local arts organizations.
OUTbreathoffers a safe space for those who identify as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning to come together to explore the practice of meditation and support each other in community.
Queer Boston Board Gamersis a friendly LGBTQ meet up group that connects regularly to play board games.
The Welcoming Committee is a young, social group who organize activities to broadening the spectrum of gay life here in Boston and beyond.
Yankee Cruising Clubwas founded over 25 years ago to bring LGBT boaters together to meet, make friends and most importantly get out on the water.
Apologies if I have overlooked any area gay organizations in the area. Feel free to add information for any such group in the comments section of my blog.
Sometimes I use my blog as a way to express my sentiments to those who need to hear it. So like the song says, “Sail on silver girl…” and heal my friend.
BosGuy 