The world is abuzz with spirituality. To some, spirituality represents the longing for connectionÉfor others it is a yearning for purpose and meaning in their lives. It is being flashed onto magazine covers to sell copy, placed in book titles and in ads to catch the reader's eye. Spirituality was even touted as one of the key benefits of a recent gay-porn video! Can we become enlightened by watching two men have sex on a screen? Well, there are many roads to enlightenment.

What attracts gay men to a deeper, solid connected spirituality? What attracts men to gay men's gatherings or workshops or books or retreat centers...or to heart circles, sacred intimate groups, outdoors groups, faerie gatherings, leather groups, MCC, traditional denominational groups or Manifest Love...and how do these "spiritual communities" grow and expand? What part will we play in the spiritualization of the mainstream gay culture? Can we bring the depth, integrity, soul connection, respect, caring and presence from our gay spiritual communities and offerings to the wider gay culture? How can the depth of connection that many of us experience (and offer to others) be attractive enough to become the norm in the gay community?

In my view, attraction to gay community and "gay spirituality" is another manifestation of the Great Mystery. It happens through chance meetings and synchronicities as one walks along one's spiritual path. "When the student is ready, the teacher appears."

Spirituality means something different to everyone, yet there is an underlying essence that flows through the many forms of spirituality and religion. Some call the essence: life-giving, energetic or vibrational-others call it a feeling or sixth sense.

From a marketing and business perspective, those of us facilitating workshops, groups, gatherings or retreat centers can work with the life-giving essence of our community or business to attract others. Clarity of purpose and identity, often crafted in strategic planning sessions, contributes to the resonance of a group's energy. If the core energy of a community is solid, aligned and clear then that community will be more attractive to others. The love and connections between the men at the core and within the community also act as a magnet to draw people to it. This energy is characterized as creative, expansive, electrifying and connecting. It too is part of the Great Mystery and we co-create with it in our community-building and business ventures as we live out our life purpose. Are we conscious that we are part of something larger?

I wonder what would happen if both those of us facilitating gay spiritual community and the luminaries of the gay spirit movement were to gather together and learn about each other, share our work and dialogue about the deeper purpose in what we do. I wonder what would happen if we were to dream together our common visions and discovered where our dreams intersect? I wonder what collaborations might come out of such a gathering?

Could we tap into a larger, shared purpose for our work? Could we, together, define our movement and then claim our place loud and clear in gay media to make our communities and spiritual-growth offerings more accessible and visible to the wider gay community? It is our responsibility to do so.

The current gay spiritual culture is relatively invisible in the mainstream gay world. There are many more gay men hungering for spirituality and healing than know we exist. The bar culture, although decreasing in popularity, is so strong and so effective in delivering what men want when they want it that more spiritual or constructive options get less attention in the gay press and in gay social circles. If more men were at least aware of other options, that would be a first step in giving them more positive choices.

In the context of the wider GLBTQ community, we in the gay spirit movement, are at the forefront of personal and social transformation. The spiritual and personal growth that we experience and offer to others is making a difference in the lives of gay men. It is helping men appreciate their strengths, live authentically, take responsibility for themselves and connect deeply with each other. We are helping men fulfill their yearning for increased connection, authenticity, meaning, sincerity, caring, respect and depth of relationship.

If we come together and build a strong, solid, resonant core--as leaders in the gay spiritual community--will we attract more men to our circles? Through collaboration, can we find ways to be more visible and accessible to the mainstream gay community? Can we find a way to satisfy the yearning and hunger for "the deeper, caring and compassionate atmosphere so many gay men seek?"

If you are attracted to the concept of transforming gay culture, please contact Patrick Mc Namara at patrick@gayspiritculture.org. And/or check out the website at gayspiritculture.org