Gay Men Syllabus
ABSTRACT
Describing an event intended for the education of men regarding the nature of the gay man's contribution to society. It was never fully developed due to a lack of need and poorly-formed ideas.
THESIS
It is my belief that gay men provide a unique, valuable and essential contribution to any society that allows it. This syllabus helps men discover the essence and nature of that input, by contributing their own personal experience and hearing the personal experience of other men.
METHOD
The method used in this syllabus is to ask open-ended questions, encourage men to respond honestly speaking only about their own personal experience, and listen (with sincere intent of trust) to the responses of others.
DEFINITIONS
witness — the men that I talk with perform two functions that are essential to each others' insight: They have experienced ("witnessed") things in their lives, which they can share with others — and they witness the statements made by other witnesses. Using this term throughout the syllabus implies that the man is committed to following the speaking and active listening protocols. This maximizes the benefit of the time spent by him and the other witnesses in the program.
{This syllabus follows on the work of Legacy Discovery. It is important to establish commitment and protocol before entering into the process of sharing experience and wisdom.}
LEADER INTRO
Munafo, Robert son of Paul grandson of Matthew. My life purpose is to create a world where there is happiness and fulfillment by creating, refining and delivering the education that people need to advance their lives.
UNITED REVIEW
This is the first united review, in which we unite all the men with whom I have worked on this project so far, to review where we've been and where we'd like to go with this.
INTROS
So that's my purpose, and the purpose of this evening's activities. I'd like to know your reason for being here, and many of you have not met each other yet so we're going to do introductions.
I'd like to have each man, in no particular order, introduce yourself, by giving your name, and tell us what you would like to get from your participation tonight.
FLUID DOCUMENT
This is a fluid document. It is under continual review and change. I welcome comments, and contributions. Any of you who have finished the material with me can get a copy of this. I fully expect at some point we will need to make a major change of some kind, and the more input we get from you, the sooner and better that change will be.
THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS
(If there is a request to change to this subject)
The holidays, yes very good. That will be covered a little later — it relates to legacy, and how the gay man manifests the King archetype. It's near the end. So we're going to hold the topic of the family for a bit, except where it relates speficially to a personal experience you're sharing that relates to the current topic, which currently is ___. (to back table) Can you make a note of that, please? I'd like it on a card, right on top of the cards for King archetype. Thank you.
COMMITMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
(Establish the "committed partner" (as opposed to "guest") relationship. This relationship is two-way, between trainer and witness.)
SPEAKING AND LISTENING
(agreement to keep speking protocol)
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF MEN BEING GAY?
{This exercise is more about strengthening the distinction between being political and speaking personally, than it is about the question being asked. There is ample opportunity for strongly opinioned men, to make claims that are based on strong belief but not verifyable by personal experience. The room will be on the side of sticking to the speaking protocol. The GEL might get too far engaged in this opinion and neglect the room. LGEL should be particularly aware of the need to support the room in sticking to the speaking protocol itself.
(the following segments are adapted from gay-man.rhtf)
TRUST AND INTIMACY
TRUST AND SLEEP
TRUST AND SEX
(guided visualization: %%%journal 20050913 "mental videotape")
ARCHETYPES
We're going to discuss how the gay man manifests the archetypes.
THE GAY WARRIOR and TRUST WITH LIFE
What do warriors need to have before they can work with other warriors? (->trust)
How do gay men perform with trust?
Is it easier for gay men to trust each other, or to trust straight men, and why? If you're straight — is it easier for straight men to trust each other, or to trust gay men, and why? Speak to whichever question relates to your personal experience.
How do gay men perform as warriors?
First let's talk actual battle, because that involves the most trust, trusting men with your life.
Is battle a way to generate legacy?
What happens when you are killed in battle? Who else loses out, and in what way? {->children lose father}
If gay men do not fear losing their children do you think they would fight harder?
How does winning a battle generate fulfillment for the warrior? Does it become part of his legacy?
GAY MEN AND THE LOVER ARCHETYPE
(Man-to-man experience -> easier to provide emotional support)
(No risk of stealing girlfriend)
(Can help wife without fear of affair)
This page was written in the "embarrassingly readable" markup language RHTF, and was last updated on 2014 Aug 01.
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