Colorful rainbow-colored hallway with vertical wooden slats arranged in an arched pattern

Game Nights, Movie Nights, Retreats, Book Clubs, Shamanic Offerings, Discussion Groups…..

Stay tuned for an ever evolving calendar of events.

Upcoming Events

Bowling Afternoon: Roll, Connect, and Play
Jan
31

Bowling Afternoon: Roll, Connect, and Play

Bowling Afternoon: Roll, Connect, and Play

Why come?

  • Fun with purpose: Bowl, laugh, and build real connections in a warm, judgment-free space for gay men.

  • Low-pressure: Team up or come solo — inclusive lanes and mindful mixers.

  • Guided moments: Spark meaningful conversation.

  • All levels welcome: Focus on shared experience, not scores.

Includes

  • Reserved lanes, shoe rental, two games

Who should come

  • Gay men seeking low-stakes friendship, newcomers, or anyone wanting a fun night.

Details

  • Date/time: January 31, 2026 with games starting at 4 PM for approximately 2 hours

  • Location: All Star Bowling in Draper

  • Price: Approximately $20 (includes games and shoes)

  • Small group to maximize connection (Renting two lanes with 6 participants for each lane)

Reserve your lane — bring a friend or come solo and leave with new ones. Roll with us.

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Mindfully Gay Movie Night: Friday the 13th
Feb
13

Mindfully Gay Movie Night: Friday the 13th

What better way to celebrate Friday the 13th than to share popcorn and a scream with Friday the 13th Movie Night.

Join us for an evening of classic horror, cozy community, and gentle reflection. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Camp Crystal Lake or new to the mythos, we’ll gather to watch the original 1980 slasher.

Details:

  • What: Friday the 13th Movie Night — screening of Friday the 13th (1980).

  • Who: Gay men seeking community, comfort, and conversation

  • Where: 1773 Hidden Valley Club Drive, Sandy UT (We have space for Approximately 12 guys)

  • When: Friday the 13th — Gathering around 6 PM, Movie starting around 7 PM

  • Cost: Donations appreciated

What to bring:

  • Snacks and a drink (popcorn will be provided)

  • A comfortable seat and a blanket

Guidelines for the night:

  • Content triggers: This film contains violence and tense scenes.

How to RSVP: RSVP to reserve your spot

Celebrate the uncanny and the communal. Bring your popcorn, your nerves, and your curiosity.

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Winter Retreat: Radical Self Acceptance
Mar
27
to Mar 29

Winter Retreat: Radical Self Acceptance

Join us for an transformative weekend of Radical Self Acceptance — a focused retreat that blends mindfulness, ritual, and community process to support deep healing, honest connection, and lasting personal growth.

What to expect

  • Mindfulness practices tailored for gay men: guided meditation, and somatic exercises to ground you in your body and present experience.

  • Rituals that honor identity and transformation: simple, intentional ceremonies designed to mark boundaries, release shame, and invite new commitments to self-care.

  • Community process: skilled facilitation for small-group sharing, listening circles, and peer-supported reflection to cultivate authentic connection and witness.

  • Integration tools: practical practices and resources to bring insights from the weekend into daily life — rituals you can repeat, journaling prompts, and self-compassion exercises.

  • Quiet time and nature: opportunities for solitude, walking, or reflection to balance communal work and inner processing.

Who this is for

  • Gay men seeking deeper self-acceptance and reduced shame.

  • Those wanting soulful community and safer spaces to explore identity and emotions.

  • Anyone ready to commit to compassionate change and sustained personal growth.

Facilitation and care

  • Experienced facilitators with training in mindfulness, group process, and shamanic practices.

  • A predictable container with boundaries, consent practices, and support for emotional regulation.

Logistics

  • Weekend schedule combining practice sessions, group process, and free time.

  • Comfortable lodging and nourishing meals provided (dietary needs accommodated).

  • Limited capacity to preserve intimacy and safety — early registration recommended.

What people have reported after attending

  • Greater ease in their bodies, reduced internal criticism, and clearer self-acceptance.

  • Deeper friendships, trust in community, and a stronger sense of belonging.

  • Practical, daily tools to manage shame, anxiety, and self-judgment.

How to prepare

  • Bring comfortable clothing for movement and sitting.

  • Journal or notebook.

  • An openness to honest sharing and receiving compassionate attention.

Join us in a held, skilled space to practice radical kindness toward yourself — through mindfulness, ritual, and the steady power of community. To register or ask about accessibility and scholarships, contact our team.

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Mindfully Gay Enjoys the Blessings of Spring with a Hike
Apr
12

Mindfully Gay Enjoys the Blessings of Spring with a Hike

Spring Time Hike at the Draper Suspension Bridge

Join us for an easy-to-moderate spring hike at the Draper Suspension Bridge — a gentle, scenic walk perfect for soaking up sunshine and spending time together in community. This is an inclusive, welcoming outing for gay men of all backgrounds and fitness levels. Bring a friend or come solo to meet others.

Quick details

  • Date: April 12, 2026 at Noon

  • Meeting time: Noon

  • Meeting place: 1773 Hidden Valley Club Drive, Sandy UT (Will caravan to trailhead a short drive from my house)

  • Distance & difficulty: Approximately 2–4 miles round trip, easy to moderate terrain with some gentle inclines

  • Duration: About 1.5–2.5 hours depending on pace and stops

  • Cost: Free (donations welcome to support future events)

What to expect

  • Opportunities for gentle conversation, mindful walking, and short rests for photos or quiet reflection

  • A relaxed pace to accommodate varying fitness levels and social needs

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots

  • Water bottle and a small snack

  • Weather-appropriate layers (spring weather can shift quickly)

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses for sunny stretches

  • A small backpack to carry essentials

Accessibility & safety

  • Trail has some uneven surfaces and short inclines; accessible for many but not wheelchair accessible

  • We’ll follow local park rules and practice Leave No Trace

Community guidelines

  • Be present and supportive — we’re here to build connection, not to pressure anyone.

How to join

  • RSVP requested

Come ready to enjoy spring, simple conversation, and the steady rhythm of walking together. We look forward to seeing you.

It’s Spring Time!

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Ghoulish Dinner and Spooky Haunted House
Oct
15

Ghoulish Dinner and Spooky Haunted House

Ghoulish Dinner and Spooky Haunted House

Ghoulish Dinner and Spooky Haunted House

Join us for an evening of connection and thrills as we gather at The Other Place Restaurant for dinner and conversation. Afterward, we'll head together to the Nightmare on 13th Haunted House for a chilling adventure. This event offers a unique opportunity to bond in a relaxed setting before sharing an exciting and spooky experience. We look forward to seeing you there.

We are asking for RVSP to be in place by October 10, 2026 so we can prepare the restaurant and perhaps find group discount with Haunted House. Dinner and Haunted House is at your own exspense. If I can secure group discount you can reimburse Jerry for your tickets.

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The Other Place Restaurant

Join us at 6:30 PM at The Other Place Restaurant for an evening of relaxed conversation and connection. Whether you’re new or just curious, this is a welcoming space to meet others in a friendly atmosphere. Please RSVP so we can prepare for our group. Each guest will be responsible for paying for their own meal.

Location: 469 East 300 South, SLC, UT 84111

Nightmare on 13th Haunted House

Join us for a thrilling Halloween night! After dinner, we’ll head to Nightmare on 13th for an unforgettable fright. I’m guessing we will seek to confirm a 8 PM time slot. We’re organizing group reservations and negotiating discounts, so please RSVP by October 10. If I pre-purchase tickets, your RSVP will confirm your spot. Don’t miss out—reserve your place today!

Location: 320 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 


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Meditation & Restore
Feb
18

Meditation & Restore

  • 433 East Vidas Avenue salt lake city, ut 84115 USA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

John Cottrell will teach you some Pranayama (breath work) techniques, Candle Gazing, Vipassana Meditation (Mindful Meditation), and Music Meditation.

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Intro to Meditation
Sep
10

Intro to Meditation

  • 433 East Vidas Avenue salt lake city, ut 84115 USA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

John Cottrell will teach you some Pranayama (breath work) techniques, Candle Gazing, Vipassana Meditation (Mindful Meditation), and Music Meditation.

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Ice Cream Social & Outdoor Movie Night
Aug
10

Ice Cream Social & Outdoor Movie Night

Mindfully Gay is hosting an Ice Cream Social on Saturday, August 10th from 6pm-10pm. Cool off with some delicious homemade ice cream! Feel free to bring your favorite (store bought is great, too) as well as some toppings. We are also hosting an outdoor theater/movie TBD

Hang out for some delicious homemade ice cream, friendly guys and a great movie! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and prepare for a fun night!

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Intro to Meditation
Aug
6

Intro to Meditation

  • 433 East Vidas Avenue salt lake city, ut 84115 USA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

John Cottrell will teach you some Pranayama (breath work) techniques, Candle Gazing, Vipassana Meditation (Mindful Meditation), and Music Meditation.

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Intro to Meditation
Jun
25

Intro to Meditation

  • 433 East Vidas Avenue salt lake city, ut 84115 USA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

John Cottrell will teach you some Pranayama (breath work) techniques, Candle Gazing, Vipassana Meditation (Mindful Meditation), and Music Meditation.

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Ice Cream Social & Podcast
Jun
8

Ice Cream Social & Podcast

John is hosting an Ice Cream Social on Saturday, June 8th from 12pm-3pm. Cool off with some delicious homemade ice cream! Feel free to bring your favorite (store bought is great, too) as well as some toppings.

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