Gamofites is an organization of gay Mormon fathers. Because in Mormonism there are so many words ending in ites - Israelites, Nephites. Lamanites, Jaredites, etc. - it seemed appropriate to shorten Gay Mormon Fathers to Ga-mo-fites.
Gamofites are men united in the joys and challenges of being fathers, Gay, and Mormon. They are dedicated to fostering and supporting the needs and individual growth of members in an environment of confidentiality, trust, and unconditional love.
Membership in Gamofites is open to any Gay father of Mormon background and his partner.
Some Gamofites are married and are just coming to terms with being Gay, while others have been living openly as Gay men for many years. Some Gamofites have young children and some have grandchildren. There are thousands of men who qualify as Gamofites, though very few know the organization even exists. Current membership is around 200 men living in all parts of the country. The organization has built a tremendous network of social, spiritual, and emotional support for its members.
The main function of Gamofites is to support Gay Mormon fathers with love and understanding. This is done through an informal network of friendships (often on the Internet) and through formal weekend retreats. As the number of Gamofites has grown, the number of retreats has increased. Each region holds at least two retreats per year. The Calendar of Events contains dates and details of upcoming retreats and related events as well as reports from recent activities.
The weekend retreats consist of getting acquainted through various activities, engaging in lively discussions directed by invited guests or by Gamofites, enjoying great food, laughing with old and new friends, sharing experiences, and growing personally. Partners of members are welcome whether or not they are fathers or from Mormon backgrounds.
Gamofites is not a religious organization, although most members are still "in touch" with their spirituality in some way. Many look at Gamofites as the kind of supportive Priesthood Quorum they wished they had.
In addition, the organization publishes a newsletter; prepares position papers on homosexuality, fatherhood, gay-straight relationships, and Christian teachings for people grappling with these issues; and publicizes and promotes Gamofite activities.
Gamofites are organized on the regional and national level. The national leadership team is the Gamofite Resource Committee (GRC) composed of representatives from the four Gamofite regions. The GRC coordinates activities and public relations efforts, provides support for regional retreats, and directs outreach to men in need of help.
Regional organizations are directed by men appointed to plan and carry out regional retreats. Regional leadership changes every six months. Regional leaders work closely with the GRC.
You can join by attending a Gamofite retreat or by paying annual dues of $10. Extra contributions for retreat scholarships and outreach efforts are always welcome, of course. Fill out the membership form and mail it with your check.
For more specific information about Gamofites, please contact one of the GRC members below.
PRIVACY NOTE |
The Gamofite mailing list is NOT made available to anyone for any reason. A printed directory of members is available only to those who have paid their annual dues and contains the names ONLY of men who have given permission to be included. You may indeed be a member of Gamofites without making your name and personal details public. Also, visitors to the Gamofite web site are not tracked or recorded. We understand the reality of everyone's various personal situations and respect every man's way of dealing with his own reality. |
Contact us confidentially at:
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