COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENTS...
1.
WHAT IS BEING DONE TO ADDRESS COVID -19 AKA CORONA VIRUS CONCERNS?
GSM is a fully vaxxed event. All participants are asked if they are vaccinated against COVID-19 when they register for the event. Though there is no state mandate on vaccinations, we as an organization still require all participants to be vaccinated. We do this for the greater good. Once more, all Conference and Pride Celebration participants must be fully-vaccinated. For a clear definition of what "fully-vaccinated" means, click here
At the 2021 and 2022 Conferences, we completely reimagined planning in an effort to ensure participant's piece of mind. Our team developed and executed a solid plan that was in effect during the conference. This plan included a bottle of hand sanitizer and a mask in welcome bags, Greeters that smiled instead of giving hugs, mandatory masks in specific areas, mandatory proof of vaccination, temperature checks and no hand-holding at the end of the big meetings.
Click here for
complete details.
2.
ARE TRANS, QUEER, AND BISEXUAL MEN WELCOMED AT THE GAY & SOBER MEN'S CONFERENCE?
Of Course. Please join in the fun!
3.
ARE ALL TRANS PEOPLE WELCOMED AT THE PRIDE CELEBRATION MARCH AND DANCE ON THE RIVER ON PRIDE SUNDAY?
Yes. The Pride Celebration on Pride Sunday is for ALL LGBTQ+ people in the recovery community and allies. The Dance on the River Cruise is a part of The Pride Celebration. All are welcome!
4
WHAT IF I DON'T IDENTIFY AS A "GAY MAN" AND STILL WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
If you are Trans-male, Queer, Bisexual, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-binary, or Gender Fluid, and still identify or connect with the "gay male" community, then you are very much welcomed at the GSM Conference! We know that you'll get a lot out of the event.
5
WHY IS THE GSM CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY THRU SATURDAY FOR GAY MEN ONLY?
Because experience has proven that there is a need for special programming that speaks to the unique experience of being a "gay man" in recovery.
6
MY HUSBAND, BOYFRIEND OR PARTNER IS NOT SOBER. MAY I BRING THEM TO THE CONFERENCE?
Yes. Our workshops are designed to appeal to friends and loved ones too. We invite them to dive into the experience with you. Our nightly speaker meetings and events are just as entertaining as a live spectacle. You will need to get them their own registration.
7
I NEED A ROOMMATE AT THE HOST HOTEL SO I CAN SAVE ON SOME MONEY.
Please contact our Housing Team at housing@gayandsober.org and they will try to match you with others needing a roommate.
For more details on roommate pairing, please click here.
8
WHAT IF I'M COMING TO THE CONFERENCE BY MYSELF? I WON'T KNOW ANYONE.
Many participants have come by themselves and felt the same way. But what they found at the conference were friends that would last a lifetime. So long as you participate in the workshops, help out by doing service, and open yourself up to the experience...you'll be fine. We promise! For 2023, we are adding a Mentorship Program. Newcomers to conference will be paired with prior attendees to help show them the ropes.
To volunteer, please contact service@gayandsober.org
9
IS THE GAY & SOBER MEN'S CONFERENCE THE SAME AS THE BIG APPLE ROUNDUP?
Absolutely not. GSM is 4 full days of workshops, activities, fellowship, fun and entertainment. GSM attracts participants from all over the world. GSM is highly produced, highly attended and has a high-energy vibe. It's like comparing an apple to a juicy, ripe peach.
There's nothing like it!
There is no more roundup.
10
IF I CHANGE MY MIND, CAN I GET A REFUND?
No. However you have two options. 1. You may re-sell it and transfer your registration to someone else. 2. You may donate it back to our Scholarship Program for newcomers with financial hardships.
If you can't make it, please email registration@gayandsober.org and let them know which option above works best for you. You must inform us by May 1st, 2023 to cancel your registration. Failure to do so by the deadline will be considered an abandonment of your spot.
Any and all transfers, modifications, or reselling of registrations must be completed by June 1st, 2023. There will be no exceptions made after said deadlines.
The last day to cancel your reservation at the host hotel is June 1st, 2023. Otherwise, you will be charged.
When placing your order, you must agree to the Terms and Conditions by clicking the box. That means that you agree that there are no refunds. We as a nonprofit are not legally required to issue refunds when we have a clear and fair policy as stated in our terms and conditions. No exceptions will be made.
11
HOW DO I MODIFY MY EXISITING REGISTRATION?
Just go to register as you normally would.
1. Go to: (www.gayandsober.org/registration)
2. Then click the purple GET YOUR TICKET button.
3. Then an new window will open up and you will want to click "ALREADY REGISTERED?" If doing this from a mobile device, click "Menu", then "Home", then "Already Registered?"
4. Then enter your email address and confirmation number that you were sent in your *confirmation email and your email address.
5. Click "OK"
6. Click "Modify"
7. Click "Next" to take you to Item Selection
8. Make your changes, then click "Next" till you click "Submit".
*if you need us to resend your confirmation email, just ask us.
12
IS GAY & SOBER FOR PROFIT OR A NONPROFIT?
Yes. Gay & Sober Inc. is a registered 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization. There are no paid positions. Everyone is a volunteer.
We also "pass the basket" at our separate AA meeting during the conference. That 7th Tradition collection is donated to AA GSO World Services. Don't believe us? Just click here.
13
ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
The first round of Scholarships will be awarded on December 25th. Anyone not selected or that missed the submission deadline will be put on a Standby list. To learn more please click here.
14
I PREFER AN APPROACH SUCH AS PEER SUPPORT OR SMART RECOVERY. IS THIS OK? WILL I BE ACCEPTED?
The short answer is yes. GSM is not your typical Roundup. That's why it's called a conference. The entire weekend is designed to appeal to broad spectrum of attendees. All of the activities and workshops are about health & wellness. Not just the 12 Steps. The big nightly meetings are fashioned in the style of Alcoholics Anonymous, but take what you like and leave the rest. We've selected the best of the best for the speaker meetings and the star entertainer immediately following the Saturday night meeting is something you don't want to miss.
15
DO YOU OFFER A LA CARTE TICKETING?
CAN I JUST SHOW UP TO THE EVENTS?
No. We do not offer "A La Carte" separate ticketing. You buy a conference registration and you get to come to all. Or you don't buy a conference ticket and you get nothing.
You may not just show up. We do not accept walk-ins. If there are "at the door" tickets available. You will be required to purchase a ticket before entering the venue. And yes, we now have professional security because people have tried to sneak in in the past.
It's very embarrassing to be escorted out in front of your friends.
Please don't try.