History of O.M.E.N.

The idea for a men’s naturist group in Portland, Oregon was born in the mind of Jim. Jim, having been an avid naturist for many years and a member of GNI (Gay Naturists International), met Adam and Joe in 1997 at a naturist gathering. Adam and Joe were members of GNI and also avid naturists. Jim, Adam and Joe met for lunch at one of Jim’s haunts on SE Woodstock, one afternoon in July of 1998 to talk about the formation of a naturist group in the Portland area, based on the principals of GNI. From that discussion, Jim would plan on contacting men in the Portland area who were on the membership roll of GNI to see if there might be any interest in a local group.

A few months later on Wednesday evening, November 12th, 1998, a gathering of those interested was called and met at the home of John. Those present were Jim, John and Dave. Adam and Joe were unable to attend. Discussion of the type of organization desired fell along the lines of a social, friendly and non-political group. The group would not be limited to GNI members but open to anyone 21 and older to enjoy: hikes, card playing, pot lucks, camp-outs, beach trips and other activities. Many other things were discussed which would take on actual form as the group continued.

On December 13, 1998, another gathering was held, again at John home to set in place the name of the group as well as adopt by-laws and schedule the first “public” gathering. Adam suggested several name possibilities which were considered and Oregon Men Enjoying Naturism (O.M.E.N.) was established. The five men present set themselves as members along with one absentee member, Michael who was wintering in Palm Springs and then went about adopting by-laws that were adapted from the GNI by-laws. The first “public” social gathering was scheduled for January 10, 1999, 3 PM, hosted by Jim.

January 1999, saw the membership of OMEN increase in membership. The additions were Chuck, Greg, Dick, Tom and Bob. OMEN went cyber with its first screen name/email address on AOL. Dave joined in February followed by Doyle in March. At the May Gathering with 12 members, officers were elected. Dave, Treasurer, Jim, Secretary, Gregory, Vice President and Adam, President. By July 1999, two committees were formed, Membership Committee with chair, Joe and Program Committee with chair, John. By years end, OMEN was 20 members strong some of whom joined the ranks and are still with us as members, Larry, Ray and Scott. Other members who have come and gone but may be recalled by long-time members were Guy, George, Jason and Max.

The year 2000 brought with it a review and eventual adoption of revised “Rules and Regulations”. Fortunately not all our time was spent on such serious matters. Several highlights of the year’s monthly gatherings were creative clay works with Larry inspiring us with his art work and creative genius as well as body painting in the great out of doors at Collins each, Sauvie Island. December 2000 ended with a visit from Al, then the local instructor for Body Electric, doing an afternoon seminar style presentation. We called the presentation “touch”, had 5 massage tables set up with about 30 guys participating. It was a great way to enjoy the touch of multiple hands and relax with our OMEN brothers. According to our records we ended 2000 with approximately 30 members.

In 2001 we jumped to 33 members, had monthly Gatherings filled with Academy Award Games, hot tubbing, and Egg Coloring for the Easter Holiday. On Sunday, May 20th OMEN presented the sash to the winner for the 2nd annual Mr. Nude Portland contest, held at Darcelle XV Showplace. The contestants were judged on 4 categories: Dance/Striptease, Fantasy, Q&A, and Erotic Posing. The event was sponsored by the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court with the proceeds to benefit Friends or PWA and the Tijuana AIDS Project. As the year progressed, gatherings found the members draped in feathers, furs, leather or beads and of course always enjoying the camaraderie of OMEN in simply nothing.

2002 brought with it a transition in leadership and attitude. Monthly Gatherings continued but with an adoption of a forced FSVP policy, monthly attendance began to wane. There were some great times though: A casino event was held in Salem at Steve’s, we had a demonstration of “Body Art” and “piercing” by members of OMEN as well as a discussion of the pleasures and problems on the subject. July brought a gathering at Collins Beach, Sauvie Island and in August a Hawaiian Luau, with a Hula contest hosted by Franklin. With 29 members we ended the year with a Halloween “Masks on Parade” in October and a White Elephant Gift Exchange for our December Gathering.

Through a succession of events, OMEN almost became non-existent in 2003. John, after returning from wintering in Mexico, came to the rescue of the 6 remaining members and began meeting on a monthly basis once again. Attendance lagged at times but with John’s persistence the group added several members. It was decided at the December Gathering, that because membership was small and hosts were hard to come by, the next gathering would be held in April of 2004.

April 2004, was hosted by several members in Salem. Discussion by the members present, focused on what OMEN could become. OMEN history revealed some pitfalls to avoid, so it was suggested, Guidelines be instituted rather than “Rules and Regulations”. OMEN should move toward that, which was open, accepting, non-judgmental, and positive. Guidelines simply put, allowed members to move within their own boundaries within a group of individuals who would be respectful and supportive. The Guidelines that were adopted are still in effect for the group as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.

From under 15 members in 2004, OMEN has grown to almost 90 members as we end 2008. Over the past few years OMEN has experienced a whole variety of wonderful Gatherings hosted by our generous members who volunteer their lovely homes. Our yearly “Disco” held by Mike and Music by Tony is always memorable, as well as the Luau held toward the end of summer by Gian and his plex-mates. In December a “Christmas Eve Gathering” is held to celebrate the Holidays and enjoy a musical movie, food, drink and social evening. Last year was our first New Year’s Eve Gathering. Nothing like cheering out the old and ringing in the new year in the buff!

OMEN is the sum of its membership. Each member brings energy, talent and personality to make OMEN one of the greatest Men’s Nudist/Naturist groups in the country. Celebrate!!!