The essence of CMNM in its 'purest' form

A discussion thread concerning this topic was actually describing what, in a large part, CMNM is.

CMNM is a not only about men liking men: It's a male bonding ritual

       
Loving to be with guys who are naked (or being naked with guys who aren't).... that's the core of what CMNM (clothed male / naked male) situations are all about.

Some of us are really in to it.. and seek out such situations whenever possible - of course, it's a gay thing for many of us.

By the way, it is NOT ONLY about homosexual attraction. I could go on and on... but men need (and enjoy) using nudity between themselves and in groups of men (like sports teams, fraternity, army/military, clics and groups of buddies, while in temporary all male situations, such as camping, scouting, etc) and have done it since the beginning of societies... (I'm not talking physical desire or lust between men) to express friendship, belonging to a group, male affection and camaraderie, and dependence/interdependence, control/authority, loyal, leadership, bravura/machismo, and platonic or brotherly love.

I think almost every guy has some times (or even a lot) when he wants to see them naked or be seen naked by his buddies. It's part of identifying with being a man. We've had this discussion in bits and pieces many times on this forum before.  When you absolutely 'need' to be naked or be the clothed guy around naked ones (for various reasons - different for every person) then you are said to be into CMNM or have it as a fetish (if you need it to get off).

I've gone forward or evolved in exploring CMNM in myself, and also socially. I have set up many online CMNM groups, and have been trying to organize off-line real CMNM events, meet-ups, parties, etc.

Of course, CMNM scenes can involve much more (specialized costuming or fetish roles (such as doctor/patients), or elements of BDSM or spanking and hazing or embarrassment), but in essence, it's not ONLY about sex (except for the extreme fetishist - not to be judgmental or complaining). CMNM can also be about the joy and sense of acceptance that a guy gets from being so open and free with his buddies that they can hang out naked - without sexual tension or excitement (at least for some of the time).

I'm a fan of CMNM scenes - especially in these milder, more social and interpersonal aspects of it. I'm also an organizer and enthusiast. I write a blog called Guys Into CMNM (guysn2cmnm.blogspot.com)

I manage several CMNM social networking groups (with a total of about 3000 members), and also organize real (off-line) events, parties, and meet-ups for the purpose of getting CMNM enthusiasts together. There's even one and some related groups on Facebook (although the last two CMNM groups on FB were mysteriously deleted. Duh!?) But we've recently started a Facebook group called CMNM Dudes (it's private but you should be able to find it and join). If not, send me an email or contact me on Facebook.

We are currently trying to organize a weekend of CMNM events in Honolulu and the Big Island (Hawaii) over Xmas.

I think you guys would be interested and are certainly welcome to participate online or otherwise.....

Commentary by the author:

It could be a welcome (and possible more wholesome and healthy) alternative to the gay bar lifestyle (including PNP). The overuse of alcohol and use of narcotic drugs and other stimulants is a culture that really doesn't need to exist - except for a minority that is downtrodden. Are we as a social (gay) men and sexual (cmnm enthusiasts) beyond that now?
Many societies have recognized how oppression has extends the negative effects of prejudice and discrimination far beyond feelings of hatred and self-repression but actually affects how people behave within their own sub-groups, and how they treat each other. Racial minorities are coming out of that syndrome to a large extend in the 21st century (finally) .. when will the gay minority start doing the same. (At least those over a certain age.. myself included).

Sorry .. I got a little off topic,..but - in reality, it is deeply related.
Men have been afraid to show physical affection even - much less get naked together - for the very reason that it was too 'queer' to do so. Even gay men who are out and confident in their own sexuality are still ill-at-ease with other men - in this respect. So my own CMNM crusading has more than just 'trying to see a naked butt' as its motivation.

Kelly, editor of Guys Into CMNM (blog) and admin for its social networking sites