KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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Every pride weekend in New York City, Gay & Sober invites a person that represents the ethos of health and wellness in the community. 

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2018: Marianne Williamson, author, activist and democratic presidential candidate. 

2019: Bryon Katie, acclaimed author and creator of The Work.

2021: Coach Mike Bayer, author, celebrity recovery coach and television personality. 

2022: Terry Gatewood, recovery specialist.

2023: Marc Jacobs, international fashion designer.

2024: Dr. Alan Downs, acclaimed author of The Velvet Rage.

 

Overcoming Shame and Building Community:

Dr. Alan Downs to Speak at Gay & Sober Men's Conference 2024: Superheroes

 

In 2020, a national survey reported that around 21.8% of sexual minority adults experienced an alcohol use disorder, compared to 11.0% of the overall population. Additionally, gay and bisexual men are twelve times more likely to use amphetamines than their heterosexual counterparts. While some might perceive these behaviors as mere mischief or pleasure-seeking, deeper psychological factors are often at play. Experts frequently link the high rates of substance abuse among gay men to internalized shame and homophobia experienced during childhood.

 

We are excited to announce that bestselling author of The Velvet Rage and clinical psychologist, Alan Downs, Ph.D., will be the keynote speaker at the Gay & Sober Men's Conference: Superheroes on June 29, 2024. Dr. Downs will share his journey and work on overcoming shame, offering valuable insights to help our community heal and thrive.

 

Gay & Sober's mission is simple – to provide a safe, fun, and enriching experience for the sober LGBTQ community. Our primary purpose is to encourage unity and enhance one’s sobriety. We aim to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to gather, both in-person and online, for health & wellness, educational recovery programming, and fun social activities. These face-to-face gatherings foster community and connections, especially for individuals from remote areas lacking LGBTQ+ support.

 

In the spirit of unity, we come together to support and love one another and to demonstrate – especially to beginners – that it is indeed possible to be happy, joyous, and free in sobriety. We offer year-round health and wellness programming, education, and events.

 

Join us in this transformative experience. Register for the conference at www.gayandsober.org/registration

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