Prime Timers are older gay or bisexual men
(and younger men who admire mature men). Our members are men
who choose to have their social lives enriched by the
diverse activities in which our members engage. No single
definition can describe Prime Timers, as they come from all
walks of life. Prime Timers involve themselves in their
community with volunteerism, politics, gay issues, arts,
entertainment, and every other facet of healthy living.
Prime Timers are fathers and care givers. They are
businessmen and entrepreneurs. They are workers and they are
retired. Some are always on the go, and some enjoy the quiet
company of others at home. But one thing is true of all
Prime Timers: they enjoy the opportunities and friendships
that develop with other Prime Timers throughout the world.
Prime Timers was founded in 1987 by a
retired professor, Woody Baldwin. He felt a wide gap existed
in today's society which caters almost exclusively to youth.
This worship of eternal youth is never more flagrant than in
the gay culture. Woody began the Boston Chapter by placing
ads in local newspapers and soliciting his many friends. He
expected only a small handful of men to attend the first
meeting and was surprised when over 40 showed up. The
attendance at the first meeting indicated to Woody that a
need existed for social and cultural organizations to aid
and support the aging gay and bisexual man. Now this
organization has grown to over sixty chapters worldwide,
located throughout North America, Europe and Australia.
Travel opportunities for members are vast.
Individual chapters welcome the chance to meet visitors from
other chapters. Letters asking for local information and
recommendations will be well received and acted upon.
Chapters enjoy showing off their communities and having
visitors come away with a feeling of kinship and brotherhood
with their new-found friends.
The Prime Timers Worldwide Convention is
held every two years (odd-numbered years) to allow our
members to gather to socialize with other Prime Timers,
attend workshops geared towards Prime Timers and to conduct
business of the organization. Our Conventions have been in
Provincetown, MA; Vancouver, BC, Canada; Dallas, TX; Palm
Springs, CA; Washington, DC, Houston, TX. and Orlando,
Florida. Plans are underway for our 2007 Convention in Reno,
Nevada and our 2009 Convention in Toronto, Canada. In
addition 3 'Regional Events' are planned each non-convention
(even numbered) year by our member chapters for local,
Worldwide and Independent members.
Our organization is emerging as a leading
force in the gay and bisexual communities, and while we are
not a political or religious organization, we are concerned
with society as it effects the aging gay and bisexual
population. As our organization grows, we will be leading
the pack in seeking answers to the needs and problems of
maturing gay and bisexual men. It is hoped that a Prime
Timers chapter will soon be in every major metropolitan area
in the world.