As we bid farewell to Thanksgiving week, amidst the flurry of doorbusting deals filling our inboxes, I’ve chosen to take a moment for something a bit more personal. If you’ve had the chance to meet me, Phillip Miner, you probably know I have a penchant for a bit of corniness. So, in the spirit of the season, I’m embracing the classic “what are you thankful for” trope. Though we’re not gathered around a traditional table, the sentiment feels just right.
This year has indeed been a rollercoaster for Natural Pursuits, marked by unexpected challenges and surprising triumphs. I’ll dive into the specifics in our year-end wrap-up, but for now, I want to focus on gratitude. To each of you who has woven your thread into this vibrant tapestry of nudity, art, and acceptance, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt thanks
Celebrating Every Body
Natural Pursuits began as a seed of an ideaโquite literally, with our first issue celebrating gardening. My vision was to create a space where we could celebrate our bodies in all their diverse glory. Itโs about shifting the perception of ourselves and each other to a lens of acceptance and joy, countering the restrictive narratives society often imposes. Weโre constantly bombarded with messages telling us weโre not masculine enough, fit enough, or endowed enough for our bodies to be worthy subjects of art.
Yet, Natural Pursuits aimed to be more than just a platform for art; it was about fostering a space where we could meet as equals, as people, and truly get to know one another. Now, five years down the line, what began as a one-off event has evolved into a full-fledged movement. We’ve grown from an annual gathering to create a print magazine to a thriving community with monthly events and weekly content. This evolution stands as a testament to the incredible power of collective effort and a shared vision that resonates with so many.
Empowering Queer Artists
At the heart of Natural Pursuits has always been a steadfast commitment to empowering queer artists. Art, in its essence, is more than a mere form of expression; it is a powerful language that breaks down barriers and paves the way for new, unexplored possibilities. It becomes a mirror reflecting our values, showcasing what we cherish and deem significant in our culture and society.
Art has the unique ability to narrate stories untold, to illuminate perspectives often overlooked, and to bring to the forefront what we, as a community, find truly precious and worth cherishing. It’s a vessel for our collective voices, dreams, and struggles, channeling them into tangible forms that resonate universally. By creating a platform where queer artists can freely express their passions [and get paid], Natural Pursuits is [trying to] actively contribute to a world that not only acknowledges but also rejoices in queer creativity and resilience.
In a society where nudity is often misconstrued as smut, leading to social media censorship and the necessity of navigating ‘adult’ payment processors, the challenges are real and frequent. Yet, these challenges only strengthen my resolve to ensure that our personhood and the authenticity of our experiences are rightfully validated and celebrated. This commitment is more than a choice; it’s a duty to uplift and spotlight the rich tapestry of queer artistry.
So Now for the Sappy Thank You
As I sit down to express my gratitude, words seem to barely scratch the surface of what I feel. But itโs important, so here goes my ‘sappy thank you’ to everyone who breathes life into Natural Pursuits.
To the people who attend our events, ready to bare it all โ thank you. Your openness is the heartbeat of Natural Pursuits. Each of you, by showing up, not just in the physical sense but with your vulnerability and authenticity, creates a space that is empowering, transformative, and full of joy. You remind us all of the beauty and strength found in being our true selves.
A special thanks to the artists who arrive at our events, often stepping into the unknown with regards to lighting and space conditions. Your adaptability and creativity never cease to amaze me. You roll with the punches and consistently produce incredible work that captures the essence of our gatherings.
And to our subscribers, the pillars of this project, thank you for your unwavering support. You keep the wheels of Natural Pursuits turning and the ideas it represents flourishing. Your subscriptions go beyond a financial contribution; they are a vote of confidence in the value and importance of what we’re creating together โ a world where queer art and expression are not just accepted but celebrated.
One of Us! One of Us! One of Us!
This post might have gone a bit longer than usual, but it’s all in the spirit of sharing our journey and inviting you to be a more integral part of it. Becoming a member of Natural Pursuits is not just about accessing exclusive content; it’s about stepping into a world where queer identity and artistry is celebrated and uplifted.
If you’ve been moved by our events, touched by the art we share, or intrigued by the idea of a community that thrives on authenticity and acceptance, become part of this growing family. As a special thank you and welcome, weโre offering a one-month free access to Natural Pursuits Online. Use the code ONEMONTHFREE23 at checkout โ just find the blue box at the top of the checkout page, and you’re all set to join us.
Your membership is more than just support; it’s a statement. It’s a commitment to nurturing a space where queer art and expression are not merely accepted but celebrated. As we continue to plan more events, share more stories, and create more art, your involvement is invaluable. So, thank you once again for being part of our journey thus far, and here’s to growing stronger, bolder, and more vibrant together in the days to come.
โ Phillip Miner
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