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MISSION STATEMENT
The affiliated clubs of the ABC offer a social setting where your size or the admiration of big men isn't an issue, merely a pleasant distraction. For some men it's a safe haven to explore for the first time their own desirability. For other men it's an opportunity to explore feelings and emotions that they have kept hidden for fear of ridicule. For others it's just a chance to get together with the men whom they are attracted to. No matter what your personal or interpersonal acceptance may be, there's a very good chance you will find comfort and acceptance with your involvement in one of the Affiliated Big Men's Clubs.
What is a Big Men's Club?
The world in general, and the gay community in particular has a lot of growing up to do before the idea of equality is a reality. We realize that,
and that's why Big Men's Clubs exist. In a perfect world larger men and those who find them attractive would have no problem interacting in
any social context. However, most of us have been to a gay bar or other social setting where either our size or our preference for larger men
has made us feel awkwardly out of place. ABC and the clubs that form our organization are here to tell you that is not the way it should be.
The affiliated clubs of the ABC offer a social setting where your size or the love of big men isn't an issue, merely a pleasant distraction.
For some men it's a safe haven to explore for the first time their own desirablity. For other men it's an opportunity to explore feelings
and emotions that they have kept hidden for fear of ridicule. For others it's just a chance to get together with the men who make their
whole body quiver with excitement. No matter what level of personal or interpersonal acceptance you may find yourself on, there's a
very good chance you will find that level challenged and strengthened by your active involvement in one of the Affiliated Big Men's Clubs.
The Community
There are lots of names that have been used to describe the relationship between heavyset men and the men who love them that way. "Chubs" and "Chasers" is certainly some of the friendlier, non-threatening monikers we've been given. But, just as with any nickname, as soon as you try to pigeonhole an entire group of men with a few terms, you are missing all the pleasant diversity within that group. If calling us Chubs and Chasers gets you to explore what we have to offer, feel free to use these terms. Most of us are very comfortable with it. Be forewarn though that if you're using these terms to dismiss some of the friendliest, sexiest men in the world as the fetish du jour, you're going to miss out on a whole lot more than you realize.
The History of the ABC
Girth and Mirth clubs started in California in the 1970s by a gentleman by the name of Charlie Brown. He is a chaser who loved chubbies and decided some members of the gay community needed a club so that Chubbies and Chasers had a place to meet and socialize without fear of abuse. The movement grew with clubs in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.
In 1986 it was decided that a national meeting should be held. It was held on Labor Day weekend and I believe it was in San Francisco. At that meeting, it was decided that the Convention should be called Convergence and a national board of Girth and Mirth clubs was formed and was called the Affiliated Big Mens Clubs. This board to this day does national advertising and awards the Convergence and regional Conferences that many Girth and Mirth clubs handle for the membership.
Currently there is a article explaining that better explains in greater detail about the big men's movement and it can be viewed here
ABC - Past Convergences History
The International convention of Girth and Mirth clubs which is called "Convergence" began in 1986 and was held in Seattle, Washington. Unfortunately, no one can remember the hotel that was used.
From then on Convergence was held every year with the exception of 2005 when "Convergence" was to be held in New Orleans. Then Hurricane Katrina came through and cancelled everything!
Convergence has been held the most times in Washington D. C. in 1987, 1993, 2003 and 2008. New York and Suburbs come in second with Convergences being held there in 1988, 1994 and 2004.
Below is a list of the years, cities and hotels that Convergence has been held.
Year City Hotel
1986 Seattle Unrecorded
1987 Washington D.C. Vista
1988 New York City Mackelow (now a Millennium)
1989 Los Angeles Hollywood Roosevelt
1990 Chicago Sheridan
1991 Boston Swiss Hotel
1992 San Francisco Cathedral Hill Hotel
1993 Washington D.C. Embassy Suites
1994 New York City Millennium
1995 Seattle Westin
1996 San Diego Radisson Hotel Circle
1997 Philadelphia Holiday Inn
1998 Reno Sands
1999 Denver Adam’s Mark
2000 Montreal Holiday Inn
2001 Dallas Sheridan
2002 Minneapolis Millennium
2003 Washington D. C. Grand Hyatt
2004 White Plains Crown Plaza
2005 New Orleans Cancelled due to hurricane Katrina
2006 Houston Marriott Medical Center
2007 Minneapolis Hyatt Nicollet Mall
2008 Washington D.C. Marriott
2009 Las Vegas Tuscany
2010 Orlando Doubletree (formally International Plaza)
Attendance hit a new high at Las Vegas in 2009 with attendance topping 600 people.
ABC is Working to Build a Closer, Stronger Community for Now & in the Future.