Genesis Project

Be Every Color That You Are

2010-06-21T16:34:00.000-06:00

2010-06-14T17:41:00.000-06:00

Come enjoy a "survivor-themed" weekend of daring gay fun with Genesis Project. Not only will there cabins, showers, electricity, great food, and cute gay men from near and far...

Camp Genesis Survivor will also feature fun and friendly competitions from hula skirt dances to giant slip-and-slides and to (dare we say it) JELLO WRESTLING. There will be lots of prizes and lots of ways to win!

Did we mention it is also FREE! That's right, FREE! All you have to do is visit our website at www.genesisproj.com to register and follow the instructions before the camp date. Do it sooner than later, so we can plan food, prizes, etc. accordingly.

Be Every Color That You Are

2010-06-09T15:52:00.007-06:00

Be you.

Be proud.

Be every color that you are.

We love you.

-Genesis Project-

Revelations One: Let's Wrinkle the Sheets!

2010-05-14T15:53:00.000-06:00

For gay, bi, and curious men who want to talk about dating, sex, and relationships. Any questions you have will be answered! There will also be games, prizes, and free food!

HIV on the Rise; Get Tested!

2010-04-23T17:47:00.002-06:00

HIV cases are on the rise in Southeastern Idaho. Several new cases have been confirmed this year Now, more than ever, GP would like to remind you to BE SAFE, USE A CONDOM, DON’T SHARE NEEDLES, and if you’ve engaged in risky behavior, GET TESTED for HIV. Contact your local Health Department or the Genesis Project to schedule an appointment!

And now more than ever, you should take advantage of the FREE testing that is being offered by Dist. 6 and Dist. 7 Health Departments, and districts throughout Idaho, offered on/around National HIV Testing Day (June 27, 2010). Check their website for specific dates and details!

Also, let us know what you think? Comment with suggestions, questions, or any other discussion topics related to this outbreak or on how to best prevent the spread of HIV. We look forward to your input!

Love,

Genesis Project

Irish Community Potluck--BRING A DISH TO SHARE!

2010-03-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

It's a Potluck for you. It's a Potluck for me. It's a Potluck for any and everyone you see! Join us for an evening of Rainbows and Pots-of-Gold--where you'll drink [Root] beer like the Irish and have many chances to win prizes by bringing your own dish, through silly competitions, and perhaps you'll get lucky with our Prize Chili! Don't miss out on our Green Celebration--all for you! And for everyone you know! Don't forget to bring a dish to share!!!

All you need is Love and a Condom!

2010-02-10T15:44:00.002-07:00

This Valentine's Day...

2010-02-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

GP PSA 09

2010-01-18T20:47:00.001-07:00

New Year, New Goals, & New Experiences!

2010-01-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here's to new resolutions! Here's to meeting new people and making new friends! And here's to another successful year with Genesis Project and new goals!

It's a new year at Genesis Project, and we can't wait to see what happens! Last year was one of our most successful years to date, and we hope to top it off, by making 2010 even better. We are working on new goals and project inside the Project, and we want your input and suggestions! Be sure to email us or BETTER YET, post your comments/suggestions/ideas on our blog about what you want to see happen for the new year! Hopefully some dialogue will encourage us all to think outside the box.

But before we get started on the new year, we want to thank everyone for their hard work and contributions for making 2009 so successful (we couldn't have done it without you)! We did so well last year that we were awarded a $1,000 for excellent performance. We received the following letter from our funding source:

"I am very pleased to announce that Genesis Project has been awarded the full performance award of $1,000 for the 2009 contract year. Thank you for you hard work and diligence toward meeting the 2009 performance goals and towards keeping faithful to the Mpowerment model."

I look forward to working with you towards another successful Genesis Project year."

Teri Carrigan, MA

HIV Prevention Program Coordinator

Family Planning, STD, and HIV Programs

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Thanks again for all your excellent work!

-Genesis Project

Genesis Project Dance Competition! Coming Soon!

2009-12-28T18:10:00.007-07:00

Naughty or Nice, tell us who's on your list this Holiday season...

2009-12-21T15:18:00.001-07:00

Who would you like to catch under the mistletoe this Holiday season?

It's never too late to tell Santa what (or who) you want for Christmas! Share with us (pictures, names, hints, or descriptive fantasies) who you wish you could catch under the mistletoe and why.You can remain anonymous, post with a nickname, or let us all know who you are. Just remember--you can be naughty, while still being nice!

JOIN US FOR THE RED & WHITE BALL!

2009-12-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Why Won't He Wear A Condom and What You Can do About It?

2009-11-12T19:12:00.001-07:00

As you all know Genesis Project wants everyone to wear a condom, but sometimes it can be difficult, so we thought we get a discussion going about how you guys feel about condom use. We hope you guys can share your thoughts, and get some much needed advice. Below is an article provided by about.com that provides good advice for common problems gay men face.

-Genesis Project

Why Won't He Wear A Condom and What You Can do About It?

This past holiday, Santa bought me an iPhone. I say Santa did it to cover up my gadget obsession. So, here I am in the pedestrian town of New York City with this beautiful piece of machinery (I did say I was a gadget nut, right?) all wrapped up with a hard shell case and a protective film for the screen. It's like Fort Knox around my phone and I hate to look at every protected inch. Part of the enjoyment of the phone is being able to experience the craftsmanship in design the folks at Apple put into the device.

Now, this isn't a plug for Mac lovers, but my wrapped up iPhone experience got me thinking about how many things in my life have to be protected, from my gadgets up to my body. I also thought about the many excuses not to protect my assets: I like the way it looks uncovered; it's bulky when it's protected; it takes the fun out of playing with my toy, etc.

Sure, I want to play with everything in its natural state, but what if I get bumped unexpectedly, trip up a stair, accidentally make a wrong move, or slip up and what I'm trying to protect goes flying toward unrepairable damage?

The fact is, despite my desire to go unprotected, it just has to be done. I remember what my mom always told me: It's not the what is's that we protect ourselves from, it's the what ifs. And those what ifs can have a huge impact on our entire lives if we're not careful (and I'm not just talking about an unfortunate fall of an iPhone on concrete). Our health can fall victim to a number of unwelcome crashes if we don't protect our bodies.

When it comes to health and sex, I often here reasons why guys either refuse to use a condom or let others explore without protection. Here are the top excuses that many of us have heard and your strategy for practicing safer sex and staying protected:

What He Says: "I Can't Stay Erect"
What You Do: Offer The Alternative
Any man that tells you that he can't stay erect with a condom on or is allergic to latex and still asks you to have unprotected sex with him is lying. A man that actually has a diagnosed aversion to latex should already know that there are alternatives to latex condoms, such as these non-latex brands. And if he is telling the truth and asks you to hit the sack without a wrap, then believe he doesn't have your best interest in mind.

There are men, however, who are allergic to latex. That's why they make prophylactics that are latex free, but just as effective at protecting you from HIV or STDs. Keep both varieties of latex and non-latex condoms in your stash just in case. And if you're traveling for an adventure, add a latex-free alternative to your bag.

What He Says: "I'm Clean"
What You Do: Get Proof
Our external health (or the perception of) doesn't always match what's going on inside. Many STDs, including HIV, don't show on the outside, even though they can be transmitted. So, the next time you see a guy that "looks clean," don't assume they are STD free. It may be awkward, but ask for his safer sex license or for proof of his recent test results. Don't take his word at face value, even if he is a sweet and trustworthy guy. And always side with caution by using a condom.

What He Says: "It'll Ruin The Mood"
What You Do: Incorporate Condoms Into Foreplay
Pausing for contraceptives can kill a bedroom buzz; that is if you don't prepare for it. The mood is what you make it. Keep the condoms close by. Practice opening the package quickly to avoid a cumbersome unwrapping. Ask him to help you put it on. Get creative with how you present it. Incorporating condoms into the moment can add to foreplay, as opposed to cutting through the mood.

What He Says: "My Friend Said [Insert STD Myth Here]"
What You Do: Get The Facts Yourself
There are certain things we can trust to our friends' advice, like recipes and movies and car buying experiences. When it comes to your health, do your own research and make sure you are getting information from reputable sources. STDs like HIV and herpes are one hit wonders. Once you get them there is no going back. Why leave that up to chance and gossip?

What He Says: Anal Is The Only Way
What You Do: Show Him Another Road To Paradise
There is more than one way to the sexual promise land. Some guys do think that anal is the only way to a good time, but there are alternatives, such as intercrural or oral sex. There are also a number of toys that can add spice into the bedroom. If anal isn't your thing, get creative.

There are many reasons why going bareback may seem like the best way to go, but the risks outweigh the benefits. Despite what he says before or during sex or your desire to enjoy sex uncovered, protecting yourself from the damaging elements of sex.

By Ramon Johnson, About.com

BRICK CRAFT NIGHT

2009-11-11T16:40:00.003-07:00

Halloween Costume Party in Idaho Falls!

2009-10-31T18:29:00.011-06:00

Thanks to everyone one who joined us last Thursday for Genesis Project's Halloween Costume Party. And a very special thanks to to nurses from the Eastern Idaho Public Health District's Idaho Falls Office. Not only did they administer the FREE HIV rapid testing, they provided wonderful prizes and goody bags for everyone to enjoy! Miss Jay took the grand prize, $200-which he received in the form of gas cards! Way to go, Jay! We were so happy to see all the creative and unique costumes.

Here's a look at the night's event:

Don't forget to email us pictures of yourself in your halloween costumes before tomorrow, NOV 1! We'll post a ballot and let you all vote on who had the best Halloween Costume this year!!!

Have a happy Halloween! AND PLAY SAFE!!!

Thanks,

Genesis Project

Genesis Project's Offical Comment Deletion Policy

2009-10-30T12:59:00.001-06:00

The Genesis Project supports an open and honest dialogue. In no way do we want to take away from our blog participants their freedom of expression, and in fact encourage constructive comments. However at the Genesis Project we take the protection of our members and the goals of our project to be of up most importance. Therefore as a blog being utilized to build our community, we have outlined the following policy concerning what comments will be deleted. We make no apologies on this policy. We want to be an upstanding blog, where the freedom of expression is granted, but does not steal away the rights of our community members to be treated with respect.

Genesis Project will delete the following types of comments:

1. Any comment(s) that directly conflict with the mission statement of the project. The mission statement as follows:

The Genesis Project is a community-building program, organized by and for young gay, bisexual, and curious men, ages 18-35. The main goal of Genesis project is to create a safer and stronger community in Southeast Idaho where young men can feel empowered to make a difference in their own lives, the lives of their peers, and their community. We promote making healthy and safe lifestyle choices. One of our main focuses is HIV and STD prevention. By building a community where young men feel safe, strong, and empowered, we hope they will take the steps to protect themselves from sex hazards and have healthy relations with their partners, peers, and community. At Genesis, our goal is to provide gay, bi, and curious men with all the information and tools necessary make smart decisions and lead a healthy life.

2. Any Comment(s) with malicious intentions or which are perceived to have malicious intentions.

3. Any Comment(s) that attack, criticize, or attempt to defame any individual(s) in the community.

4. Spam Comments. We define spam comments as any of the following.

a) Any Comment(s) with endorsement(s) from any alternative websites, blogs, and organizations in which we have no association with, and where published without consent from the project.
b) Any Comment(s) used as advertising for alternative websites, blogs, and organizations in which we have no association with, and where published without a consent from the project.
c) Any comment(s) containing offensive content and/or links to offensive content.

5. Any comment(s) which are complaints about comment deletions. These comments take away from the conversation and will not receive a response from the blog administrators.

Unwarranted Comment Deletion

If you feel that your comment(s) were deleted without warrant the Genesis Project will accept complaints via email at genesisproj@gmail.com. When submitting a complaint about a comment deletion you must include in the email, the following:

1. The comment(s) that was deleted, or a description summarizing the comment that was deleted.
2. Why you felt the comment deletion was unwarranted.
3. Your Contact Information.

Any Complaint(s) about comment deletions posted via a COMMENT will not receive a response, and will be deleted.

Recommendations to Avoid Comment Deletion

1. When creating comments be respectful, and express your opinion in way that is constructive and creates an open dialogue.

2. Avoid comments that speak negatively of organization(s) and individual(s). You can express your opinion, but be politically correct when doing so.

3. Use your better judgment, you are likely to avoid any deletions if you only post comments you are certain will not be deleted and you feel good about.

Thank you all for your continued support, we hope that our blog will continue to be a great success!

Sincerly Your Coordinators,

Derrick Capson Jesse Zamora
Genesis Project Coordinator Genesis Project Co-Coordinator

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY-$200 PRIZE! FREE HIV TESTING-2NIGHT!

2009-10-29T16:05:00.000-06:00

Hey Boys! Don't miss our Halloween Costume Party Tonight! There will be FREE HIV testing and a $200 prize for the best costume! There will snacks, games, music, and more! :)

Concerning Comment Deletions and the Forthcoming Policy Regarding Such...

2009-10-28T00:05:00.000-06:00

We apologize for the confusion about the comments that have recently been deleted.

A statement regarding our policy on deletions will soon be posted and enforced. This should clear up any questions or misconceptions you've had about the actions we (the coordinators of Genesis Project) have taken to preserve the integrity and purpose of this blog site.

We appreciate all the dialogue we've received on our blog site so far, but comments should remain constructive, and should in no way defame the character of any person. Any comments that violate such a standard, or any of the criteria outlined in our forthcoming policy, will be immediately deleted without apology or explanation. Again, this will be outlined in detail in our policy statement, and then further action (deletions if necessary) will be taken.

We too want to keep our blog site a public forum where all opinions and concerns can be expressed freely without censorship, but we also have an obligation to protect all of our members (coordinators included) and remove any material that is in conflict with this goal. As stated before this website will "only promote healthy and positive images of our community members."

Please understand and respect our decision to implement and uphold such a policy.

Thank you,

Genesis Project

2009-10-27T15:48:00.005-06:00

Hey boys!
Last night was a lot of fun! Thanks to everyone who came, and especially to those who dressed up. It provided a lot of entertainment for everyone. And Genesis Project would like to extend a special thanks to Von Bringhurst for developing our Halloween simulation of Jeopardy! Congrats to Eric Archebald for winning best costume as a "Slutty Sailor Girl" and to GP Coordinator, Jesse Zamora for winning runner up as a "Sexy Vampire Boy." Derrick Capson remained completely lovable as "Bert," though he used the catwalk as an opportunity to issue the following statement: "I'm not Gay" (We all got a good laugh from that one). John Primrose spread plenty of holiday cheer as "Santa Claus" but he was disqualified for trying to bribe the judges with candy during his cat walk--looks like he's on the naughty list!
Here's a quick look at last night's event:

If you missed out Monday, then be sure to join us Thursday night from 7-9p.m at the Samuel H. Bennion Student Union Building at University place in Idaho Falls for another Halloween Costume Party! Free HIV testing will be provided along with more snacks, games, and prizes for the best Halloween costume!

Be sure to submit your pictures to genesisproj@gmail.com by Nov. 1 for our Costume Competition. We'll be posting pictures for you to vote on during the first week of November.

Thanks!
Genesis Project

GP's PostSecret Wall

2009-10-23T21:09:00.000-06:00

Add anonymous comments to Genesis Project's PostSecret Web Wall to share your secrets!

A Statement Concerning “Burn Book” Blogs…

2009-10-23T16:07:00.005-06:00

Gossip, name-calling, & scandalous rumors—anybody can be seduced (or harmed) by the slanderous tabloids that have recently gained popularity in the gay world. I am instantly reminded of the sneaky fighting portrayed in the ever-so-popular Mean Girls film. A jungle-like “survival of the fittest” (or perhaps “meanest”) has taken precedent among social scenes as a way of establishing prestige, gaining popularity, and appeasing jealousy. Well, for those of you who have watched Mean Girls, you know that there was a morale to be learned and consequences to be paid for all who let themselves get caught up in the vicious attacks that took place in the form of whispers, pranks, and within the pages of the infamous Burn Book.

As fictitious as that movie may be, it has themes I feel are very relevant to a similar issue that has surfaced within our community. To be more specific: a current and local Burn Book has taken the more evolved and modern form of a blog site.

Recently this blog site has featured posts about members of the Genesis Project and other members of the LGBT community. Some (not all) of the postings featured hurtful and unqualified statements that inspired more inappropriate comments and a dangerous following.

Genesis Project would like to stress to you how detrimental a site of this nature can be to our local gay community, as well as to friends and families who might happen upon such a site. First of all, such cowardly dialogue does nothing to improve relationships among our already small and persecuted interest group. In fact, it only weakens us against our oppressors, for we subject ourselves to devices that would divide us where we should be united as fellow gay men, as friends, and as a community.

Genesis Project understands the appeal that such a website might have for those of you seeking entertainment by such a hip, fashion-forward medium. And to that interest, we have developed this blog for you—a blog that will not hide authorship behind a pseudonym—a blog that will only promote healthy and positive images of our community members—and a blog invested with helpful resources, engaging topics, and a socially responsible form of entertainment that can be enjoyed by everyone, without the snobbish quality of exclusion that has become the shameful skeleton of inferior, less dignified websites.

We ask that you divert your attention from “Burn Book” websites that depend on your participation to survive, and instead follow our blog site, where we can offer you a legitimate and credible portal where you can express yourself openly and creatively in an environment that will help to rebuild our community.

Thank you,

Jesse Zamora, GP Co-Coordinator

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST

2009-10-23T19:31:00.000-06:00

Genesis Project would like to invite you all to participate in our HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST. Send us a picture of yourself in your halloween costume before November 1st. We'll post your submissions for the next week and allow you all to vote on the best Halloween Costume. Submit your photo to genesisproj@gmail.com.

And just for your entertainment, here's an old picture of Jesse (GP Co-Coordinator) dressed as Jack Sparrow for Halloween in 2007:

Enjoy & Comment!

Halloween Costume Party & Free HIV Testing!

2009-10-23T17:49:00.006-06:00

Join us for FREE HIV testing & a Halloween Costume Party with games, prizes, snacks, and more! |October 29, 2009; 7-9p.m.; Bennion Student Union Building, Idaho Falls, ID|

Genesis Project Blog

2009-10-22T12:41:00.001-06:00

Hello Boys:

We have decided to create are own blog. The Genesis Project is excited to offer this service to you. Please feel free to submit stories, information, and questions to us at info@genesisproj.com. We will be sure to use them, and plan on posting new stories weekly so check back soon, or better yet sign up for are blog feeder and get updates the minute a blog is posted.

Sincerly,

The Genesis Project