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., Orlando, FL and Reno, Nevada.  Plans are underway for our 2009 Convention in Toronto, Canada. In addition up to 3 'Regional Events' are planned each 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.