Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who are the Faeries?	What happens at a Faerie Gathering?
What is a Heart Circle?	When should I register?
What is the cost?	What are the accommodations like?
Will I have to share a bed with someone I don't know?	Are meals included?
Will all the meals be prepared for us or will we help?	Is there alcohol?
What is the island like?	Are there ATM machines, or do places take credit cards or travelers cheques?
Are there telephones, cell/mobile phones, Internet?	Are there other hangouts, things to do, places to go, people to see? Is there SHOPPING???
Are there scholarships available?	Who is coming to this gathering?
Who is organizing this?	Should I worry if I have health concerns?
How do I get there and away?	Will I fall in love?

For more than 25 years faeries have been coming together in community to create magic. Faerie gatherings happen all over the world, principally in the United States. Faeries came out of groups formed in the 1970s to bring gay men together in a spiritual space different from the bars and nightclubs. We come together to celebrate our distinctive and unique qualities and to let our true selves be free. Most of us are gay men, but we have had a queer woman attend our gathering. Ladyboys and toms are welcome. Anyone who is comfortable with gay people is welcome to join us.

The faeries are an opportunity to create abundance from our many talents and gifts. The faeries are also an opportunity to create a true classless society where no one is identified by their wealth or lack of wealth, and where no person has power or authority over another person.

A. The gathering is set up by volunteers and what happens is generally up to the participants. The only planned event is the Heart Circle. Most days after breakfast we'll blow the conch and men will gather to speak from their hearts to others in the circle. After Heart Circle it's up to the group as to what happens. If you wish to facilitate a ritual, a workshop, a meal or anything else you are welcome to do so.

We have previously taken speedboat trips to Koh Phi Phi and some other small islands for swimming and snorkeling, bringing along a catered lunch. It costs about 1,000 baht per person for these trips. We have taken a truck to remote beaches on the east side of Koh Yao Yai, (where some of us even got naked) which cost about 200 baht per person. We may have an optional seafood dinner which will cost 800-1,000 baht for those who want it.

A. The Heart Circle is one of the most important elements of Faerie Gatherings. It's very simple and involves everyone sitting around in a circle. The circle has no head and no foot. There are no leaders, only participants. There is a talisman, a sacred object from the land or something someone brought, that is passed from person to person, from hand to hand. Each person who holds the talisman has the opportunity to speak to the circle from his heart. Whatever he is feeling in his heart, he can express to the circle. While he speaks the rest of the circle listens with an open heart. No one comments or interrupts. If you do not want to speak, just hold the talisman for a moment and pass it on, but feel the welcoming energy and love of the circle.

A Heart Circle can consist of 2 or 3 people or the entire gathering. It often starts with a small number, say 10, and grows as the energy blossoms. It can last 20 minutes or 4 hours, though most often we'll finish around lunchtime. The Heart Circle is where we have a rare opportunity see each other's souls and really learn about each other.

A. We can accept registrations up to the last minute if space is available. The maximum number of participants will be about 50. More space is available if we know at least one week in advance. It will help us plan if you register by January 1, 2011.

A. The cost for each day/night is 1,100 baht (about $35.50 USD). Cost for the entire gathering is 11,000 baht (about $355 USD). Please pay the full amount, in cash, upon your arrival. There are no ATMs on the island, so get your cash before you come. This includes accomodation in a shared bungalow and three meals per day. Other activities, like boat trips (about 1,000 baht), truck trips to remote beaches (about 200 baht), cost extra. A private bungalow is 500 baht extra per day. There are nearby shops where you can buy snacks, ice cream and local food, as well as sarongs, flip flops and hats. You can rent a motorcycle for about 150-200 baht per day.

Please know that a small portion of the full fee helps subsidize the cost for faeries from less developed nations like Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Bangladesh who otherwise could not attend. We appreciate your paying the full amount, and maybe making an extra contribution to the scholarship fund for those who don't have money. The average Thai person earns about 10% of what the average American earns.

A. Most accommodations are two person bamboo bungalows. Facilities (toilet, sink, shower) are included as well as a queen sized bed or two twin beds and mosquito netting. The huts are not air conditioned, but fans are provided and the evenings are comfortable for sleeping. The beds are firm Thai style.

A. Maybe, maybe not. Some of the bungalows have double beds, and some have two single beds. You can ask to be roommates with a particular person. If you simply must have your own private space, a private bungalow is 500 baht extra per night. Remember, it's fun to share!

A. All meals are included in the price. You may wish to occasionally sample from the local restaurants and shops, so bring a extra cash for those snacks or special meals. The owners of our space are Muslim and the food they prepare will be both Thai and Halal with vegetarian, chicken and seafood options. Let us know if you need a special diet.

A. The meals are prepared by the bungalow staff. Because we'll be staying in accommodations where the families normally prepare meals for their guests, it is unusual for them to allow foreigners into the kitchen.

A. This is a Muslim island, so alcohol is not common. This is also Thailand however, so they are not prudes. We will bring beer with us, and make it available for purchase. Some faeries have brought cocktail supplies for a special evening, but that is up to you. Our hosts are comfortable with alcohol, but we must be very discreet on the ferry boat or in public with any alcohol we bring to the island.

A. Koh Yao Yai island is one of a few Muslim places in primarily Buddhist Thailand. There are about 10,000 people living on the island. They are very friendly and welcoming. Because it has not been discovered by tourists, the island is still mostly agricultural and undeveloped. There are a few villages and many families cater to the tourists that do come. The first hotel on the island was opened in 2009. There are a few cars, but motorcycles are the primary transport.

In previous years we have had local fishermen and residents participate in our fashion show as well as the no-talent show, donning outfits and generally having a great time. We have donated money to the local school and had celebrations together with the local people.

A. No, credit cards are not accepted. Bring cash to pay for your gathering registration fee, any extra expenses you may have outside of the gatherings, shopping, to pay for excursions or motorcycle rentals, snorkeling, etc. Prices are cheap so you won't need a lot of cash. You can get cash at the ATMs at the Phuket airport or in Phuket Town on the way to the gathering.

There are no land lines. Mobile phones work on the beach, but coverage is not good. There is at least one Internet cafe about 5 km from the gathering which is open regularly. Mobile phone tethering works for slow internet access from the resort.

A. Koh Yao Yai is relatively undeveloped, though there are several small villages with shops, schools and restaurants. Think simple. Fishermen, coconut palms and rubber orchards provide most of the income, and give many beautiful photo opportunities. There will be excursions, depending on what people want to do. Options include snorkeling, diving, lounging on the beach and even shopping in Phuket or on Koh Phi Phi. We usually make several trips to remote beaches, and one or two snorkeling island trips. Some faeries rent motorcycles for the entire time, and take day trips around the island. There is a gay group that comes from Phuket on Saturdays to a beach on the island for few hours, and some faeries may meet up with them.

A. This year we will use a sliding scale (pay what you can afford) rather than scholarships. If you can afford the airfare to travel to Thailand from another country, we hope you will pay the full price of 1,100 baht per day, or 11,000 baht for the entire gathering. If you are from a developing country, such as the ASEAN countries, we ask you to pay as much as you can afford. We ask a minimum of 200 baht per day. This means that if you stay for the entire 10 days, the cost will be a minimum of 2,000 baht, a maximum of 11,000 baht. Please let us know if you are interested in coming, are living in Thailand or a nearby country, and don't have enough money for the journey or the gathering. We will try to help you come and join us.

A. There will be about 30-50 gays from the USA, France, Greece, Holland, Germany, Belorus, Estonia, Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and who knows where else. Many have attended other faerie gatherings, but for many this is their first experience of faerie culture. Most of us are gay men, but faerie culture is open to all who want to join us.

A. This is organized by faeries living in Bangkok and Estonia. Any remaining profits from the gathering will go into a fund for the next gathering.

A. This is a rather isolated island without any hospital or emergency care. If you have health problems that could require sudden urgent care, medications requiring refrigeration, special dietary needs, etc., let us know and we will do our best to help you.

There is a medical clinic on the island that has basic medicines including antibiotics, and Thai health care workers. A visit costs about US$2 and the staff are friendly and helpful. If you need further medical care, there are hospitals in Phuket, which is a ferry boat ride (or a speedboat in an emergency) away. Please consult with the organizers if you have any questions regarding health issues.

A. Maybe. Some romances bloom at the gathering, and some people have sex. It is up to you to make these things happen if you want them. The faeries are sex-positive, but this is not a sex party. A gathering is what the participants make it. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet men from very different cultures, and experience them first-hand (so to speak).