The vision & the founder
I’m a founder and community builder in Seattle. I love helping people bring ideas to life, creating spaces where they can connect, and exploring what AI makes possible.
These days, that includes working at Steamworks, building a vision for a new kind of wellness space for queer men, and helping people bring their ideas to life.
From Ben BTS · 13:36
Ben shares his vision for Modern Palaestra, including nude wrestling and a future clothing-optional gym.
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Watch on YouTubeNude Wrestling & My Clothing-Optional Gym Dream | Modern Palaestra (opens in a new tab)
My upcoming ebook explores faith, sexuality, and mental health. I’m planning to release it in 2026.
On my Linktree, select “Join the Healing at a Bathhouse Newsletter” to sign up for book updates and early access.
Sign up for ebook updates (opens in a new tab)NABA 2026 · Toronto
For the North American Bathhouse Association’s 2026 conference, I planned to share the story of Content Creator Night at Steamworks Seattle.
NABA brings together gay bathhouse and sauna operators from across North America and beyond to share ideas and learn from one another.
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Pantages Hotel · Toronto, Canada
The story so far
Modern Palaestra: Nude Wrestling for Queer Men was our first in-person wrestling event, held in Seattle.
The original flyer captures where we began: wrestling, a safety and consent orientation, and a welcome to beginners and spectators.
We held PALÉ’s founding dinner, another step in bringing the community together beyond the mat.
In the community
Local coverage and a community calendar listing introducing our inaugural Seattle gathering on .
A preview of Modern Palaestra’s inaugural Seattle event, introducing founder Ben Gibson and an inclusive wrestling gathering for queer men.
Community calendar listing for our first Seattle gathering.
An interview with Ben Gibson about Modern Palaestra’s beginnings, masculine expression, inclusion, and his longer-term vision for a welcoming clothing-optional gym.
The vision ahead
A clothing-optional, cruising-friendly gym and wellness space for adult queer men.
Our vision is to open a space of our own, bringing movement, wellness and community together. Our permanent physical space is still in development. The work today is building community through the people and experiences we bring together.
Room for strength, tenderness, creativity and different ways of being.
A closer relationship with our bodies through movement, shared practice and presence.
Confidence in our boundaries, clear communication, consent and mutual respect.
Help shape what comes next
Trainers, potential hosts, sponsors and community partners: I’d love to hear what you have in mind.
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