Millennia ago, in many cultures throughout the world, those with ambiguous gender or same-sex desire were recognized through initiation into the mystical arts and revered as visionaries, healers, and spiritual guides. In these cultures sexual minorities were central to the spiritual welfare of the collective society. In more recent times, our modern-day religions forged an artificial split between sexuality and spirituality. Sex became purely functional, and the vital differences between religion and spirituality were lost.

Today, queer people of all sexualities are reclaiming their identities in vast numbers. Yet many continue to be shunned by today's religious institutions. This retreat is attempting to define the place and significance of queer role in the global spiritual awakening that is taking place, and influence of queer spirituality in the contemporary world.

How can queer people today reclaim their archetypal roles as healers, shamans, visionaries? What is Coming Out Spiritualy Next Step will be?

The retreat will open the first evening with a quiet meal, opening ritual and our first Transformational Breathing session. Successive breathwork sessions will be offered each day, and the retreat will close in ritual Sunday late afternoon.

Generous amounts of free time will be provided throughout the weekend, and participants will be encouraged to take hikes, sit in solitude, or find other opportunities to reflect on their life. The food offered throughout the weekend will be generous, healthy and delicious. This retreat is open for queer and non-queer persons interested in the theme, of all genders and sexualities.

Coming Out Spiritually retreat is currently planned for July, 2009 in our exquisite Lake Iosco Retreat House in NJ.