Queer Spirituality Retreat 2024
Have you ever felt excluded, ignored, or even hurt by religion?
Deep down, do you know that your very soul is unapologetically queer?
If you answered a resounding YES to these questions, the Queer Spirituality Retreat is for you!
Join us as we….
Recover from religious trauma.
Restore the lost voices of queer saints.
Reimagine an inclusive spirituality.
A QUEER SPIRITUALITY
Along the way, we’ll participate in transformative rituals, bask in the beauty of the retreat center, share within the courageous safety of the queer community, eat delicious rainbow food, form everlasting friendships, and dream of a better world.
Who is the Queer Spirituality Retreat for?
Queer* people who want to deeply connect with their spirituality
Queer people who have experienced religious trauma
Queer clergy and spiritual leaders
Queer activists in need of a sacred pause
Queer people interested in learning about inclusive religion and spirituality
Queer people desiring sacred friendship and spiritual community
*Queer, here, refers to how YOU self-identify, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ umbrella
“I felt broken when I showed up, and I left feeling my weight in gold.”
Where is the Queer Spirituality Retreat?
Despite current anti–LGBTQIA+ legislation and the Pulse massacre, we are RECLAIMING the gay mecca that is Orlando, Florida!
We’ll gather at a retreat center nestled in the natural beauty of Central Florida, which previously served as a yoga shala. The energy of self-exploration and spiritual connection the previous community cultivated is reflected in the center’s peace and tranquility.
The breathtaking grounds feature moss draped oak trees, a gorgeous pool surrounded by inspiring stone work, a hot tub and rustic outdoor showers (don’t worry…there are decadent indoor showers, too), a massive deck for gathering, colorful gardens, and ample space for tents, outdoor yoga, meditation, reflection and conversation.
Inside, inspiring, eclectic, and funky decor welcomes you. Single, double, and triple rooms are plush with luxurious bedding where you can dream queer dreams. We will gather for meals in the imaginative “magic room,” which hails wall-to-wall windows overlooking the gorgeous grounds and a nature-based spirituality mural sure to enliven your senses.
There is space to comfortably sleep 21 people, including:
1 private room with a Queen bed
3 double rooms with 2 single beds in each (single beds can be converted to a King bed for couples)
2 triple rooms with 3 single beds in each
4 tent spaces for up to 8 people
“The outdoor grounds were incredible! So peaceful. I could have spent all day out there. Beautiful!”
How will retreatants be nourished?
In addition to spiritual nourishment through meditation, yoga, intentional creativity, group discussion, song, self-care, and ritual, participants will be fed vibrant, enlivening, nourishing food.
Breakfast will include opportunities to build your own colorful fruits, yogurt, oatmeal, and protein-rich nuts bowls, along with coffee and tea.
Enjoy fresh salads and robust, hearty soups for lunch on the deck or in the magic room.
And gather together for dinner in the magic room with vibrant, colorful, and delicious meals prepared by the renowned chefs at Happy Pants!
Needless to say, everyone will get their fair share of fruits and veggies as we taste the rainbow!
Retreat Facilitators
Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber
Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber is an award-winning author of eight books, with five listed among QSpirit’s Top LGBTQ Religion Books. With a Ph.D. in Art and Religion, she uses art therapy to help retreatants tap into their creative spirits and heal from religious trauma. She co-facilitates the Queer Spirituality Membership Program, in addition to leading a Subversive Sister Saints Art Therapy Membership Program. And she teaches courses on Queer Spirituality: Global Perspectives and has been leading retreats for over two decades. Her art, writing, and activism has been featured in Forbes, Ms Magazine, NPR, and the television show Tiny House Nation.
Dr. Paige Rawson
Dr. Paige Rawson is a writer, speaker, life coach, and scholar-practitioner, whose personal experience and professional expertise has led to queer embodiment at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social discourse. After surviving five years of reparative therapy and the trauma inflicted by exclusivist ideology and toxic theology, Paige embarked on a journey of self-exploration and self-acceptance, which led to their healing, ongoing research, and a fierce commitment to raising awareness, advocating for social justice, and facilitating healing in others. Dr. Rawson spent almost two decades ministering in churches and as a professor at the collegiate and graduate levels, but has found true fulfillment serving people who struggle with self-love, religious trauma, embracing their agency, and embodying their truth, and inspiring individuals and audiences by speaking on these topics.
In a time where criticism, conflict, and fear often deter any meaningful or productive dialogue on difference, and the rights and lives of marginalized peoples are being threatened on a state and national level, Paige brings an enthusiasm and experience to bear on productive conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusivity, as well as a way forward through authenticity, compassion, and solidarity.
Though they’ve known each other and have researched queer spirituality individually for over fifteen years, Paige and Angela began their collaborative journey in queer spirituality in earnest in early 2022. Together, they also lead the Queer Spirituality Membership Program.
“The love and acceptance I felt in my sessions with Paige helped me to love and accept myself on a deeper level. That, and Paige’s insistence to not accept less in this life led to exponential growth.”
Investment
Investment includes four nights of luxury accommodations at the retreat center, all workshops facilitated by Dr. Rawson and Rev. Dr. Yarber, three meals per day, snacks, liability insurance, carbon offset, and all retreat supplies.
Investment does not include transportation to and from the retreat center or travel insurance, which is highly recommended.
Secure your spot by paying in full or making a non-refundable deposit.
If you make a deposit, the remainder of your payment is due before December 23, 2023.
Registration closes on January 15, 2024.
Single Occupancy: $2,500 (1 available)
Double Occupancy: $2,100 (6 available)
Triple Occupancy: $1,900 (6 available)
Tent: $1,000 per person (4 tent spaces available)
To set up a payment plan or to convert 2 single beds into a King bed for couples, email angelamyarber@gmail.com
You belong here.
“You are worth the space you occupy in this world, beloved. Join us in a sacred circle of queer fabulousness. Together, we can recover from religious trauma, restore the lost voices of queer saints, and reimagine a spirituality that is rainbow enough for all.”
-Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber
You are loved.
“For too long queer people have been led to believe our ways of loving are unacceptable to God and our ways of living are deviant. For even longer, however, we have been an integral part of religious communities across cultures and all over the world. It is time for us to come together, outside of those institutions, to stand in the truth that we are worthy, we are enough, and we are loved…just as we are.” — Dr. Paige Rawson
Questions?
Please contact drpaigerawson@gmail.com or angelamyarber@gmail.com for any questions or concerns.