Trans Sanctuary

All retreats are offered on a sliding scale, with scholarships available to help make attendance more accessible.

• Camping – $315.00
• Commuter – $265.00
• Nelson Lodge Private Room – $525.00
• Nelson Lodge Shared Room – $425.00

This weekend gathering offers trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive people a chance to come together in community during a challenging time. It is designed as a space of sanctuary and refuge, with deep respect for the beauty and diversity of gender expression.

We will explore three central themes:

• Sanctuary – What kind of sanctuary is needed right now? How can we offer care and protection for ourselves and one another in this sacred gathering, and how might we strengthen our community connections in the days ahead?
• Grounding – What helps us stay rooted in our bodies, connected to the earth, and supported by what is greater in our lives?
• Trans Joy – What brings us joy? What unique gifts do we experience as trans people, and how can we discover that joy together?

Our time together will include gently facilitated conversations, opportunities for sharing, reflection and journaling prompts, workshops, and generous breaks. All offerings are optional, with plenty of space for music and art making, writing, reading, rest, conversation, silence, contemplation, and connection with the land.

Past participants have included people from many spiritual and religious backgrounds, as well as agnostics and atheists. Attendees have ranged in age from their 20s to their 70s, and have included people newly exploring their trans identities alongside those who have been out for decades. The community has also included trans women, trans men, non-binary people, BIPOC folks, white folks, disabled folks, and people from a wide range of class backgrounds.

In a spirit of radical inclusion and care, additional covid risk protocols will be in place. All attendees must take a rapid covid test within 24 hours of attending. Many activities will be held outdoors, weather permitting, and indoor masking will be observed. Please reach out with any questions about these protocols.

Scholarships are available, and fundraising is underway so that finances do not become a barrier for anyone who wants to attend. Supporters are welcome to contribute to the scholarship fund for this retreat.

Leader

Kerr Mesner

Kerr Mesner (he/him) is a consultant, facilitator, and spiritual director, as well as a queer/transgender contemplative Christian, artist, and activist. Through Heart Story Consulting, he helps schools, higher education institutions, and nonprofits create spaces that honor diversity, with a particular focus on celebrating gender diversity. He trained with the Pacific Jubilee Program in Spiritual Direction and is an ordained minister with Metropolitan Community Churches. In his spare time, he enjoys writing songs and performing in his local community theatre.

Accommodations

All retreats are offered on a sliding scale, with scholarships available.

• Camping – $315.00
• Commuter – $265.00
• Nelson Lodge Private Room – $525.00
• Nelson Lodge Shared Room – $425.00

Date & Time Details

Check-in is scheduled between 4:00 and 6:00 pm on Friday, November 13th. Dinner at 6:00 pm will be the first event of the retreat, which will conclude after lunch on Sunday, November 15th, at approximately 1:00 pm.

Contact

Lacey

Additional Retreat Date

In response to the current national climate, this retreat is part of a two-part series at Kirkridge this year, with another retreat taking place June 5-7. You are welcome to register for one, two, or all three of these workshops.

Location

Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center
2495 Fox Gap Road
Bangor, PA • 18013

Registration

Register now