LGBTQ
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Sangha
As a central part of its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, IMCW supports the formation and continued presence of affinity groups such as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ) Sangha and the People of Color (POC) Sangha. We affirm that a key responsibility of these affinity Sanghas is to determine their own internal organization, including the makeup of their membership. Currently these Sanghas have chosen to be designated as POC-only and LGBTQ-only. The purpose is to allow a circle of belonging that feels safe to its members and to create a refuge where they can relax into the intimacy of spiritual exploration. In the midst of a larger environment, wherein people who identify as POC and/or LGBTQ may experience a sense of being targeted — even by people with wholesome intentions — these Sanghas provide a harbor of mutual respect and understanding that is anchored in safety.
Aspirations of the IMCW LGBTQ Sangha:
- To explore our LGBTQ identities in the light of the dharma, across multiple and intersecting lines of difference that include, but are not limited to: sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, age, and dis/abilities.
- To provide a safe and intimate space where LGBTQs can deepen the practice of meditation and mindful dialogue.
- To study the dharma from diverse perspectives and to inspire insightful discussions.
- To cultivate a sense of belonging and community both within the LGBTQ sangha and the larger IMCW sangha.
The IMCW LGBTQ Sangha meets monthly.
". . forgiving oneself, moving away from shame and internalized oppression, is the beginning of spiritual practice, the beginning of personal integration, the beginning of the opening of the heart . . . and such forgiveness is possible only through uncompromising honesty and self-examination, humility, and a willingness to let go of belief systems and constructed point-of-view . . . so that we finally open to the marvelous journey in celebration and gratitude . . ."
-Caitriona Reed
www.manzanitavillage.org
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The IMCW LGBTQ Sangha is now a Facebook Group! Join us at "IMCW LGBTQ Sangha".
Read "The State of the IMCW POC & LGBTQ Sanghas", a summary of this past year and what's ahead in 2010.
2010 meeting dates: April 3, May 8, June 12
Upcoming Events:
Don't miss! Wednesday Night at RRUUC on April 14: Cheri Maples
ON THE CUSHION:
"An opportunity to support daily practice by meeting on a regular basis for short, silent meditations where you work and live . . ."
WASHINGTON, DC (ADAMS MORGAN):
Time: Mondays-Fridays from 8:00 - 8:30 am
Location: Studio Serenity, 2469 18th Street, NW, WDC 20009
Contact: La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792
Donations accepted in gratitude to Studio Serenity.
Silent sit Monday-Thursday. No guided meditation instructions provided. Fridays short guided meditation sits for newcomers.
More Information
2010
TRANSCENDING OUR INTERNALIZED NOTIONS: A Workshop for People of Color, LGBTQ, and Allies* ~ Cheri Maples
*Allies: Those who do not define as being members of the targeted communities yet are strongly committed to the end of race, sexuality, and gender oppression.
April 17, 2010
This daylong will be a creative blending of a day of mindfulness and a workshop in which we will explore Buddhist paradoxes within the context of our membership in minority cultures. How do privilege and power relate to concepts such as no-self and the worldy dharmmas of praise and blame, gain and loss, pleasure and pain, and fame and disrepute. We will explore further how to keep our energies flowing toward each other than against one another while living, working, and practicing in challenging environments.See registration form for more details.
Location: The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
Contact: La Sarmiento, la_sarmiento@yahoo.com, 202.997.1399
Information and Registration Form
INTIMACY WITH LIFE: Weekend & Weeklong Residential Retreat ~
Tara Brach, Larry Yang & Pat Coffey
(Weekend: April 30-May 2) (Weeklong April 30-May 7)
Location: Sevenoaks Pathwork Center, Madison, VA
WAITLISTED - Contact: La Sarmiento at 202.997.1399 or la_sarmiento@yahoo.com
Registration and More Information
WAKING UP FABULOUS!: A Mindfulness Meditation Daylong for the LGBTQ Community ~ Anushka Fernandopulle
June 6, 2010 - 10 am - 5 pm
Come join us for a day of mindfulness practice in a supportive LGBTQ community. We will be doing awareness practice with a focus on the five trainings or precepts, which can help us connect with our heart, lead a life of greater ease, and wake up in our everyday life. There will be periods of guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, time for asking questions and more. Please bring a bag lunch as we will be practicing eating meditation as well.
Location: The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
Contact: La Sarmiento, la_sarmiento@yahoo.com, 202.997.1399
More information and registration form
SUMMER WOMEN'S RETREAT ~ Arinna Weisman & Mushim Ikeda-Nash
Friday - Sunday, August 20 - 22
Location: New Windsor Conference Center, New Windsor, MD
NOTE: Registration opens May 20, 2010
Contact: La Sarmiento at 202.997.1399 or la_sarmiento@yahoo.com
WEEKEND and WEEK LONG RESIDENTIAL RETREAT ~ Tara Brach, Eric Kolvig and Jonathan Foust
(Weekend: October 1 - 3) (Weeklong: October 1 - 8)
Location: Sevenoaks Pathwork Center, Madison, VA
NOTE: Registration opens July 1, 2010
Contact: La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.997.139
With metta and in sangha,
La Sarmiento
Facilitator, IMCW LGBTQ Sangha
For more information, please contact:
La Sarmiento at la_sarmiento@yahoo.com or 202.462.6792
Please contact La to be added to our mailing list. Thank you.
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