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
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: August 28 (joint meeting with POC Sangha), September 11, October 9, November 20, December 11
Upcoming Events:
The next meeting of the IMCW LGBTQ Sangha is as follows:
| Host: | La Sarmiento |
| Location: |
Unity Woods Yoga Studio
2639 Connecticut Avenue, NW - Suite C-102 Washington, DC 20009 US |
| When: | August 28 |
| Phone: | 202.997.1399 |
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Please arrive by 3:45 pm so that we can begin promptly at 4:00 pm. The studio is directly across the street from the Woodley Park-Zoo subway stop on the Red Line. For info on public transporation: www.wmata.com. Parking is on the street, so please leave your self ample time to find a parking space. The format of the meeting is as follows: 30 minute sitting/walking meditation Hope you can join us. Peace & sangha, La
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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
RADICAL ACCEPTANCE: Buddhist Meditations that Heal and Awaken the Heart ~ Tara Brach
A Daylong for the People of Color and LGBTQ Communities
Saturday, August 7, 2010 - 10am to 5pm
Location: The Festival Center, Washington, DC
NOTE: Registration opens May 8, 2010
Contact: La Sarmiento at 202.997.1399 or la_sarmiento@yahoo.com
Online Registration
AWAKENING THE HEART OF LOVE AND WISDOM: A WOMEN'S RETREAT ~ Arinna Weisman & Mushim Ikeda-Nash
Friday - Sunday, August 20 - 22
Location: New Windsor Conference Center, New Windsor, MD
Registration information
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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