Xrysalis Gathering Brings LGBT People of Color Together for Retreat

From July 22-24 at Groundswell, a queer retreat center two hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area, queer people of color will gather to celebrate and inspire each other through art, activism and connection at the first-ever Xrysalis Gathering.

Nestled in the beautiful Anderson Valley, Groundswell is a nonprofit retreat center dedicated to helping queer people lead healthier, more fulfilled lives and giving them the tools to create positive change in the world. Only two years old, Groundswell has launched over a dozen unique programs that rejuvenate, celebrate, and inspire queer people and their allies. Xrysalis is Groundswell's latest such program.
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"We view Xrysalis as a beginning phase in the healing and emergence of a stronger collective QTIPOC Community," says Xrysalis organizer Jimmy Hill.�"Xrysalis celebrates our connection with nature, with art, and with ourselves. Our vision is to�activate leadership and the creators of culture. We want to re-imagine how intentional rearing of QTIPOC culture can be manifested and sustained long after the event is done and we are back at home enduring the day to day."
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A gathering for and by queer people of color, this program is focused on healing and empowering these communities that often face greater oppression and fewer services. Activities will include yoga classes, activism workshops, art projects, and leadership circles. There will also be lots of time for shared joy and socializing, with dance parties, pond swimming, and group games an equal part of the schedule. Nourishing food will be provided, along with lodging in one of Groundswell's ten cabins. Camping in the gorgeous redwood forest is also an option.
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One unique aspect of Groundswell's programs is their accessibility -- all programs have sliding scale fees and ample scholarship options. This means that anybody can attend no matter their economic means. In a world where violence against queer people is inescapable, too often the most vulnerable in our community are left behind. Groundswell is committed to making sure its programs serve the broad spectrum of the queer communities.
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Groundswell Institute, the non-profit retreat center, is just one piece of the Groundswell project. It is paired with a residential ecovillage that stewards the 200-acre land and runs a working farm using eco-conscious practices. There are currently ten people living on the land and over a dozen species of farm animals. The ecovillage and retreat center work symbiotically to create a space where people can find their queerness personally meaningful and valuable to the world, whether just for a weekend or all year round.

For more information, visit groundswell.institute/our-programs/xrysalis/