With Booker, Ian Challis, Calvin Burnap (Assistant)

Our 10th anniversary practicing together. A Silent meditation retreat for people who identify as queer. Open to experienced and new practitioners.

For nine years, queer practitioners have gathered in the California desert in October for silent meditation, community, and refuge. In this, our 10th year, we carry that spirit and history to a new home in the mountains.

“Rooted, Not Planted” is a silent Buddhist insight meditation retreat for the queer community, which includes all who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and agender. Led by Leslie Booker and Ian Challis, with Calvin Burnap assisting, this retreat will offer Vipassana and metta practice, dharma talks, and the rest of shared space and community with people who don’t have to explain themselves to be fully present.

This retreat was born at Dhamma Dena, shaped by Ruth Denison’s lineage and Arinna Weisman’s teaching, and held by a community that has shown up year after year to practice together and welcome new family. We bring our history, our love, and our commitment with us. The container has moved, the practice continues.

All queer-identifying practitioners are welcome, new and experienced alike. You don’t need a history with us to belong here.

There is the option to attend either on-land in Big Bear, CA, or online: