Welcome to our Resources page. Here we hope that you find things to aid you on your personal journey.

Why this page is here:
In the past few years, the LGBT community has done much in the arena of equal rights.  We have fought hard to become accepted by, and even welcomed into, our neighborhoods. However, in our effort to show the world "that we're just like everybody else", it is my wish that we do not lose sight of the fact that we are NOT like everybody else.  Let's face it, when it comes to bell curves, in many ways, we're not exactly in the center.  And I thank my Creator for that.

I know from personal experience that the gift of being gay gives us a unique perspective on life.  I also know that somehow our gift frequently makes us more receptive to the "unseen" things in life. We frequently are healers and shamans.  Many of us are seen as unifiers; people with the ability to bridge gaps between others and heal relationships of all kinds. We all have much to offer the world. What I want to present on this page will be various resources that celebrate our being gay and support us in offering our gifts to the world.

I love the following quote from Marianne Williamson. Even though it is not directly addressed to our community, I think it speaks deeply to the gay experience of hiding ourselves and our gifts from the world:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Resource List

LGBT SPIRITUALITY BOOKS, ARTICLES, PUBLICATIONS & WEBSITES:

Check out the writings of Toby Johnson.  "GAY PERSPECTIVE: Things Our Homosexuality Tells Us about the Nature of God and the Universe" and "GAY SPIRITUALITY: The Role of Gay Identity in the Transformation of Human Consciousness" are both great reads.

The White Crane Journal is the oldest gay spirituality magazine, with a 15 year history of exploring gay spirit, culture and wisdom.

Revolutionary Wisdom is the web-site for Christian de la Huerta, author of Coming Out Spiritually.

Gay Spiritual Network Links Directory has a host of links to all kinds of resources on the internet.

Checkout the writings of John J. McNeill on Gay and Lesbian Liberation, Self-Acceptance and Spiritual Maturity.
 

COMMUNITY:

MyOutSpirit is an online community for people looking to connect with like minded others for inspiration, products and services to support their spiritual lives. 

Easton Mountain is a wonderful retreat center set in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York, three hours outside of Manhattan. Their mission is to sponsor, develop and present workshops and other learning activities that promote wholeness, health, and peace; to foster the growth of spiritual community, respectful of all religious and spiritual traditions, that supports the integration and healing of all people. 

Gay Spirit Visions is an Atlanta based group that endeavors to "create a safe, sacred place for men who love men." (Special thanks to Harry W. for this tip)

BUDDHIST:

Gay Buddhist Fellowship is in San Francisco.

QueerDharma, based in New York CIty, is a safe space for the LGBT community to gather, listen, discuss, and encourage Buddhist meditation practice and spiritual growth. (Special thanks to Ira R. for this tip)

Gay Zen LA's purpose is to introduce interested persons to the teachings of Zen.

CHRISTIAN:

DignityUSA works for respect and justice for all LGBT persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support. (Special thanks to Joe D. for this tip)

Integrity is a nonprofit organization of LGBT Episcopalians and our straight friends.

Lutherans Concerned works for the full inclusion of LGBT Lutherans in all aspects of the life oftheir Church and congregations.

The Metropolitican Community Church, the first Christian church for our community.

SHAMANIC:

Gay Men's Medicine Circle seeks to affirm the premise that being gay is important, substantial, and meaningful, and constitutes a significant evolutionary and social purpose that gives a unique inner vision to guide and shape behavior, lives, and psycho-spiritual growth.

The NYC Gay Men's Shamanic Circle is a group of male shamanic practitioners, based in New York City. Participants gather to create sacred space for men who identify as queer, gay, or men who love men. They perform shamanic journey work for the purpose of healing on many levels, including themselves, their community, and the planet.

LIFE TRANSITIONS:

Paul Alexander’s website, www.griefsong.com offers a variety of support services that bring heartfelt acknowledgement, comfort and enriched meaning to the bereaved and those who travel the path with them. His recordings are tools used by church groups, funeral homes, hospices, hospitals, support groups and more.

GOODIES:

Although, not specifically LGBT, Wicca-and-pagan-supplies.com has a great selection of candles, incense, smudge, crystals and a host of other things that can enhance your journey. 

Check back often...I will be updating the resources on this page frequently.

As always, send any comments or suggestions to info@spiritjourneys.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Namaste,

Howie