Rooted, Not Planted: A Queer Retreat

A Silent meditation retreat for people who identify as queer. Open to experienced and new practitioners

Registration closes on September 28, 2026. If joining after this date, please contact us.

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT

This is a silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers.

Learn more ABOUT RETREAT & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.

GENEROSITY: Retreat Costs and Fees

Registration fees for this retreat support the cost of developing and offering BBRC programs, which include lodging, meals, and staff compensation. Teacher compensation is not included in your registration fees. We price fees to make programs as financially accessible as possible.

As part of this tradition, many meditation teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer their teachings without set fees or compensation. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “teacher dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. It is encouraged but not required. Learn more about dana here.

Is cost a barrier? Scholarships are available for those with reviewed, demonstrated financial need. Due to limited funds, not all requests can be honored. We ask that financial assistance be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or are in financial need. For more information, please contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Accommodations

We offer several lodging choices nestled in nature for each retreat.

Meals

Our meals are freshly prepared to support your retreat experience.

Preparing for your retreat

We offer several resources and information to best help you plan your time on retreat with us.

Getting to BBRC

We have several resources to support your travel. Visit Getting to BBRC & Rideshares and Shuttles for more.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our intention is to be as accessible as we can, even in ways that we may not be aware of yet. We hope this is a space of inclusivity where people feel welcome and held. For us, it is a practice of consistent attunement, presence and care to our community. However you identify – race, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, and so on – it is our wish to meet your needs for belonging.

Please consider this about our environment:

– The center is on a hill with outdoor walkways between dining, gathering, and residential spaces.

– We are located at an elevation of 6,500 feet altitude in a ski town in the mountains of Southern California.

– We experience weather of all four seasons.

– We are located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and near 3 major airports. Learn more about getting here.

– We have a commitment to everyone’s mobility needs. Please contact us about ADA accessibility.

Visit our Planning Your Retreat page to learn more about accessibility and other resources. Contact us if we can support ahead of time.

HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER

Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila

I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!!

Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura