LGBTQIA2S+ Q’alyanamitta Sangha (Online)

The LGBTQIA2S+ Q'alyanamitta Sangha is an online meditation group from Seattle Insight, based in Seattle, Washington. It is a queer sangha for anyone who self-identifies as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit and more), held over Zoom so that people can take part from wherever they are. The group's stated intention is to be a refuge, to foster solidarity, and to awaken together.

It meets on the second Sunday of each month, from 5:00 to 6:15 PM Pacific Time. The yearly theme for the group is Transcendental Dependent Origination.

What to Expect

Each gathering begins with a period of formal sitting meditation. After the sitting, the group talks about its experiences in relation to Seattle Insight's monthly teaching topic. The conversation is part of the practice, and it is a chance to hear how others in the community are working with the same material.

People who fill out the form on the Seattle Insight page receive an email before each session introducing the month's topic, along with resources to reflect on close to the event time. The email also helps the group get to know new participants. The organizers say that all parts of you are welcome and celebrated here.

The group is online only by design, to be as accessible as possible to anyone who is interested.

Before You Go

Registration is not needed. Joining is done through the Zoom link on the Seattle Insight event page.

The offering is based on dana, a term for generosity or freely offered giving. A modest suggested donation is requested, with additional dana for the teachers. Seattle Insight asks people to give the suggested amount or another heartfelt one, and everyone is welcome regardless of ability to pay. Dana for both Seattle Insight and the teachers can be offered online or in person.

The group is open to anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. No prior experience with Insight meditation is stated as a requirement.

Questions about the sangha can be sent to the queer sangha team through Seattle Insight, which is based at the Seattle Insight Meditation Society in the University District area of northeast Seattle.