LGBT Pagan

### Saltwater & Stories — Saltwater & Stories is a monthly gathering for women who love books, meaningful conversation, and community. Inspired by the beauty and rhythm of island life, we come together to read and discuss books written by Black women from the Caribbean, the United States, and across the diaspora. From novels and memoirs to poetry, essays, romance, and everything in between, our selections will celebrate the creativity, strength, and storytelling of Black women while encouraging us to fall back in love with reading without limits. Many of us are working professionals and women navigating full lives — balancing family, careers, friendships, growth and self-care. This space was created for women who are craving connection with others in a similar season of life, especially women of color who value social connection, community, and meaningful new friendships. I’m starting this group because years ago I belonged to a book club where I met incredible women who shared my love of reading. Those conversations, friendships, and moments of connection stayed with me, and I realized how much I missed that sense of community. Each month we’ll gather at different spots around the island — whether it’s a breezy beachside space, a local café, or a cozy restaurant — to share thoughts on the book, connect with one another, and enjoy great conversation. My vision for this community is simple: • Read broadly and boldly across genres and topics • Meet once a month for inspiring book discussions (in person or occasionally online) • Build lasting friendships and authentic connections • Support accountability, consistency, and personal growth • Plan dinners, drinks, outings, and small meetups beyond book club meetings to build sisterhood This is more than a book club. It’s a social circle, a support system, and a space where women can show up for themselves and each other again — connecting over great books, great food, great drinks, and great conversation! Whether you're here for the reading, the friendships, or both, you belong here. Come as you are, bring your book, bring a friend and join the circle! Let’s read, connect, and grow — one book, one conversation, and one meetup at a time.

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

It's official, submissions for "Resistance, Resilience, Utopia" are are on their way from being independent pieces to becoming the second volume of gINKgo. This year we are going to have a launch party at Birdie Books on May 15th from 6-8pm open to the whole community! Come on over and help us support the creators with food, drinks, art, writing, open mic, music, community activities and more.

**Soulbits Circle: A Monthly Gathering** **Every fragment of your story is medicine; come weave it into being** **Hosted by: Caitlynn Fortson** **[www.kalikwellnesswithin.org](www.kalikwellnesswithin.org) \| [www.centerfornewlife.org](www.centerfornewlife.org)** **The Center for New Life or Virtual, upon request** **Monthly Circles \| Fridays 6:30\-7:30PM** **Upcoming Dates: 5/1, 5/29, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27, 12/18** A monthly healing space where we gather to tend the pieces of ourselves and weave them back into wholeness that we are. Each session opens with a Soulbits oracle image setting the tone for the gathering we will move through. We will come together to honor the natural rhythms of rooting, rising, releasing, and receiving; the cycles that shape the soul’s journey. Through the four pillars of being: mindset, movement, connection & nourishment, we will create a space where imagery, sensation, and community weave together. Where the body becomes the guide, images act as mirrors, and the soul speaks. This circle is about noticing what rises, honoring what’s true, and reconnecting with the parts of yourself ready to be seen. This is a space to gather your scattered pieces, soften your body, and return to your truth with community by your side. Soulbits Circle is a reminder that every fragment of your story, every soulbit, belongs. Together we weave them into the blooming wholeness that you are. *Energy Exchange: 1-group $20-40 or 6-group $115* *Payment Options: Venmo or Cash* **Please RSVP to [Caitlynn](https://kalikwellnesswithin.org/) via** **email @ [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com](mailto:kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com)** **text @ ‪(614) 407-4021‬** 💫