Queer Spirituality

Greetings All, The Spiritual Discussion Programme on BLESS RADIO 1 is on today from 6pm to 8pm UK time. The topic is "Earnest Seekers Only” To listen visit www.blessradio1.com CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON ON THE ZENO VIDEO SCREEN ON TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER Alternatively you can listen on zeno.fm/radio/blessradio1 [Please note this link has changed from the previous address] We are also live streaming on YouTube. Goto [www.YouTube.com](https://www.youtube.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwWjhrNU5kZ3FiWlFKcWVVVXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6ece5RqVM1SXANz30l6szCVQY-2cv67si6OWQxtMSPNnmJsOZBTl47GGA1SQ_aem_9B5RFmZKLeVHG_QJhe83Bw) Search for “Blessradio1 Grail Message Earnest Seekers Only" After the show, you can also listen to the recording of the show on YOU TUBE (as above). Hope you can listen tonight and join in. PLEASE Call /Text / WhatApp us with your questions or comments on +44 7939 641 958. OR Message us on Bless Chat box on [www.blessradio1.com](http://www.blessradio1.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2fGBcwr_zqUzBvp1UNYPsReHJqU4HJqhn3rg3XZGIk-3b5QHFKoJQolAs_aem_ONWb__d3tcI4BshpKmv6ag) Regards, Saad Farooqi

ANSARI QADIRI RIFAI SUFI ORDER (AQRT) - UK TUESDAY ZIKR/MEDITATION The Ansari Qadiri-Rifai Sufi Order (London branch), under the guidance of Shaykh Taner Vargonen Ansari, is pleased to invite men and women, regardless of your faith or beliefs to our weekly Tuesday zikr. We are a Sufi order whose origins started with two great Saints of early Sufism: Shaykh Abdul Qadir al Geylani and Shaykh Ahmed er Rifai. Our Tradition is one of inclusiveness and of welcoming. This tradition has passed down to us through the current Spiritual Guide of the Order: Shaykh Taner Vargonen Ansari, who now resides in New York and is helping establish Sufism in the West. Come, Come whoever you are, wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. Our's is not a caravan of despair. Come even if you have broken your vows a thousand times, Come, come yet again. (Mevlana Rumi) Sufism is the spiritual/ mystical path of Islam. During the Zikr (the ceremony of remembrance) we practice some simple movements accompanied by frame drumming, hymn singing and chanting. In Zikr, each member of the group effaces him or herself in the remembrance of God using the energy of the entire group synergistically for the development of all. We start at 19:15 with the group zikr for about one hour. We welcome everyone who comes in peace. The Zikr is free but a donation to help with the venue hire would be greatly appreciated. We hope to see you soon. Please contact : Rita on 07941 653337 (ritaglh@yahoo.co.uk) or Reeyaaz on 07875 569921 (smreeyaaz@gmail.com) if you want any information about our Sufi order or Sufism in general.

**Join our Free Hatha Yoga classes in the beautiful ambience of our London Centre!** **Mats are provided**. As a **registered charity**, we are dedicated to teaching authentic spirituality and to bringing the principles of **yoga** and **tantra** to as many people as possible who are open to receive it. Yoga has so many amazing benefits, and we believe everyone should have access to them. In our free drop-in yoga classes, you will discover that yoga is much more than just a physical practice. Amongst many things, yoga can help you to: * Harmonise your body * Focus your mind * Feel more energised * Feel more fulfilled * Open your heart * And… help you to **go deeper into yourself** More info here [https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/free-hatha-yoga-2/](https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/free-hatha-yoga-2/)

Join the **Gayzelles Running Club** for a fun way to both keep fit and socialise with other LGBTQIA+ people in our local area! We meet at 6.30pm every Tuesday outside The Javan Coker Foundation Centre (47 Abbey Grove, Abbey Wood, London SE2 9EU, 10 minutes walk from Abbey Wood station) The lake loop is about 5-6 KM and don't worry about your pace! We support runners of all speed. The course will pass Lesnes Abbey Woods, around the Southmere Lake and return to the start. Afterwards, there may be a chance for a bit of a social if people feel like doing so. We look forward to seeing you there! 🌈 Follow us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gayzelles/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/gayzelles

This event, the London Bisexual Underground group meet (a separate group), is a regular monthly event on the 2nd Tuesday. Its a monthly social in a relaxed and quieter pub than our group's usual bar socials, but not far away from us, the other side of Oxford Street. Once at the pub, head upstairs, the group has Bi flyers & copies of BCN (Bi Community News magazine) on their tables. You'll find it quieter than our event and more like a traditional pub. There are a lot of long-term regulars and people more active in the rest of the community, but its still very open to new people. Its run by Vicki (also a member of our group if you wish to write to her and on facebook/twitter too).

Fun and experienced doubles badminton! We play over four courts each Tuesday, bring your own kit and racket. £9.00per person for 2hrs; quarterly payments should be discussed with Eli is desired. if less than 24 notice is given for a cancellation then the session fee will have to be paid. we need this so other people on the waiting list can attend. We play with plastic shuttle on most courts; feather available as advance request. Important note: Our club is paid for by individuals; as such your attendance and payment is required when making a commitments to play - as a matter of respect, please ensure that you consider this when saying you will attend. If you desire a PayPal link to make a payment please contact the Hosts first (these are personal payments). Please ensure you tell the host via the app, when any payment been made.

A casual drop-in for anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ who wants a safe space to chat and meet. Held in The Nest Community Centre every Tuesday with free tea, coffee and biscuits, we talk about any topic but also are eager to find out what our local LGBTQIA+ community wants and needs.

You're exhausted. And somehow, you still feel like you're not doing enough. That's not a productivity problem. That's your inner critic, and it's running the show. Most of us have a voice in our heads that keeps score. That reminds us of every mistake, every missed opportunity, every way we've fallen short. In a city like LONDON, where everyone looks like they're thriving, that voice can get very loud, very fast. This group is for people who are done letting it win. Over two hours, we slow down (genuinely slow down) and do something most of us rarely make time for, learn to be a little kinder to ourselves. **What we do together:** Each session combines guided meditation, practical self-compassion exercises, and space for genuine human connection. You'll leave with tools you can use in your daily life, and perhaps a few new faces you're glad you met. **In this group you can expect to:** Explore how your inner critic works — and how to respond to it differently * Experience guided meditations designed to calm the mind and build self-compassion Learn practical, evidence-based exercises grounded in mindfulness and compassion-focused approaches * Meet like-minded people in a warm, non-judgemental space **Who is this for?** Everyone is welcome, whether you've never meditated before or you've been practising for years. This group is especially for you if you recognise yourself in any of these: \*You tend to be your own harshest critic * You feel exhausted, stretched thin, or close to burnout \*You find it easier to be kind to others than to yourself * You want to meet genuine people in a meaningful setting — not another networking event Just click on attend and you'll get all details of the event on your email. See you there!

You are invited to this joint event of Association of Black Humanists and Unruly Beauty. **Overview** Can a life without traditional religious meaning still feel sacred or whole? Grief is often associated with the loss of a person, but many of us carry quieter, less recognised forms of grief. This workshop creates space to explore the grief that can arise after losing a community, a shared purpose, or a spiritual framework, especially in the aftermath of leaving a religious tradition or belief system. Together, we will gently examine what it means to grieve not only *what was*, but also *what was promised*: belonging, certainty, identity, and a sense of divine connection. Participants are invited to reflect on how loss of faith or religious community can affect meaning-making, relationships, and one’s inner life, often in ways that are invisible or misunderstood by others. You do not need to identify as spiritual or religious to attend. This space honours doubt, curiosity, longing, anger, relief, and hope, (without pushing answers or beliefs). This is not about fixing grief, it is about witnessing loss, honouring transition, and making room for new forms of connection, within yourself and with others. Whether you are newly navigating life after religion or years into rebuilding your sense of self, you are welcome here. All Unruly Beauty events are open to ALL BODIES and ALL IDENTITIES! We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and are committed to cultivating a space that is inclusive, affirming, and psychologically safe for all. Please get your ticket at: [A Conversation on Grief : Belonging, Identity, and Loss After Religion Tickets, Sunday, Apr 19 from 2 pm to 6 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-conversation-on-grief-belonging-identity-and-loss-after-religion-tickets-1983653963403?aff=ebdsshsms&utm_share_source=listing_android&sg=41dc7852e3c2c15abff109e6d60c35ae41b4d315c9aaf13ae99fadc159dd4742c404b715e2e5b679ea51461ecf7d9b293310945233892b469142c37487084052265edc7df3f422ec4d0ab644db) **(If the cost of a ticket feels like an obstacle, please send us a message. We welcome you and want you to be part of this space.)** ### Location ### The Advocacy Academy 2 Beehive Place London SW9 7QR

An informal Unitarian meditation service, led by Kate and Michael. A contemplative spiritual gathering in which you can take time to reflect on life in the company of others. A rare opportunity to experience this form of gathering in person. Heartspaces at Essex Hall is a vibrant and welcoming Unitarian hub in central London, open to spiritual seekers, existing Unitarians and curious newcomers. The Heartspaces programme is a series of weekly spiritual gatherings led by Unitarian ministers and volunteers across London. From the monthly Wednesday lunchtime session to the events every Thursday evening, HEartspaces encourages people to gather, share and discover together. Whether you are a seasoned Unitarian, a spiritual searcher or simply curious, find your space to grow.

Acoustic music, poetry and storytelling. Soul Fuel Sunday is a monthly gathering of poets, storytellers and songwriters held at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel. These intimate, unique evenings are not to be missed, offering audiences the rare opportunity to hear spoken word artists and songwriters perform completely unplugged, supported only by the natural acoustics of our gorgeous neo-Gothic Chapel walls. Each month, experience performances from musical artists interspersed with spoken word, storytelling, poetry and meditations, with singer-songwriter Russell Swallow.

**GO TO EVENTBRITE FOR LINK TO MEETING:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/594084461617?aff=oddtdtcreator This is an RfR-wide event, not tied to a particular location. \*NOTE: This meeting is solely for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, or any other non-traditional gender or sexuality. Please do not join if this does not describe you. The Recovering from Religion LGBTQA+ VIRTUAL support group will meet the 3rd Sunday of each month @ 2pm Central Time (USA), unless the date falls on a holiday. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, and a link will be provided upon registration through Eventbrite. It is our goal to provide a safe, respectful, and confidential space for folks struggling with issues related to religious harm, doubt, or non-belief. Attendees are welcome to share, and may also decide to remain anonymous if they so choose. Real names are not required. Cameras are not required to be on. No disrespect will be tolerated. Trolls will be ejected and reported immediately. Late attendees may or may not be admitted, at the hosts discretion. What Recovering from Religion Is About Do you doubt your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone—and we are here to help. Recovering from Religion (RfR) exists to provide ongoing, personal support for individuals who are examining, changing, or choosing to let go of their religious beliefs. We are not here to deconvert anyone or tell you what to believe. We are here to offer understanding, support, and healing during what can often be a challenging and emotional transitional period. This kind of transition can bring a wide range of feelings and may have a ripple effect across many areas of life. RfR Support Group meetings are designed to be safe, anonymous spaces where you can openly share doubts, fears, and experiences—without judgment, proselytizing, or biased feedback. If you need someone to talk to before your meeting date, RfR offers both a hotline and an online chat for immediate support. Call (844) 368-2848 or visit www.recoveringfromreligion.org to chat online. There is no cost to attend our support groups. If you feel inspired to contribute, donations can be made at: www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate Please note that RfR volunteers are peer supporters, not licensed therapists. If you feel you may benefit from professional mental health support, we encourage you to explore the Secular Therapy Project. This service connects you with thoroughly vetted therapists who provide only evidence-based, non-religious treatment—no rosaries, no faith healing. Fees, insurance, and sliding scale options vary by provider. Learn more at www.seculartherapy.org. Looking for reliable information but don’t know where to start? Browse our extensive resource database: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources Love what RfR does? Consider volunteering! We offer a variety of roles and would be glad to have you. Explore opportunities at www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Unable to make it to a meeting—or want to attend more? Support groups are offered nearly every day, most of them online. You do not need to live in the same city or state to join a virtual group. View our full calendar here: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/sg-calendar Have feedback or concerns? Please share your thoughts with us through our anonymous feedback form: https://forms.gle/abxkXCCPCbxjFQuY8 For all RfR links, programs, and resources in one place, visit our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/RecoveringFromReligion

'Active Hope' Part 4 - The final session of the book club 'Cherishing the Earth' led by Alison Bybee and David Carter. Join us for insightful discussions over tea and cake, as we explore a book that celebrates and reflects on our planet, searching for a spiritual response to the ecological crisis that confronts us all. We will meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month for four months. The book, *Cherishing the Earth – Nourishing the Spirit*, edited by Maria Curtis, presents a range of Unitarian responses to the global environmental crisis. Contributors include ministers, lay people, and children, writing from diverse theological and ethical perspectives, exploring what it might mean to live in right relationship with the Earth. Their insights range from the prophetic and political to the practical and intensely personal, but all share a sense of gratitude for the sacred gift of life. Maria Curtis asks what changes we need to make in ourselves and in our society if we are to work towards healing the Earth and restoring balance to the global ecosystem: *“We need to re-imagine what a healthy relationship between humanity and the natural world might look like, one conducive to the flourishing of all beings onEarth.”* Rev. Dr Maria Curtis is a Unitarian minister with a background in education and psychology. Our four book club sessions: **18th January: Prophetic Voices** **15th February: Honouring the Earth** **15th March: Changing Hearts and Minds** **19th April: Active Hope and Young Voices** Each session will be standalone so that you can attend all, several or just one..

**Matthew 22:39 ❤️** “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Do you identify as **LGBTQIA+** and find yourself carrying doubt, shame, or hurt because of religion? Are you curious about reconnecting with your faith—or exploring it in a new way? If so, you’re invited to join a queer Bible study centered on **rediscovering God’s word through *love***. **This space is rooted in the belief that Christ’s love is for everyone.** Despite what many have been taught or made to feel, your identity does not disqualify you from faith—it is part of your story, and you are worthy of love, belonging, and grace. For a long time, I struggled with confusion, frustration, and even resentment toward religion. I asked God why I was made the way I am, wondering if that meant I was somehow wrong. Over time, I came to realize that the hurt I carried didn’t come from God—it came from human misunderstanding, systemic bias, and teachings that strayed from love. Through reflection and growth, my faith has become something different: something rooted in compassion, inclusion, and love for all people—myself included. **Logistics:** • 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month\* • Location: Library or apartment\*\* • 60–90 minutes of reading and discussion\*\*\* \* Frequency can increase if a consistent group forms \*\* In-person gatherings at my apartment's lounge if the group is comfortable \*\*\* Agenda shared in advance **If this resonates with you, you are welcome here. ❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️**

Specifically catering to those in the LGBTQIA+ community (though Allies are welcome), Queer Circle is a place to gather safely where space is held for everyone. Led by Ginny, the circle focuses on empowerment, individuality, and how our practices entwine with it all. Prepare to work with queer/androgynous deities and beings, and our queer/trans-cestors! HATE HAS NO HOME HERE. Please be conscious of shared experiences and how it may impact fellow circle members. 🏳️‍🌈 fee is $25 🏳️‍⚧️

Sunday service at Unity of Fairfax will leave you feeling inspired, blessed and empowered to experience the fullness of life. **On a Spiritual Journey** Our community is made up of people, like yourself, who have been led to Unity by Spirit. We are all here because we’re on a spiritual journey to become all that we were created to be. **Welcome to Everyone** Unity welcomes people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. We welcome people of all creeds, sexual orientation and social background. There are no exceptions in our welcome to everyone. **We Offer Tools** In Unity we don't tell people what to think; rather, we offer tools that individuals can use to create lives of meaning and purpose. **What We Believe** To review what we believe, go here: https://unityoffairfax.org/what-we-believe-what-unity

\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm. Additionally, space is limited to the first 35 attendees. Your RSVP here does not guarantee you a spot and tickets are available first come, first served. \*\*\* Donations are appreciated, and the average donation is generally $20, but all are welcome regardless of means! A portion of all proceeds will help fund the Crystal Ashram non-profit project where the Human Activation School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. A unique musical experience called a "Sound Bath" Sound bath! What's that? According to sonic specialist Monte Hansen from Annapolis MD, "A sound bath is an immersion in sound frequency that cleans your soul." Leave your rubber ducky at home. Bring your blankey instead, for this super relaxing immersion! According to cutting-edge doctors from Harvard, some of the deepest most profound healing in the body are accomplished with sound frequency. That's old news though. A 2nd century stone relief in the Himalayan mountains shows us that Buddha and his entourage knew this before Christ walked the earth. The stone relief depicts the Buddha and his buddies playing ancient Tibetan singing bowls. A sound frequency specialist from the [Human Activation School](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=d6674b4603&e=465ba11f44), will be playing several of these rare Singing Bowls, some of which are over 200 years old. A magical alchemy of 7-12 different metals rings in the past, present, and future for our relaxing enchantment. Even modern doctors are using these old metal bowls for healing, and they are not practicing Buddhists! As a matter of fact, modern Buddhists no longer use the bowls in their practice. Come experience these gifts from the past in this NON-religious practice of our present. Come be rejuvenated or just captivated by this unique musical performance. Bring your pillows, blankeys, and yoga mats and snuggle into the comfort of the tranquil sounds. Feel free to sit, lay, or even stand! ***Did You Know?*** Singing bowls invite the mind and body into a tranquil state of being in which remarkable healing can occur, events that are unexplainable from a conventional biomedical perspective” *Music and the Meditative Mind: Toward the Science of the Ineffable*[Source](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=9222616fc4&e=465ba11f44) "The sound bath meditation provides a nurturing space to connect and grow spiritually. The group atmosphere is welcoming and fun, and the meditation work is soothing and enriching. Loved it!"**-Cara** 7:00 pm - Meditation Reception\*\*\*Meditation in our sacred space will begin promptly at 7:15 pm. Please refrain from entering after 7:15 pm.\*\*\* 7:15 - Doors Close & Meditation Begins 8:15 - Meditation Ends, Followed by Community Reflection \*Please be respectful of Sticks and Stones employees and their instructions upon entering and exiting the space for the meditation\* A portion of all proceeds will help fund the [Crystal Ashram](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=11664c3011&e=465ba11f44) non-profit project where the [Human Activation](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=41699e76d8&e=465ba11f44) School of Expanded Consciousness will be located. Community sharing and engagement following after the meditation Questions? Please email [robert@humanactivation.com](mailto:robert@humanactivation.com) or visit [crystalashram.com](https://humanactivation.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d88b4fea1b0f4ceaeb58f0e82&id=7d92f9b8f7&e=465ba11f44)\. \|

**What's Your Spiritual Footprint? (Free Event)** Some people believe that as long as we’re not hurting anyone else, that we can do as we like. But is it enough to simply “do no harm”? Or do we need to actively seek to “do good”? What about when it comes to our spiritual lives? Is our spirituality limited to our own personal growth and progress, or can we live in a way that our beliefs and actions make a positive impact on the world around us? When we think about ideas like sustainability and carbon footprints, we are thinking about the impact of our lives on our material environment. But what about our spiritual environment? Are we considering the spiritual footprints we are leaving behind? What would it look like to live conscious of the lasting impact of our choices and our spirituality on not just the world around us, but on future generations as well? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the lasting impact we each have on our communities. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore how we can each contribute to the spiritual growth of the world around us, now and for generations to come. “*Turn all your thoughts towards bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! Lest ye offend any heart!*” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

This meeting will continue the discussion on making ourselves useless and any journal work done (discussed at April 12th meeting). We will get in touch with our Crone Touchstones (Pg 33 of book). The three stones are Wisdom, Knowledge, and F\*ck It. You can bring your own stones to paint or use ones provided. All painting supplies will be provided and you are welcome to bring your own. Our group is welcome to all who identify as women—those in their wisdom years and those journeying toward them, embracing cycles of growth, transformation, and deepening self-awareness. This space honors women celebrating the strength, creativity, and wisdom that unfold through each season of the feminine path. In this circle, a crone is not defined by age but by attitude - someone who carries or seeks the wisdom, courage, and self-knowledge that comes with lived experience. You are invited to join the Crone’s circle of women coming together to share wisdom, experience, and inspiration. This gathering offers a welcoming space for reflection, storytelling, and meaningful conversation about life’s journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you seek connection, personal growth, or simply a moment of peace among kindred spirits, this meeting is an opportunity to nurture your inner strength and celebrate the wisdom within us all. Come as you are. To guide and enrich our time together, we will be using books and other creative means—such as rituals ceremonies, journaling, art, and shared activities—to spark insight, deepen connection, and inspire personal growth. Please bring a journal for our journey. Books can be bought through Sticks and Stones. The first book will be: The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina G. Bargiel Host: Cat Entrance cost: $15 Cat Cat began her spiritual journey in her late twenties, drawn to the transformative power of self-discovery and holistic healing. Trained in meditation, earth-based spirituality, yoga, massage, and energy work, she weaves together practices that nurture balance and connection. Her creative spirit finds expression through continued learning, ceremony, rituals, movement, art, crafts, and journaling, which she uses as tools for reflection and transformation. Deeply committed to creating community, Cat fosters spaces where individuals can share, heal, and grow together. Through her work, she continues to explore the harmony between energy, creativity, and the natural world.

This is an in-person event hosted by Sahaja Yoga meditation. We offer free meditation sessions and everyone is welcome to join and experience the peace within!