Gay Men's Spiritual Retreat

The Gay Men's Spiritual Retreat (GMSR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering spiritual growth among gay men through retreats and related activities. Founded in 1991, GMSR aims to provide a non-sectarian, non-religious, and non-judgmental environment for its participants.

History

The organization was initiated by Dave Smith, who envisioned a retreat for gay men in the San Diego mountains. Smith and his friend had a long history of leading camping trips and retreats, focusing on connecting with nature and spirituality. In early 1992, they recruited other like-minded gay men to help establish the retreat, emphasizing spiritual exploration based on 12-step principles while remaining open to all who wished to participate.

Mission and Philosophy

GMSR's mission is to facilitate spiritual growth for gay men by hosting events that allow participants to explore and enhance their spirituality in a manner they consider most meaningful. The organization operates on the principles of being non-sectarian, non-religious, and non-judgmental, ensuring an inclusive environment for all attendees. It also follows a policy of operating at or below cost to ensure accessibility to a diverse group of participants.

Activities and Programs

The retreats include workshops, meditation, fellowship, and various celebratory activities designed to encourage spiritual presence and authentic connections among participants. GMSR focuses on practices that help individuals achieve a heightened state of spiritual awareness, often described as entering the "Fourth Dimension," where time and constraints dissolve, allowing for profound connections to oneself and others.

Community and Partnerships

In 1997, GMSR collaborated with lesbian community leaders to establish the Lambda Recovery Weekend, a joint retreat for equal numbers of men and women. This initiative has continued independently, contributing to the broader LGBTQ+ community's spiritual and recovery efforts. GMSR supports other non-profit organizations and relies heavily on community fundraisers for its operations.

Leadership and Structure

The organization is led by a team that includes a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and various committee chairs for areas such as hospitality, entertainment, and registration. This leadership structure ensures the organization remains community-driven and focused on its mission of spiritual growth.

GMSR has become a vital resource within the community, providing a platform for gay men to explore their spirituality in a supportive and inclusive environment.