Rite of Passage for Queer Men+ with School of Lost Borders
What does it mean to be a Queer man in the world today?
Gay, bi, trans, non-binary—there are so many radiant and powerful identities within the queer men’s+ community. And yet, for many of us, the questions linger: Who am I now? Where do I truly belong?
In the early stages of our coming out journeys, answers to these questions often felt just out of reach. Moving into queer men’s community, some of us still didn’t find our full belonging, a home where our authentic selves were fully celebrated. And so these questions remained unanswered. But now is the time for something different–to take our full place in community, to claim our belonging, and to bring the unique gifts we carry into the world.
A rite of passage is its own kind of coming out- a claiming of your whole authentic self. In this coming out and claiming you will be held, witnessed, and celebrated. This time, the process is healing and affirming. Whether you’re newly stepping into your identity or have long walked the path of queer initiation, this program invites you to deepen into the richness of who you are, to heal old wounds, and to step into sacred relationship—with yourself, your community, and the Earth.
Join us in a supportive circle, surrounded by the tallest peaks of Colorado and sleeping beneath a sky full of stars. This ceremonial rite of passage is created specifically for anyone identifying as or adjacently as a queer man+ (beyond the binary!), if you have questions about your belonging in this group, please reach out!
We can’t wait to welcome you onto the land!
Program Overview
This rite of passage has three distinct phases: Severance, Threshold, and Incorporation.
Severance: In the first days, you’ll step away from everyday life and begin to release what no longer serves you. Through storytelling and deep listening, you’ll be witnessed and heard in a supportive community of queer men. Together, we’ll each set an intention for the threshold time.
Threshold Time: You will spend four days and nights solo in the vast wilderness of a Colorado National Forest. This is a time of deep introspection and connection with your life and the natural world. A nearby “buddy” will check for a daily signal to ensure your safety, while basecamp remains close enough for support. There is no prior camping or wilderness experience required.
Incorporation: Returning from your solo, you’ll rejoin the group at Wild Mountain. Here, you will share the story of your journey. Your guides will reflect or ‘mirror’ your experience back to you, helping bring your experience into the world in a solid, tangible way. Through witnessing, your story and gifts are celebrated—not just by you and the land, but by your community. Finally, in this phase we will prepare you to re-enter your life, to be able to carry your story forward into the world during the year-long unfolding of the incorporation process.
Program Logistics
Once you register, you’ll receive detailed info, but here are the key basics:
Arrival: Plan to arrive in Buena Vista, CO by 4:30 PM on Sunday, August 2nd
Departure: The program will close by noon on Sunday, August 16th
Please confirm your travel plans with Sam or Pedro before booking, to ensure you don’t miss vital group or land time. Carpooling is encouraged and often arranged among participants.
You will need to bring your own food and personal camping gear, along with clothing suited for a full range of weather conditions. If you need to borrow equipment, we’re happy to help—just let us know in advance. Again, no camping or wilderness experience is required.
Program Cost
The School of Lost Borders has created a sliding scale for all its programs in an effort to keep our courses affordable to a wide range of people. Please visit our Reciprocity page to reflect on what to give. We trust that each individual will pay what they feel is reciprocal.
Scholarships are available. We have extra funds for tuition/travel available for BIPOC participants if needed.
Tuition: $1000 - $4500 sliding scale
Deposit: $300 (Non-refundable & non-transferrable unless program is cancelled)
Extra Fees: $120 Camping Fee
Questions or Registration:
To join, simply click here to enroll and submit a deposit to hold your spot.
If you have questions or want more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the guides, Sam Balka at sambalka3@gmail.com or Pedro McMillan at pedro@wildmountainretreats.org