The reason for our enthusiasm is the happiness and love that we see in the faces of men year after year. Rowe is a place of transformation, which has brought healing and newness into the lives of many gay men over the years. Perhaps it is knowing that we can hold hands, hug, share our stories and feelings, and be sure that we are safe. This safety, so taken for granted by heterosexuals, is relaxing, healing, and liberating. It invites our free gay selves to come out and play.
Those who come include men of all races and religions, young and old,
those living with HIV, singles and couples, activists and artists, country
or city folk, those long out and those not quite out, gay, bisexual, or
transgender, athletes and accountants. Bring your own gifts, struggles,
visions of gay loving, creativity and spirituality. You are welcome here.
The work-in-progress that is your life will be enriched and will enrich
the lives of others. Rowe is, for many, a spiritual retreat. It is a place
where we can meet our sacred, intimate selves through walks in the woods,
quiet talks with new and old friends, group ritual, or private prayer.
This process is supported by a wide range of workshops on subjects such
as sexuality and spirituality, living with HIV, the search for intimacy,
meditation, and bodywork. People often spend a lot of time at Rowe (and
after) asking themselves if their lives are based on their deepest personal
values, and if not, what needs to be changed.
Rowe is also a challenge, even for men who have been coming to Rowe
for years. As gifted, colorful, sensitive, deep, tender, outrageous, and
shy gay men, we have been trained to hide our magic. The choice to risk
the fears that come up during the weekend is part of the reason Rowe is
such a heightened experience. Once we leap, we find that the water is warmer
than we had expected.
Two highlights of the retreat are the delicious meals and the talent show. The cooks go all out for us because we respond so enthusiastically both to the food and the love they feed us so generously. The talent show gives the chance to risk standing in the spotlight to any who wish it. We know how much courage it takes to trust, to be open, to share our spirit, and to appreciate what each man offers. As a community, we are healed by the acceptance we give and receive. Come join us. This program is a day longer and costs $75 more than our regular weekend conference fee.
Ken Page, CSW, is a psychotherapist in New York City and Long Island and is a workshop leader and consultant. He believes that gay and bisexual men hold unique gifts and our that healing involves rediscovering and embracing these gifts, which have often been shunned in our families and by our culture. He also offers groups and trainings on the search for intimacy and its relationship to spirituality and recovery. Joe Fitzgerald, LCSW, is a psychotherapist who has been leading groups and workshops for gay men since 1978. He combines his training in body work, gestalt therapy, psychology, and social work to develop approaches to healing that address the needs of the mind, body, and spirit. He is particularly committed to helping gay men grow in their personal relationships and community.