Why Writing Retreats for LGBTQ+ Authors Matter (and Why Wellness Should Be Part of the Process)
There’s something sacred that happens when queer writers gather in a quiet place, surrounded by trees and birdsong, away from the noise of daily life. It's not just about word counts or perfecting a pitch. It's about coming home to your voice, your story, your truth.
At Wandering Creative Life, we believe writing retreats are more than just a getaway, they’re a powerful act of self-expression, self-care, and collective healing. And for LGBTQ+ writers, they offer something even more: safety, community, and the space to be fully seen.
The Power of a Writing Retreat
Writers are often expected to create in isolation, carving out slivers of time between jobs, family, and responsibilities. But creativity thrives in connection. In slowness. In intentional time carved out for yourself and your craft.
Writing retreats offer:
Dedicated time to write without pressure or distraction
Supportive community of writers who understand your journey
A shift in perspective through nature, new surroundings, and shared experiences
Permission to rest, which is often the thing we deny ourselves the most
Why LGBTQ+ Writers Need These Spaces
Queer and trans writers carry stories the world doesn’t always make space for. We've been told to shrink, to edit ourselves, to make our stories more “palatable.” But at an LGBTQ+ writing retreat, we don’t have to do that.
We write as we are. We speak our truth. We hold space for each other’s pain, joy, love, and rage, and that in itself is revolutionary.
When we gather together, we build:
Affirming community that celebrates our identities
A space for stories that often go unheard
Creative courage that comes from being surrounded by people who get it
Because our stories matter. And they deserve to be nurtured in spaces that see us.
Writing as Wellness
At Wandering Creative Life, our retreats are built on the belief that writing is not separate from wellness. It’s deeply connected to how we care for ourselves, our bodies, and our spirits.
That’s why we weave in:
Gentle movement and mindfulness practices
Journaling and reflection sessions
Nature walks and time to rest
Support from wellness practitioners and mentors
When you feel grounded, supported, and safe, your creativity expands. Your voice becomes louder. The stories that have been buried deep start to bloom.
Join Us
Whether you’re deep into your third novel or haven’t written a word in months, our Writing & Wellness Retreats offer a space to reconnect with your story, your community, and yourself.
✨ Our next in-person retreat is happening April 6–12, 2026 at Raven’s Retreat in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
🌈 LGBTQ+ writers welcome. Always.
🌿 Learn more + register at wanderingcreativelife.com
Because your story deserves to be heard.
And you deserve a space where your voice can rise; strong, proud, and beautifully unfiltered.
