Kashi Ashram is an interfaith community founded by the late Ma Jaya who has always been a fearlessly outspoken and unapologetic gay activist. Even before the beginning of the AIDS plague, Kashi has actively supported the gay community, never hesitating to embrace those who society sees as different and promoting openness and honesty about being gay.
Following her lead, Kashi residents formed Kashi Rainbow to provide, “a safe haven where Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender youth and adults can heal the wounds of homophobia, develop a full awareness and appreciation of their sexual identity and grow beyond labels to the place where the soul has no gender and self-love abounds.” Kashi is truly a vacation from hate!
Long term residents and swamis teach and lead meditation on Saturday nights. All are welcome to attend. Please call before coming to check the schedule.
Ma Jaya is mentioned in Paul Monette's book 'Last Watch of the Night'.
By: Steve David
The Ashram, the teaching, the practices, the yoga, the people, the Guru - all LGBT-Affirmative in a way I have never experienced anywhere else. Truly a life-changing experience. I LOVE Kashi!
