Yearly Ohio retreat treats Black transmascs to new experiences and ‘that brotherhood moment’

Finding community in LGBTQ+ spaces often has a price tag attached, which can disproportionately lock out BIPOC and transgender people. Black Trans Men of Ohio (BTMO) refuses to let financial obstacles stop its annual Wellness & Resilience Retreat (WARR) from fostering Black transmasculine joy.

Since 2023, the retreat “brings all the guys together around Ohio” to experience “an intentional weekend centered on rest, connection, healing, wellness and community,” said Khris Goins, founder of BTMO.

The retreat gives attendees “that brotherhood moment, but also a new experience” for a waivable $25 fee, he said. Past years offered horseback riding and kayaking. This year, rock climbing is on the agenda alongside workshops around sexual health, spirituality and how to shave. The getaway will run from Friday, Sept. 18 until Monday, Sept. 21.

“Some guys have never left their city or their little part of town,” he said. “Taking them out of their element, to bring them to other people that are like them and to have those same experiences, that’s where the retreats have grown to.”

Before Khris Goins founded BTMO, he attended a virtual transmasculine support group in 2020. He felt like he was the only Black trans person in those spaces, so he started his own support group, which grew into a nonprofit to help meet the needs of Black trans men across the state.

The retreat has expanded from three to four days, Goins said. This year, 35 people applied for the retreat – a new record – though the program was only able to accept 15.. Many attendees are from rural Ohio and told Goins they struggle with less community support and fewer employment opportunities compared to their urban counterparts (who still also experience less support compared to white and cisgender people).

Many in the community are also disabled, he said.

“We’re just kind of stuck in these areas and can’t really get out to where other folks are,” Goins said. “That’s why, with the retreat, I try to take away any barrier there is, to where I’ve literally rented a vehicle [to pick] people up from their front doors so that they can come to the retreat.”

The getaway has had overwhelmingly positive responses from attendees, Goins said. They found the experience to be affirming and a place of discovery – some didn’t even know they needed it.

“I have yet to meet anybody that has said they don’t want to come back,” Goins said. “Out of those 35 people that applied, about 20% of them were returns.”

Although attendees pay little, the expenses can add up to $700 each. Goins is currently looking for volunteers to cater and transport attendees, as well as people who can provide financial support. Those interested can check BTMO’s Amazon wishlist, donate gas cards and directly fund the organization.

Eventually, Goins wants to offer a second weekend retreat and find a cabin available to the retreat on a regular basis instead of renting a different one every year.

“We don’t have time to enjoy life ‘cos we’re living life,” he said. “It’s really affirming to be able to come into this space, even if it’s just one time a year.” 🔥

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• To learn more about Black Trans Men of Ohio, visit their website here.
• To check out BTMO’s Amazon Wishlist, click here.