Quakers have been exploring same-sex issues since the 1950s when a group of interested Friends questioned the standard  response to homosexuality which was seen as  something shameful and secretive and not mentioned in polite circles. For a religious organisation to be questioning entrenched attitudes in this way was radical, to say the least!

Their work over several years produced a booklet published in 1963, called ‘Towards a Quaker View of Sex’. This brought the subject of relationship into focus which had previously been largely ignored in any discussion of the subject.

The work was undoubtedly controversial but was a courageous early contribution to the acceptance of diversity in sexual behaviours, both human and animal. We, at least in large parts of western society, enjoy freedoms which would have been unthinkable in earlier times and is still a distant hope in many parts of the world.

While much progress has been made, many people who don’t fit into the hetero norm still struggle with the social legacy of being ‘different’ and fearful of the responses personal disclosure might bring. 

Costs

These are the all-inclusive rates for accommodation, meals and registration for the weekend from Friday dinner to Sunday after lunch:

To book online, click here.

The account for payment is:

WEST, O3-0791-0490180-25

There are several ways that financial support may be available - your Worship Group or Monthly Meeting may be able to offer assistance. For one seminar you attend each year, the Quaker Education and Testimonies fund offers a 50% reduction on the fee.