CO June Queer Quest

Jun 4th, 2024 - Jun 16th, 2024 | Wild Mountain, Colorado | Pedro McMillan, “Roo” Ruth Wharton
For over the last decade at the Queer Quest, groups of people from every part of the queer community have gathered on the land to celebrate our stories and step into the fullness of our queer bodies and selves. This safe and healing space has been a refuge and a reminder to all that being queer is a reflection and celebration of nature’s true diversity. Showing up as who we are, and with our many gifts, brings wholeness to the world!
Queer people have always been edge walkers who are a source of deep connection between the community, nature and the mystery, and now is the time to fully own our place. With all the challenges facing the queer community in the world today, now is the time to come back to our roots and the gifts that the queer community brings to the world. Connecting deeply to yourself, and fully accepting all of who you are, is both a radical act of rebellion against forces of hate and division, and a radical act of communion with all living things!
Join us in this inclusive and supportive circle surrounded by the tallest peaks in Colorado for this ceremonial rite of passage designed specifically for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Coming together, to step all the way in to the multifaceted person you are and being witnessed by the community, is healing for everyone and the land.
If you are feeling the call to be on the land in queer community to do deep, personal work for yourself, your community and the earth, then this program is right and the time has come. To secure your place, the first steps are to enroll by clicking the ‘enroll’ button and sending a deposit by clicking the ‘pay deposit/tuition’ button. If you are unable to pay a deposit, write to [email protected] about a scholarship. No one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay. Taking these steps will save your spot in the program. You can also send a check to the School of Lost Borders but you will still need to enroll through the website. This program has a long waitlist every year so enrolling and paying or working out the deposit as early as you can is a good idea. You will then receive more information about the next steps in the process.
Program overview: The program is divided into three sections; severance, threshold time, and incorporation. The first days are a time of ‘severance’ or separation from your daily life, leaving behind what no longer serves, and a time where you will be wholly seen and witness each other’s unique queer stories while setting an intention for your solo. The ‘threshold time’ is your solo time of four days and nights out in a vast and beautiful Colorado wilderness area. Base camp will be held not far from your solo spot and you will have a ‘buddy’ nearby who will check a sign from you each day to ensure your wellbeing. Finally, the days spent after the solo time are the first days of your ‘incorporation’ experience. During the incorporation time you will share the story of your solo. The guides will reflect or ‘mirror’ your story back to you in order to bring it into the world in a concrete way. The witnessing by the group will ensure there is no doubt about the amazing queer person you are and the gifts you bring to the world. Finally, we will prepare you to carry your story and yourself back into the world where the incorporation will continue to unfold over the year ahead.
Program Questions Contact: Pedro McMillan at [email protected]
Additional course details & Materials

Please plan to arrive at 4:00pm on the afternoon of June 3rd. There will be an orientation and time to settle in before we meet the next morning. The ceremony will end by mid-afternoon on June 16th. Before making travel plans, please communicate with Pedro so you won’t miss any important time on the land or with the group. More logistical information will be sent once you register for the program.. ADDITIONAL FEES: Camping Fee $120. All additional fees will be collected at the time of the program.
You will be responsible for bringing your own food and equipment, though we can provide some gear if needed. We ask everyone to come prepared to live self-sufficiently. You will need to bring shelter and clothing suitable for a full range of inclement weather.
To address safety concerns during the pandemic, please contact us regarding our current Coronavirus protocols as well as any current travel restrictions. These protocols may affect how you are able to travel to the program. Please note: As of May 2023 there are no longer any vaccination requirements for international travellers seeking entry to the USA.
All participants must submit the required health questionnaire and liability form.
If you have questions about the enrollment process contact us at [email protected] or call 760-938-3333.
Wild Mountain is land of the Tabeguache Ute people and other Indigenous tribes who traveled through this area of the Colorado Rockies. The Ute lived and hunted in this abundant land of elk, buffalo, deer, and bear before white settlers came and forced them onto reservations in southwest Colorado and Utah.
To learn more about our commitment to regenerative relationships please visit Cultural Relations.