Ten Thousand Joys, Ten Thousand Sorrows: The Heart of Queer Sangha

A conversation between Kody Muncaster and Ryan 'twinkle' Backer, who is co-founder of Queer Sangha, a Montreal-based group for queer individuals interested in Buddhism and meditation. twinkle shares their journey into Buddhism, starting with a 10-day Vipassana course in 2015, and discusses the challenges and transformative experiences of being a trans person in Buddhist spaces. Queer Sangha, established in 2019, offers weekly sessions, both online and in-person, with a focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and community. They emphasize welcoming practices and community discussions on challenging topics like racism and gender identity. The group values mutual aid, peer-led teachings, and maintaining a supportive, diverse community.