FreedHearts Beloved LGBTQ Talking Circle.

Experience a place to be heard; a new kind of safe space – be part of an online Beloved LGBTQ Talking Circle with Susan Cottrell (freedhearts.org) and Jen SluMac (soulnotskin.com).

Talking circles are part of the FreedHearts Beloved Weekends for LGBTQ, which will be back on the calendar as soon as possible. At this unique time in each of our lives, when we cannot gather in person, this special virtual event is a place to connect, a place for community.

Beloved LGBTQ Talking Circles provide a safe place because everyone takes responsibility to make it so. Talking circles are a structured dialog process that nurtures connections and empathy. A circle can hold pain, joy, hope, anger, fear, and love. We welcome difficult emotions and difficult realities, while maintaining a sense of positive possibilities. The FreedHearts Beloved LGBTQ Talking Circle is deeply rooted in an understanding of profound interconnectedness as the nature of the universe.

It’s a place both to be heard and to listen to the experience of others in order to gain a wider perspective of the world we live in. Circles do not attempt to debate or reach consensus. They inspire us to listen and see each other more deeply and beautifully.

Each circle evening will be limited to 15-20 participants, will last for about 2 hours, and will be hosted by Susan Cottrell and facilitated by Jen SluMac.

Talking Circles: Text

What People Are Saying

"The Beloved Talking Circle felt like a sacred sanctuary. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to share with others, to learn from each other, and to be celebrated as we are, in such a beautiful, welcoming, loving space. If you think about it, there are really few places in which we each find ourselves as humans where we are welcome with our contents fully and exactly intact. Even in our chosen environments, we are asked in various ways to be different than ourselves, to tamp ourselves down or to change or to lessen ourselves in some way. You have created a safe space, a sacred circle. Thank you."

Talking Circles: Upcoming Events

Talking Circles: Testimonials

The opportunity to be a part of the Beloved Talking Circle was such a sweet gift. It is incredible how God is so personal with each of us, and provides what we need sometimes even before we know we needed it! This was definitely one of those experiences for me. I felt blessed by our connection and so honored to bear witness to each challenge and triumph shared. I left feeling encouraged, heard, empowered and loved - thank you!

For a long time I have wanted to talk about my past with someone. But anxiety and nerves always stopped that, to have more than one person was even scarier to think about. but that’s not how the Talking Circle was. I felt loved and accepted, and being able to listen and talk with all of you really caused me to see things different. I found I was not alone in my feelings and, though I’m not the best speaker, you all allowed me to speak and that has never really been a thing I could do. I can’t wait to do this again because trust me I only scratched the surface!

While I've been out for 42 years, I still struggle with the pain of hurts and rejections in that span of time. I was surprised how much emotion came up for me in our meeting. I'm thankful the support and the healing that comes from times like this, that we can all offer each other.

I loved being a part of the Talking Circle, and I wouldn't change anything. You guys provided a safe space for us to share and talk without judgement. I admire every single one of you for the courage and vulnerability to share your stories. I just know that it was very encouraging and meaningful for me.

This was exactly what I needed. God provided this group as an instrument of love, support, and continued healing on my journey of recently coming out to my parents.

I loved all of it! It was really lovely to hear everyone’s story. It felt like I was with you all in person.

Last night was the most community that I felt since last year during the worst time of my life. So truly thank you. I’ve been struggling a lot with mental health and grief. Thank you so much for holding space for me last night.

Truly enjoyed the Talking Circle with FreedHearts and soulnotskin. Got to spend precious time with beloved humans and experience community together. It was very needed. Such a blessing.

Thank y’all so much for coordinating and facilitating! I am usually in a “leader” position and have recently been very aware of the need to allow myself to be a participant. I deeply appreciate being a part of such a healing opportunity. Susan, you mean a lot to me.