Yoga & Ketamine Retreat for Queer Male-Identified Folx
Join us for a daylong wellness retreat for Queer Men!
Queer Men’s Spring Healing Retreat
May 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Expand Yourself Wellness | 1700 Union Ave. Baltimore, MD
Register by May 17
Sliding Scale $100 - $250
We practice Dana or generous giving, to keep this important work accessible. Please donate the amount that you can afford, while remembering that a higher donation makes the retreat more available to others.
*In the registration section you will be asked to answer questions about your medical history question. Please answer honestly to help us provide you with a safe Ketamine journey.
This retreat is designed for queer-identified males seeking healing, connection, and renewal. Facilitated by 3 professional community members, the retreat will include group guided yoga, an individual ketamine-assisted psychedelic journey, and intentional community space to process and integrate the experiences of the day!
This retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect with your body, and drop in for deep healing in a safe community space. Whether you are new to this work or continuing your journey, you are welcome!
All folx identifying as queer & male are welcome, so come as you are, boo!
*Space is limited to 8 participants to ensure a personalized and supportive experience.
DATE: Saturday May 30, 2026
TIME: 10am - 5pm
LOCATION: Expand Yourself Wellness, 1700 Union Ave. Building 1, Baltimore, MD 21211
COST: $100 - $250 (sliding scale)
Register by May 17
Any Questions? Email: elias@riverrockglobalcollective.org
Facilitators
Elias Snyder, PhD, NP
Elias is a Queer man of mixed Syrian/Lebanese and European ancestry and a Baltimore native. He is a board-certified palliative care nurse practitioner and earned a certificate in psychedelic therapy and a PhD in East West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Elias Snyder, PhD, NP
(he/they)
David Avruch
David is a queer-identified clinical social worker based in Baltimore, MD. He has completed trainings in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy through MAPS, PRATI and Polaris. His private practice is focused on couples therapy for LGBTQ+ people.
David Avruch, LCSW-C
(he/him)
Mark Branson
(any pronouns)Mark Branson
Mark is the founder & leader of Baltimore Nude Yoga, and has been leading that practice for 9 years. Mark is trained in a variety of yoga schools, but inspired primarily by the Iyengar school. They believe in leading transformative practices which promote body-positivity, queer identity, and encourage queer men to confront intimacy. Mark is also active in the leather & kink community as the president of COMMAND MC and deeply influenced by the many practices that individuals use to explore the connection between the body and the mind.
What to Expect
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What to Expect During a Ketamine Journey
Ketamine is a legal, evidence-based medicine used in therapeutic settings to support emotional processing, insight, and healing
Experiences are supported with preparation, clinical oversight, and integration of the experience
During the Journey
Individual experience lying comfortably on a mat
Eye mask and music provided to support an inward, reflective state
Intramuscular Ketamine injection with dose determined during your clinical intake session with Elias Snyder, PhD, NP
Optional booster dose if appropriate and desired
The Experience
Most people experience an expanded, psychedelic state of consciousness
Often described as dreamlike, introspective, or expansive
Can support new perspectives, emotional release, and deeper insight
Dosing is carefully titrated by our clinical team to prioritize safety
Support & Comfort
Clinical team present throughout the experience
Nausea medication available if needed
After the Journey
Access to two quiet spaces for reflection | Individual or Small Group
Snacks & Drinks available
Guided group integration and yoga to support grounding and meaning-making
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Prior to the retreat, participants will complete a brief virtual visit — about 30 minutes (via Zoom or phone) to assess safety and readiness. This session includes a review of your health and medication history, an opportunity to ask individual questions, and space to discuss intentions and ensure the experience is appropriate and supportive for you.
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Retreat Agenda
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM10:00 AM – Arrival & Preparation
Guided Group Yoga
Individual Ketamine Journey
Group Integration
Guided Group Yoga
5:00 PM – Closing
Snacks and drinks will be provided
Queer Men’s Spring Healing Retreat
May 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Expand Yourself Wellness | 1700 Union Ave. Baltimore, MD
Register by May 17
Sliding Scale $100 - $250
We practice Dana or generous giving, to keep this important work accessible. Please donate the amount that you can afford, while remembering that a higher donation makes the retreat more available to others.
*In the registration section you will be asked to answer questions about your medical history question. Please answer honestly to help us provide you with a safe Ketamine journey.