Yoga & Ketamine Retreat for Queer Male-Identified Folx

Join us for a daylong wellness retreat for Queer Men!

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

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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. His work is centered around individual and community liberation, interconnection, and deepening bonds with ancestral traditions. 

Elias Snyder, PhD, NP
(he/they)

Drew Ollero, LMSW is a queer, Filipinx artist and social worker. His work is centered in advancing equity and empowering individuals, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, to actualize their highest potential. He has experience in trauma-informed group work, mindfulness-based practices, and professional/personal coaching. 

Drew Ollero
(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

  • 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

  • Prior to the retreat, participants will complete a clinical intake form to ensure safety. A virtual meeting (about 30 minutes via Zoom or phone) may be requested by the participant or clinical team to assess safety and readiness.

    This intake 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.

  • Retreat Agenda

    Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    • 10:00 AM – Arrival & Preparation

    • Guided Group Yoga

    • Individual Ketamine Journey

    • Group Integration

    • Guided Group Yoga

    • 5:00 PM – Closing

    Snacks and drinks will be provided

    • Comfortable clothes that you can move in during Yoga

    • Journal and something to write with/art supplies

    • Water bottle

    • *Optional: Some people like to have important items with them during a journey for grounding & intentions. Small items of significance are welcome (ie, spiritual items, photo, grounding items that are important to you)

    • An open mind & heart