Queer Joy: Identity, Faith and Ritual
18 September 2027 @ 3:00 pm - 24 September 2027 @ 9:00 am
What does it mean to live with authenticity, joy and hope in a world that often encourages people to fit into narrow categories? Queer Joy: Identity, Faith and Ritual is an LGBTQ+ faith retreat that celebrates the richness and diversity of human experience while creating space to explore questions of identity, spirituality and belonging.
Through conversation, creativity, reflection and shared ritual, participants will explore how faith, community and self-expression can nurture resilience, connection and joy. Rooted in welcome and inclusion, this LGBTQ+ Christian retreat offers a supportive space to connect with others, celebrate who you are and discover fresh perspectives on queer spirituality in the unique setting of Iona Abbey.
Costs: 6 Nights: £960 or £480 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 18.09.2027 – 24.09.2027
Led by: Maxwell Reay & Lewis Reay
About the programme
Queer Joy: Identity, Faith and Ritual is an opportunity to explore what it means to live authentically, celebrate diversity and discover joy in community. In a world that can often feel shaped by expectations, labels and limitations, this week creates space to embrace the richness of human experience and explore how identity, faith and spirituality can flourish together.
This LGBTQ+ faith retreat is for anyone who wants to reflect on questions of identity, belonging, spirituality and community in an open, welcoming and affirming environment. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ yourself, are exploring questions of identity or are interested in learning alongside others, you’ll find space for honest conversation, creativity and reflection.
Throughout the week, we’ll explore how ritual, storytelling, creativity and shared experiences can help us make sense of who we are and how we relate to one another. Together, we’ll celebrate diversity, nurture connection and create opportunities for personal and collective reflection.
At its heart, this LGBTQ+ Christian retreat is about joy: not as an escape from life’s challenges, but as a source of strength, resilience and hope. Set within the welcoming community of Iona Abbey, the programme offers space to connect with others, deepen your understanding of queer spirituality and discover new ways of living with authenticity and joy.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Maxwell Reay is a gender queer trans man. He has been clergy in Metropolitan Community Church since 1993. He volunteered with MCC Bath, MCC North London and MCC Edinburgh. He served as an Elder in MCC from 2021 to 2024. He was a Healthcare Chaplain in the NHS for 18 years. These days, he leads “Our Tribe”, the LGBTQI+ ministry at Augustine United Church, Edinburgh. This is a joint ministry with The United Reformed Church and MCC.
Lewis Reay is a queer trans man who lives with his husband of 30 plus years. He is a liturgist and has been published in the United Reformed Prayer Handbook for several years. He writes prayers for use in worship services as well as for a variety of personal and community activities. He is a member of Metropolitan Community Church and Augustine United Church, Edinburgh.
What to expect
Each day will offer a mix of conversation, creativity, reflection and shared experiences as we explore themes of identity, faith, spirituality and belonging. Through workshops, storytelling, discussion and creative activities, participants will have opportunities to engage with new ideas, share experiences and learn from one another.
Alongside the programme sessions, you’ll share in the daily rhythm of life at Iona Abbey, including worship, meals and community life. There will also be time for personal reflection, informal conversations and enjoying the beauty and peace of the island.
The tone of the week is welcoming, inclusive and hopeful. This LGBTQ+ faith retreat is designed to create a supportive environment where participants can explore questions of identity and spirituality, celebrate diversity and experience the joy of community in all its richness.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- The programme welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and faith journeys
- Participation in activities is encouraged but always optional
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East