History
LBS was formed as an outgrowth of a small meeting of Lesbians who practiced and discussed dharma together. At one point in the growth and development the group, a new location was needed as well as new guidance and leadership. As a member of the smaller group Dharma Teacher, Carol Newhouse reestablished the group and opened it to more members.
The Lesbian Buddhist Sangha was officially formed in July of 1995, at the home of Hazel Payne in Berkeley Ca. At the same time a Lesbian study group was established made up of some of the members at Berkeley Zen Center. In 1998 the membership of LBS grew too large to be accommodated at Hazel’s home and we moved to the Epworth United Methodist Church in Berkeley, a “reconciling congregation”. They welcomed us with open arms.
LBS sprang from Lesbian’s need to practice the dharma together. Its roots are based in self-determination and participatory decision-making. LBS developed organically out of a need in the community and continues to change and develop in that way. We do have a guiding teacher, who facilitates our process, and guides us along the way. However, we are not responsible to any other Buddhist organization.
Over the years we have developed a format for our meetings that grew out of our inquiry and experience together. We meditate together, we share our understanding of the dharma together. We invite women teachers and others to share their wisdom with us. A few years ago we collectively welcomed Bi and Transgender women to our practice community. May we continue to practice together in harmony and love for the alleviation of suffering.