Queer Trans Retreat: Iyengar Yoga, Liberation Somatics, and Community Joy

Giovania Tiarachristie (G/they/them)

G is a queer, trans non-binary person of South East Asian descent who practices embodying joy, radical love, and root-grasping in all that they do. They have a vision for a more healed and liberated society–where systems of compassion replace systems of oppression; where every individual can experience rest, joy, creativity, belonging, and alignment with their spirit; where we live in intentionality and harmony with land, community, and ancestors. They believe in the fractals of tending to the places within ourselves and our relations where we have internalized systemic violence and inherited trauma as necessary to create the change we seek in society. G is a skilled facilitator, life coach, body- and energy-worker (LMT & Reiki II), liberation somatics practitioner, and cultural transformation consultant. They founded Healing as Resistance–a trauma-informed, holistic practice dedicated to promoting a more just and equitable society through the healing and liberation of people, centering Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (QTBIPOC) and other historically marginalized groups. Their unique approach to healing is rooted in politicized somatics, applied Buddhism, and Black and Indigenous liberation theories. Their medicine box includes movement, play, relational mindfulness, land-based practices, ancestral reconnection, journaling, mapping, parts work, meditation, song, and art. Prior to their healing-focus, G was an urban planner in New York City, with over a decade of experience in the public and non-profit sector partnering with low-income communities of color in asset-based participatory community development, affordable housing, racial/social equity initiatives, and cultural competency-building in the community development field. G currently resides on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Tiwa speaking Pueblos (Albuquerque, NM). They enjoy nature, yoga, meditation, playing, cooking, gardening, singing, painting, drawing their feels, and crushing Avery in a very competitive game of bananagrams.

Avery Kalapa (they/them)

Avery is an internationally celebrated Iyengar Yoga teacher. They have been practicing yoga since 1999 and teaching since 2004. Their practice includes daily Vipassana/ Insight meditation, which has been supporting their life since 2001. They have been named an expert in their field, and is someone who never stops learning. In 2009 Avery achieved the highest level of certification available through the US Yoga Alliance (eRYT500) and is a continuing edition provider (YACEP). They are a Level 2 Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Known for their heartfelt enthusiasm, devotion, and depth of technique, Avery’s teaching uplifts inner healing rooted in collective liberation. An advocate for queer and trans inclusive healing, Avery blends functional alignment, mindfulness, and affirming spirituality in asana with somatic precision, reverence, and care. They bring an in-depth knowledge of the human body and mind, and how to reduce suffering. Avery specializes in functional asana, stability, and embodiment as an entry point to shifting our relationship to the mind. They offer a broad range of teachings, both therapeutic and advanced. Both rigorous and accessible, Avery’s approach will organize your bones, energy (prana) and awareness through embodiment. Their deeply welcoming Iyengar Yoga classes strengthen and stabilize, as you regulate your nervous system. Avery weaves in yoga philosophy and collective liberation into their classes, and a lot of JOY as a rebellion from the forces that are trying to keep us small and scared.  Avery stewards Sadhana Support Collective, an online yoga community based school, and teach retreats, workshops, and therapeutic private sessions. They are a white, queer, trans, working class parent of 2. They have ADHD and are a survivor. Avery is based in unceded Tiwa land, Albuquerque, New Mexico and is also an artist, astrology nerd, cloud watcher, dancer, gardener, goofball, and fabulous cook. https://yogawithavery.com/queer-trans-yoga-retreat-2027