Earthlodge Drum Wellness Circles are community-centered, peer-to-peer gatherings that celebrate the life-giving traditions of West African drumming and rhythm as pathways to healing, belonging, and collective well-being.
Rooted in the understanding that rhythm is one of humanity’s oldest medicines, our circles invite people of all ages and abilities to reconnect with themselves, one another, and the living Earth through music, movement, and shared presence. Together, we create welcoming spaces where every heartbeat belongs and every participant is both a learner and a teacher.
Across generations, community drumming has been sustained and reimagined by people committed to justice, belonging, and cultural resilience. We honor the many Black, Indigenous, and African cultural keepers who have safeguarded these traditions, while also recognizing the significant leadership of queer communities—especially lesbian drummers, teachers, and organizers—whose vision and dedication have helped expand drumming circles as spaces of healing, empowerment, and community care.
Drumming supports focus, coordination, creativity, confidence, and joyful self-expression. More importantly, it reminds us that wellness is not something we achieve alone—it is something we cultivate together. As we drum in rhythm with one another and with the Earth, we strengthen relationships, nourish resilience, celebrate cultural wisdom, and create spaces where historically marginalized communities can gather in joy, reclaim belonging, and flourish together.
Drum Wellness Circle: Our Queer Lineage is organized by Earthlodge Center for Transformation as a part of the 2026 Circa: Queer Histories Festival, presented by One Institute.
The Earthlodge Center for Transformation empowers BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities through nature-based healing practices rooted in Black Southern traditions. As an intergenerational community, we both facilitate and offer training opportunities to thousands of community members through over 70 programs a year on site at the Earthlodge, virtually, and in the community. Our programming includes our health promotion leadership program, all-ages peer-to-peer wellness circles, QTBIPOC Sangha, seasonal ceremonies, drum medicine and sound baths, cultural workshops, worker rights trainings, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community wellness trainings, Youth Rights of Passage, individual and family healing ceremony opportunities, and much more in service to community wellness and our community’s needs.