Queer Sanctuary

Embraced by the northern Portuguese mountains sits 2,5 hectares of land that is set to be home of the Queer Sanctuary.

Welcome to the Queer Sanctuary, a haven designed to offer a harmonious blend of comfort, sustainability, and consciousness. The mission of this space is to provide a nurturing environment for individuals/groups seeking rest, reflection, and reconnection with themselves and the natural world.

The land is consciously divided into three distinct areas Residential, Sustain & Spiritual Gardens.

Communal Area

Equipped kitchen with fresh & organic goods
Locally sourced, promoting healthy and sustainable dining options. It encourages the preparation of nourishing meals together, fostering a sense of community through shared culinary experiences.

Lounge
Comfortable and cozy lounge areas providing a place to relax, unwind, and engage in conversations, forming bonds amongst each other .

Educational Spaces
where workshops, seminars, and community activities are held. These spaces encourage knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and personal growth, reflecting the sanctuary's commitment to collective well-being.

Accommodations
Shared dormitory-style accommodations provide an affordable and communal living option for those seeking a more social experience.
As well as, various types of individual rooms, catering to different preferences and needs. These rooms provide privacy and tranquility.

Resident Area

This area is designed for permanent residents who choose to make this sanctuary their home and workplace. The residents have a crucial role in nourishing and maintaining the Sanctuary, and we deeply value their commitment and dedication. To support their well-being and ensure they can thrive in this communal setting, we provide them with the necessary facilities and amenities.

Privacy and Personal Space
We understand the importance of having personal space and privacy, even in a communal living arrangement. This includes private rooms and/or living spaces where residents can retreat and recharge, ensuring they have the space they need for introspection and relaxation.

Work Facilities
We seek to provide well-equipped workspaces that cater to specific tasks and creative endeavours. These facilities are designed to inspire productivity and foster collaboration among residents/collaborators.

Holistic Resources
The well-being of utmost importance. Alongside work and communal activities, we offer resources and workshops that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health. We believe that nurturing well-rounded well-being is essential for long-term sustainability and growth.

Creating Sustainable Cycles

Bioconstruction

By embracing bioconstruction or eco-construction principles, the Queer Sanctuary wholeheartedly embodies its mission to foster well-being, sustainability, and harmony with the environment, while also cultivating sustainable cycles of positive impact.

This approach contributes to the restoration and preservation of ecosystems, creating a positive cycle of ecological balance and thriving biodiversity.

Beyond its immediate impact, the sanctuary's dedication to eco-consciousness has a ripple effect on the community and beyond. By inspiring visitors and neighbouring regions to adopt sustainable practices, it initiates a cycle of collective action for environmental well-being.

Principles of Bioconstruction or Eco-construction:

• Natural and Renewable Material
  Bioconstruction relies on using materials that are abundant, renewable, and have a minimal impact on the environment. This includes materials such as adobe, straw bales, clay, hemp, wood, and bamboo, which can be sourced locally and are biodegradable.

• Energy Efficiency
  Creating energy-efficient buildings through proper design and insulation helps reduce energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting, leading to lower carbon emissions and operating costs.

• Passive Design
  Such techniques take advantage of natural elements like sunlight, wind, and thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures and improve comfort without relying heavily on mechanical systems.

• Water Efficiency
  Through incorporating water-saving features such as rainwater harvesting, water-efficient fixtures, and wastewater treatment systems, reducing water consumption and preserving this precious resource.

• Bioclimatic Adaptation
  Through taking into account the local climate and adapting designs to suit the region's specific environmental conditions, ensures that the buildings are resilient and efficient in response to varying weather patterns.

Generating Life,
To Feed Life.

Encapsulates the concept of a harmonious and regenerative approach to nurturing the land and it's inhabitants. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of sustainable practices that support life's continuous cycle. Let's delve further into the concept:

Decolonizing mindsets and practices
Involves recognising and challenging the historical, cultural, and social structures that have perpetuated harm to the land and its beings. It's about acknowledging the importance of indigenous knowledge and wisdom in sustainable land management and embracing practices that promote harmony with nature rather than exploiting it. This includes learning from and collaborating with indigenous communities who have maintained a respectful relationship with the land for generations.

Sustainable Agriculture
Adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as permaculture and agro-ecology, can promote self-sufficiency and reduce the ecological footprint. These methods work in harmony with nature, emphasizing the interconnection between various elements in the ecosystem.

Community Involvement & Education
Engaging the local community in the restoration efforts fosters a sense of responsibility towards the land. Education and awareness programs entrust individuals to be stewards of the environment and make conscious choices in their daily lives.

Revitalising The Connection Within.

A place to release all that weighs you down.

Where the trees hug away the loneliness,

the leafs heal open wounds,

a place where the wind reminds you,

of your immeasurable worthiness.

A place where the ground holds you, as you let it all go.

Here, you are invited to leave behind the distractions of the outside world and focus on introspection and personal growth. The tranquil and harmonious spaces are designed to facilitate mindfulness and inner reflection, allowing you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and aspirations with clarity and authenticity.

As you immerse yourself in this transformative experience, you will discover that your inner self is a wellspring of wisdom and resilience. By fostering a deep connection with your authentic self, you can cultivate a sense of inner peace, awareness & compassion.

Note: The Queer Sanctuary is not affiliated with religion nor religious institutes.