“The Gathering gave me confidence to live into Truth.”
Cai Quirk serves as FGC’s Youth and eRetreat Coordinator.
A Safe and Affirming Space
When I first attended the FGC Gathering, the summer after 10th grade, I wasn’t sure if I would know anybody, if I would fit in, or what to expect in general. The High School Program welcomed me with open arms. The high school counselors helped me find my bearings in a new community, and I made new friends in my support group, affinity groups, workshop, and through Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Queer Concerns.
My workshop gave me a chance to explore my queerness in a safe and nurturing space. By age 15, I knew that I was trans, but I was not yet out beyond my immediate family. At FGC, I felt so safe and supported by people who had previously been strangers that I started to come out more fully: in my monthly meeting the Sunday after Gathering, to extended family, and to everyone else with school starting six weeks later.
The Gathering Inspires and Transforms
Many aspects of the Gathering were memorable and life-changing in other ways as well. I’ve stayed in touch with several folks in my workshop for these past 14 years. I consider one of the workshop leaders to be part of my found family, and the other to be my “trans fairy godparent.” I remain good friends with several of the people from my High School support group, all of whom are out as queer as well, and I went on a few trips with them this year. As I’ve traveled as a Quaker and an artist, I’ve stayed with quite a number of folks I met through Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Concerns, and I have led workshops and shared my ministry in their meetings and communities.
The support, care, and nurture I received at the Gathering as a young Quaker and as a queer person gave me further confidence to live into Truth that Spirit was sparking in me. The 2012 Gathering helped tend that spark into a small flame throughout the week, and the people that I met there helped me grow further into my ministries and who I am today. I am a queer and trans artist whose work has been shown in 15 states and four countries. I’ve shared hundreds of talks, workshops, and homilies at conferences, retreats, and meetings around the country – including several workshops at the Gathering. I have published a book with a Spirit-led project that is part of my ministry.
In my work at FGC, I’m able to support transformation for young folks when they gather together. The FGC Gathering has incredible staff at Junior Gathering. They care so much about facilitating this beautiful community where youth in particular have opportunities to grow and deepen their senses of self. I hope that you and your family join us at the 2026 Gathering in Burlington, Vermont!
Registration Dates and Financial Aid
June 1 is the deadline to register youth. If you’re a young person, remember that you can come to Gathering with an adult sponsor, such as someone from your local meeting or a friend, even if your parent or guardian is unable to attend. We want to make the Gathering accessible and welcome to all families, including found families!
Work grants and scholarships are available to help cover the costs of Gathering. There’s also a carpool list to help you find people driving to Vermont. The Gathering will be better with you there!
And, regardless of whether I see you at the Gathering this year, I hope you have experiences that help you continue to grow in yourself and your path with Spirit, both this summer and beyond.
The image included with this post is of the author, Cai Quirk (in the blue shirt) at the 2012 Gathering.