Labor Day Retreat
Sept 4 - 7, 2026
Welcome to the Rowe Labor Day Men's Retreat community for men who love men, where every man is embraced, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Join us in a community of camaraderie, support, and joy.
Camping: $440.00
Commuting: $395.00
Residential: $590.00
What is the Rowe Labor Day Men's Retreat?
In 1985, as the HIV/AIDS crisis was terrorizing gay communities across the nation, The Rowe Center took the bold step of opening its doors and creating a public weekend for men who love men. Men experiencing suffering and loss found comfort and companionship. Some, estranged from parents and relatives, created new families. Some who felt abandoned by society, the nation, and sometimes even God, found the embrace of a brother, a community, and sometimes, even God. Many who were grieving also found something to celebrate.
While a great deal has changed in the nearly 40 years since, we still gather for comfort, companionship, a sense of family, and a celebration of this life together. We are the oldest continuous gathering of our kind in the nation, a place where hundreds of lives have been transformed across the decades, and a place where all who seek to join us are warmly welcomed.
Who Are We?
We are gay, bi, trans, queer, and questioning. If you don’t see yourself in that list, we’ll add a word – COME. While a great deal has changed in the nearly 40 years since, we still gather for comfort, companionship, a sense of family, and a celebration of this life together. We are the oldest continuous gathering of our kind in the nation, a place where hundreds of lives have been transformed across the decades, and a place where all who seek to join us are warmly welcomed.
Meet your CO-FACILITATORS
BILL CHISHOLM (co-facilitator) has been teaching yoga and stress management for 30 years. He is certified in Kripalu Yoga and completed Herbert Benson’s Mind/Medicine course through Harvard. He has also done extensive study and practice in vinyasa, Iyengar, and PNF yoga. He is the former founder of Cape Ann Yoga Center and has taught stress management and yoga at the Marino Health Center in Cambridge and several other medical facilities in the Boston Area. He is a fine art oil painter exhibiting throughout New England and a passionate student of both cello and duduk.
JIM PETOSA (co-facilitator) is Professor Emeritus at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, where he directed the School of Theatre (2002-2019) and taught through 2023. He served as artistic director of New Repertory Theatre (2012-2018), Boston Center for American Performance (2009-2019), and Olney Theatre Center in the DC area. He is co-artistic director of Potomac Theatre Project/PTP/NYC (1987-present).
A member of Actor’s Equity and the Society of Directors and Choreographers, Petosa is a current board member and past president of Becket Arts Center, chair of Quincy’s LGBTQ+ Commission, and has served on the Board of Governors at United First Parish Church in Quincy, MA.
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