Earthlodge Center for Transformation

The Earthlodge Center for Transformation was founded in 2004 by Queen Hollins in Long Beach, California, from the wisdom of Earth and in response to the unmet wellness needs of multiply-marginalized communities such as women and gender-expansive people, specifically Black and queer girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people. At the time, Queen—who had already co-established two national Black Lesbian organizations, Lesbians Mothers with Children Project and Black Lesbians United (BLU) —recognized a crisis of mental health challenges in her community: rising rates of depression, addiction, isolation, and self-harm. Unfortunately, existing institutions lacked the culturally rooted, spiritual, and nature-based practices that could meet the community’s needs holistically; thus, the Earthlodge Center for Transformation was established to fill this gap.

The Earthlodge hosts ongoing programs year-round onsite, in-community, and virtually. Partnering with California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP), California Coalition for Worker Power (CCWP), and the SoCal Black Worker Hub (SCBWH), our “Well at Work” project blends Black Southern Indigenous wellness with grassroots Know Your Rights (KYR) education embedded into our programming to empower workers. Quarterly seasonal ceremonies, monthly Drum Wellness Circles, meditation sessions, and “Hands on the Land” workshops foster community resilience. Youth Rites of Passage (YRP) celebrate 7-24 year olds transitions, while Mental Health Limpia supports Trans and Two-Spirit workers. Sound‑frequency gatherings and the “Healing into the Holidays” series reach 300+ participants, offering joy, healing, and KYR training. In partnership with CCWP and SCBWH, Earthlodge also participates in advocacy at the local and state level.

Testimonials

My name is L Belle Down. On December 18th, 2024, I visited the Earthlodge for the very first time. This event was titled Healing Through the New Year and the activity was a drumming circle. We sat in a circle under the avocado tree. There were many people there, and everyone played an instrument. Drums and percussion instruments were provided for all the attendees. I could feel the vibrations of the drums throughout my entire body. I was moved deeply and felt light surrounding me. However, I also did not know what to do because it was my first visit. So I focused on a space through the avocado branches, that allowed me to see the sky and the light. As the drums vibrated the tree danced. My heart was open and my soul was full. We each had a turn in the center of the circle. Once my turn came, strong powerful emotions took over me. I released so many things into the circle. When I returned to my seat. I knew everything would be okay.

The Earthlodge is the most magical place I've ever experienced in the concrete jungle. I'm honored and privileged to be a part of such an amazing experience.