Jungle family,
When we first opened as the Jungle Gayborhood, our dream was simple: create a space in the Costa Rican jungle where queer souls could gather, heal, play, and remember the joy of belonging. Over time, that dream has grown even more wild and radiant – and it’s time for our name to grow with it.
Welcome to Qasa (pronounced “kah-sah”).
Qasa carries many layers of meaning. From casa, the Spanish word for home – because home is not just a place, it’s a feeling. Inspired by Prakasha, Sanskrit for radiance – the light we see in each of you. And with a proud Q, for queer, in all our bold, unapologetic truth.
‘Queer’ was once a wound. As Rumi says, wounds are where the light enters us. Today, it’s a word we stitch back together with love, pride, and queer joy – a banner for all who dare to live authentically and celebrate each other’s wholeness. We’ll write more about our intentions here soon.
While we’ve loved the name the Jungle Gayborhood, it has also been limiting. It doesn’t always feel as inviting to those who don’t identify as gay. It ties us to one place, when our vision may one day reach beyond the jungle – imagine gatherings in Los Angeles, Fire Island, and beyond. And it doesn’t fit the digital, borderless community we’re building – one that will make our work more accessible, more affordable, and more seamlessly woven into daily life.
We didn’t want a name that defined us. We wanted a name that we could define.
At Qasa, every path we offer is rooted in the same heartbeat – authenticity, deep connection, queer joy, and the wisdom of embodiment. Our mission is to co-create a world where queer joy is not an indulgence, but a birthright.
Underpinning all of our programs is The Qasa Way – our newly defined methodology that builds on our experience and intentionally infuses our values into every moment. Guided by four core pillars – Authenticity, Connection, Queer Joy, and Embodiment – we are also doubling down on safety through rigorous screening, trauma-informed programs, and consent culture mastery.
It’s how we create spaces where all parts of you are welcome, where community and nature are active partners in your journey, where deep work is balanced with celebration, and where the body is honored as sacred, wise, and free.
Come see what’s next – explore our new retreat offerings and find the journey that will help you to come home to yourself.
Whether you’ve danced with us under the stars, sat in ceremony with us, or are just arriving now – welcome home. Same heart, brighter light, wider horizon.
🌈 Welcome to Qasa.
With love,
Team Qasa
