NWTA Rainbow | The ManKind Project Belgium

“Rainbow NWTA”: What is it ?

The June 2026 NWTA Rainbow in Belgium is a slightly different kind of Adventure designed for GBTQIA+ individuals and It is part of a long tradition of specific NWTA events known as Gateway NWTAs. Here you can find resources to learn more, attend our open circles and information sessions, register, and more.

What does MKP do?

The ManKind Project (MKP) aims to create a better, safer, better, safer, and more connected world—for ourselves, for those we love, and for future generations.

Each person is unique, and our vision is to transform the world one person at a time.

A core value: Diversity

We recognize the importance of living in harmony with people who are different from ourselves. We actively challenge barriers created by beliefs in superiority—whether based on class, race, gender, or sexual orientation. We strive to understand one another and celebrate our differences.

MKP’s commitment to inclusivity

These principles reflect our commitment to inclusivity and to welcoming people in all their diversity. Historically, the New Warrior Training Adventure (NWTA), which serves as the entry point into MKP, was created for men. In the spirit of inclusivity, it is now open to cisgender and transgender men, as well as non-binary and intersex individuals.

For more than 20 years, primarily initiated in the United States, MKP has also encouraged the development of specific entry points known as Gateway NWTAs. These complementary experiences are slightly adapted to meet the specific needs of minority groups.

Why does MKP offer different Adventures?

To provide a powerful initiation experience to as many people as possible, MKP seeks to welcome participants from diverse backgrounds with varying needs. We recognize that individuals from minority groups may hesitate to participate due to concerns about safety, inclusion, or accessibility—whether related to physical ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic factors, or cultural differences. These concerns are often rooted in experiences of discrimination, exclusion, or marginalization.

For MKP, inclusivity means embracing and celebrating differences—not creating uniformity.

To support this, MKP offers tailored spaces that foster greater freedom of expression, understanding, and psychological safety. When some participants see themselves reflected in the organizing team, it can strengthen trust, vulnerability, and willingness to take personal risks. For others, more diverse groups offer different—and equally valuable—opportunities for growth.

Gateway NWTAs provide additional options, allowing each person to choose the entry point that feels right for them.

How did the NWTA Gateways come about?

The idea of Gateway NWTAs originated within MKP USA, with the intention of creating experiences focused on specific communities: Men of color, GBTQIA+ individuals, men with disabilities, and others.

The first Gateway NWTA for gay and bisexual participants took place in Tucson, Arizona, in 2003. Since then, nearly 50 Gateway NWTAs have been held across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. These events have served a wide range of communities, including GBTQ+, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, youth, Black and Latino men, Middle Eastern, and Asian communities.

In Europe, Gateway NWTAs have been organized annually in the UK since 2022, including events for Black and Brown men and for LGBTQIA+ participants. In French-speaking Europe, the first GBTQIA+ NWTA took place in 2024, and the first NWTA for men of color is planned for 2026. The Rainbow NWTA in Belgium (June 2026) is part of this movement. The leadership team includes facilitators with over 20 years of experience in these specific formats.

What characterizes an NWTA Gateway?

In a Gateway Adventure, the majority of the staff (approximately 80%) are part of the minority group in question. This fosters a level of trust and security that allows those involved to register and fully participate in the weekend.

The NWTA Gateway retreats are identical to “classic” NWTA retreats in terms of content, learning, pace, etc. Simply, more attention is paid to the specific needs, wounds, and life experiences of participants. Some aspects of the weekend are therefore adapted to speak clearly and directly to people from minority groups.

In a Gateway NWTA, the majority of the staff (around 80%) belong to the community for which the event is designed. This helps create a strong sense of trust and safety, encouraging participants to fully engage in the experience.

In terms of structure, content, and learning process, Gateway NWTAs are essentially identical to “classic” NWTAs. However, additional attention is given to the specific needs, life experiences, and challenges of participants. Some elements of the weekend are adapted to speak more directly and meaningfully to these experiences.

What do NWTA Gateways offer ?

Experience has shown that Gateway NWTAs are highly effective in creating safe and supportive environments where participants can express themselves more freely and feel fully included in the MKP community. This is reflected in several outcomes:

– Many participants report they would not have attended a standard NWTA.

– After the weekend, a significant number join ongoing support groups.

– Intercultural understanding improves, fostering deeper and more authentic connections.

– Dialogue between different communities becomes richer and more open.

– More members of minority groups take on leadership roles.

– Demand for Gateway NWTAs continues to grow worldwide.

Practical information :

To register for Rainbow NWTA : click here

To share this information : click here

Contact : initiation@mkpbelgium.org

To learn more : Join our MKP and Gateway presentation sessions (video format) to ask your questions.

Register here : initiation@mkpbelgium.org