My guest today is Darren Calhoun and I just fell in love with his spirit during this conversation.

We spend time in this episode talking about what it was like for him to grow up gay when he couldn’t be open about who he was. Darren spent years in churches that didn’t welcome him in his fullness as a gay man. We talk about grief, shame, confusion around desire—and also God’s immense love. We talk about enduring despite obstacles and the expansive universe where everyone belongs. And, of course, we explore racial justice, particularly Darren’s experience during the pandemic when so many of us watched or lived or felt in our bodies one story of police violence after another.

Darren is a justice advocate, worship leader, and photographer based out of Chicago. He works to bridge connections between people of differing perspectives through story and relationship. He facilities dialogue and education about justice and inclusion for people marginalized based on race, gender, and/or sexuality, and sings in a heart-full band called The Many.

Follow Darren on social media @heydarren.

Darren’s website: darrencalhoun.com

The Many (Band): https://www.themanyarehere.com

*Darren mentions the song “Peace / Afio Mai” during the episode. It’s as gorgeous as he describes. You can listen to it here: https://youtu.be/uxti7euyKLU