🎙Interview: Darren Calhoun
Meet the host of Second Sunday podcast.
Darren Calhoun (he/him) is a justice advocate, worship leader, and artist based out of Chicago. He works to bridge connections between people of differing perspectives through story and relationship. He’s an associate fellow at Christians for Social Action and sings with a progressive band called The Many. He’s facilitated workshops and lead worship for local and national gatherings and events. He's a co-host on the Second Sunday podcast and producer for online shows that are reaching BIPOC Queer audiences with messages of support and healing.
Darren brings with him an intentional focus on communities being inclusive as an authentic reflection of God’s love and justice.
Learn more about the Second Sunday podcast by visiting the show website.
How did the idea for Second Sunday come about?
Our co-host, Esther, came up with the idea of creating a space for conversations about the experiences of black queer individuals with church and spirituality. This idea was initially realized as a brunch with her pastor at the time, Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey, who then introduced Esther to our executive producer, Anna DeShawn. Anna was in the process of launching The Qube, the first black queer online radio app, and she was interested in creating a show centered around these specific stories. I have known Anna for a number of years and we have been wanting to collaborate for some time. When the concept of the show started to take shape, Anna introduced Esther and me, and that's how the show was born. The title is a nod to the church tradition of having special traditions on different Sundays of the month, such as youth service on the 5th Sunday or communion on the first. "Second Sunday" reflects that tradition as we also take a second look at what faith and spirituality mean to us as black queer individuals.
Second Sunday, although in name is affiliated with Christianity, is a show that talks to people from various faiths. Why was it important for you to take that approach?
We knew from the start that as black queer people our experiences and our stories are diverse and unique, even though they do have some similarities. We’re also clear that many of our friends and family have found peace in other spiritual systems and sometimes without spirituality at all. We’re rooting for everybody black… and we wanted a space that centers us without getting distracted by qualifying who’s in and who’s out like many of our Christian churches did.
You launched the second season of the show in April. How does the focus of this season compare to your first?
In season one, the first people that came to mind for us to interview happened to be people who are deeply engaged in the work of the church. In season two, we saw an opportunity to spend more time with those who’s stories are more outside the church. I’ve affectionately called this season “We Outside!” - playing on the Black American cultural phrase of enjoying being outside and enjoying oneself. In season two, we’ve focused in on the stories of people sometimes leaving faith or finding significant experiences outside of typical Christian church spaces and institutions.
It’s no secret that spirituality can be especially difficult for those in the LGBTQ+ community, mostly due to how others within the same religious communities react, which has a real impact on LGBTQ+ rights and mental health. How have you held this as a queer person, and what advice would you give to those struggling with a lack of acceptance–at least in the public sphere?
This is so important to me. The world needs us, our gifts, our unique perspectives, and our love. So first and foremost is doing what you need to be safe and healthy. Get the mental health support, mutual aid, and family of choice that you need. After that, it’s about figuring out where you can be celebrated in this season. Maybe it’s outside of the church in a community center or a queer sports league. Maybe it’s an online community group or book club. Feel free to check out resources like QChristian.org for ideas as well.
Of course there is a long history of people of faith leading and being involved in social movements. You yourself are involved with Christians for Social Action. Can you talk a bit about the community-oriented work you do and why it is important to you as a person of faith?
I’ve been involved with grass-roots community organizing since my college years. For me, the role of the church as a part of social progress comes from looking back at things like the civil rights movement where churches and church leaders were often providing gathering space, shelter, and leadership in the movement. In my own life, I saw how though my church at the time was toxic, we made amazing strides in changing unjust laws and leaders who had a direct impact in our neighborhood. We were motivated by our faith to make the community better for everyone - including people who were returning from prison. If things couldn’t improve for them, they couldn’t improve for the rest of us. This along with later in life learning of the counter-cultural ways that Jesus showed up in his time motivated me to use my voice like he used his: To create a beautiful world AND to stand up where there’s injustice. I too can flip some tables and make some church folk wanna toss me off a cliff when it’s for the right reasons.
Which episodes of Second Sunday would you recommend for those interested in the intersection between faith and community care or civic action?
In season 2, we start with Bishop Yvette Flunder, who found her faith reignited by showing up for individuals during the AIDS crisis.
Also, the episode “Do We Need Everyone” has some poignant thoughts about working on change.
Who would be a dream guest for Second Sunday and what issue(s) would you talk about?
It would be awesome if we had a chance to talk with Janelle Monáe. Her early life was in church and she’s doing some amazing things in embracing her queerness and sexuality. I’d love to hear more about that journey.
Is there any new or upcoming work that you would like to share with us?
The Qube has a new podcast dropping this summer called Joy in the Breakthrough. This podcast explores the peaks and valleys of life through cross-generational conversations with diverse leaders who have learned the power of being broken open to break through. It is hosted by Connie Lindsey and Anna Valencia.
(For more about Second Sunday, check out this interview from our friends over at DCP Entertainment.)
Second Sunday was created as part of the PRX Big Questions Project accelerator in 2023 alongside three other podcasts. The four podcasts traverse territory as engaging and varied as the complexity of motherhood in Mother is a Question, technology and society in Moral Repair, queerness and belonging in one’s faith in Second Sunday, and the history of Christian rock music in Rock That Doesn't Roll. The aim of the PRX Big Questions Project is to help listeners gain a deeper understanding of how issues such as spirituality, character, ethics, and humility connect to their daily lives. Participants in the program are guided through the podcast piloting process, working directly with PRX Productions, the award-winning team specializing in high-quality audio production and storytelling.
After this interview, you might also want to check out the Sounds Like Impact interview with Dr. Montinique “Money” McEachern of Rebound Revolution podcast.