Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Every month, our Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion meetings take place virtually. Facilitated by Board Members Darren Calhoun and Carrie N., this is an opportunity to be in a learning, discussion, and community space.
Upcoming Gathering
Christmas Social | Sunday, December 1 | 7:00PM-8:30PM EST
Join us on December 1st from 7-8:30 pm EST for a Christmas Social! This will be a time where we get to know each other in a casual (and semi-guided) way. We would love to see your favorite Christmas sweater (or shirt), hear all about your favorite holiday treats and learn about your favorite holiday song or tradition!
We hope you will join a supportive group of people who are passionate about learning the nuances of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Whether you're new or seasoned, we hope you'll find a home here with us. Sign up for this gathering today!
Past Gatherings
Stay tuned for more recordings to be made available!
October, 2024 | delfin w. bautista
Sacred Transgressions
In this gathering, we explore transgressive theologies and religious narratives through the lives and experiences of trans people. Adopting both an ecumenical lens and an interfaith lens, delfin shares how religious communities engage (or don’t engage) gender diversity. Together we will claim, reclaim, and proclaim as trans people that “we are here, we have always been here, and we will always be here.”
August, 2024 | Tasha Mitchell, Katie Fong, and Myles Markham
Is Patriarchy here? How Patriarchy Influences LGBTQ+ Communities
We are excited to bring together Tasha Mitchell, Katie Fong and Myles Markham, to talk together about patriarchy and the ways that patriarchy may be present in queer spaces (in general and related to Christianity). In our conversation we will describe patriarchy, discuss how it shows up in our interactions (at the interpersonal/interpersonal level, and within our cultures and social structures), and how we can respond to it when we notice it.
July, 2024 | Kai Ngu
Gender (and Sexual) Pluralism outside of the Contemporary West
In this workshop, Kai Ngu (they/them) will give an overview of histories, traditions, and current expressions of gender (and sexual) pluralism outside of the contemporary Western world, with a focus on SE Asia. How do these models provide an alternative way of being (in one’s gender and beyond)? What do these models illuminate about the particularities of Western frameworks?
April, 2024 | The Reverend Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg & The Rev. Dr. Jerry Maynard
Two Spirit Experiences and Perspectives
Join us for an open conversation between The Reverend Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg (she/her) and The Rev. Dr. Jerry Maynard (he/they) as they share some overview of what it means to be Two Spirit in their indigenous communities, and their stories as Two Spirit individuals.
March, 2024 | August Laperche
The LGBTQ+ and Christian "Problem"
"I am queer. I am Christian. How is that possible? Can these things be true at the same time?" If you've found yourself asking these questions, you are in good company! There is much public debate about the validity of being an LGBTQ+ person who is also Christian, and who affirms their own identities and the identities of others in the LGBTQ+ community within a Christian framework. This workshop will discuss entry points into conversations about the assumed "problem" of the tensions between Christianity and being LGBTQ+.
November, 2023 | wing yun & Josie White
Gender Diversity Workshop
This workshop will cover basic terms and gender-expansive language for God and include opportunities for practice. Wherever you are in learning about gender diversity, there will be opportunities for you to learn and engage in conversation.
September, 2023 | Marissa Adams & Bria Brown-King
Intersex Perspectives: Cultivating Joy Beyond the Sex & Gender Binary
Join Marissa and Bria from interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth in a conversation about how they've learned to cultivate intersex joy in their lives as they navigate the unique experience of having bodies that exist beyond the sex and gender binary. Learn what it means to be intersex, how intersex overlaps with the broader LGBTQ+ movement, and how we can all work to be more supportive of the intersex community in our everyday lives.
August, 2023 | D. Eng, Allyn, & Van
An Open Conversation About Asexual and Aromantic Experiences and Perspectives
In this fishbowl conversation, our special guests take a deep look at what each of these identities are, how folks with these identities are present in our communities, and how they are (in)visible within the LGBTQ+ and Christian communities.
May, 2023 | AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez & Darren Calhoun
An Open Conversation About EDI & Justice Work
This EDI Gathering was an open conversation with special guest, AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez (she/her/hers) and QCF Board Member, Darren Calhoun (he/him). In this hour long conversation they talk about the challenges, opportunities, and successes we've experienced around EDI learning and justice work.
April, 2023 | Tasha Mitchell
The Role of Mental Health in Cultivating Balanced Relationships
This EDI Gathering explores various nuances and considerations when addressing mental health in the context of our relationships. The ultimate goal for this workshop is for every participant to feel more empowered in their ability to navigate the complexity of relationships in their lives that are impacted by mental health concerns.
The Facilitators
Darren Calhoun
Darren Calhoun (he/him) 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.
Currently, Darren leads worship at Urban Village Church and serves in multiple capacities with organizations like Evangelicals for Social Action, The Center for Inclusivity, and The Reformation Project. He also sings with a progressive Christian band called The Many. He’s facilitated workshops and led worship for many Annual Conferences.
Darren brings with him an intentional focus on the church being inclusive of a diversity of people and expressions as an authentic reflection of the Kingdom of God. Lastly, Darren is an extrovert who loves hugs. Follow him on social media at @heyDarren or through his blog, DarrenCalhoun.com.
Carrie N.
Carrie N. (they/she) is an educator, administrator and artist who has spent the last 23 years working in, and consulting with, education institutions, small companies, government and NGOs. Carrie has a BFA in Sculpture, an MA in Teaching and an MA in Media Studies. They are also completing a MA in Consciousness Studies and Transpersonal Psychology with a research focus on intersubjectivity in groups, and is currently enrolled in a MS in Organizational Change Management with a focus on authenticity in leadership.
Over the years Carrie has been involved in campus ministry, local church leadership and regional gatherings. They are a coach and a consultant with spiritual leaders and workers, artists, educators and business executives. Inquiry and curiosity are at the center of the work they do.
Carrie was introduced to Q Christian in 2018 and is pleased to be a new member of the board as of December 2019. They are passionate about creating equitable and inclusive spaces and is stoked to be working with Q as their values align.