Living Out Loud with Darian

Have you ever felt like you were on the brink of doing something great? Something you know would enlighten and impact the lives of so many people, but you were afraid to step out and be the person that initiates the change?

My time spent at The Campaign to End Aids Youth Institute in Chicago this past week has not only sparked a fire in me but has given me the training necessary to create and execute a plan that will allow me to initiate the change that I would like to see in my community.

Imagine prominent African-American GLBT leaders and the black religious community at the same table discussing homophobia in the church, the importance of comprehensive sex education versus abstinence only, the rise in HIV/AIDS infections in the black community, and the church’s silence regarding these very issues that are costing many people their lives.

I get chills just thinking about it. Will they actually all come to the table? Do I have what it takes to get them there? Am I strong enough to withstand the opposition by my detractors?

I wish I could talk myself out of what I know I’m about to do, but for some reason this feels bigger than me. So today I begin to reach out to my allies and begin the work in spite of the fear I feel. I’m reminded of a scripture that I’m sure I will have to draw strength from over the next few months, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind”. It’s time I become the change I want to see in the world.