Taka Chan has been a queer, celibate Christian in campus ministry long enough to have seen both deep friendships and losses. He joined David and TJ to share stories of friends, pastors, and communities who have walked with him—and those who haven’t. We hope you’re encouraged by his reflections on God’s provision, even in the midst of uncertainty about what comes next.

Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

About Our Guest

Taka Chan was born and raised in rural Hawaiʻi and has been working in college campus ministry for 18 years. He loves gardening, cooking for large groups of people, and taking classes at the Y with a bunch of grandmas. Ask him about his recent TV binges (The Pitt, Pachinko, Abbott Elementary) and what homework he’d suggest if you intend to visit Hawaiʻi. You can email him at [takachanaloha -at- gmail.com].

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★ Timestamps

(00:00) #74 - “If We Say We Love LGBT People...” Taka Chan on College Ministry and Faithfulness

(01:11) Taka Chan: Hawai’i, family, coming out to myself and others

(06:55) College in the time of ex-gay thought

(11:55) “I try to be gentle with my younger self”

(18:00) Single and married to everyone

(23:49) Pastors going to bat for you

(32:02) What do you do when friendships fail?

(41:30) Evangelical ministry: If we’re saying we love LGBT people...how?

(56:17) An employee resource group: we won’t be frozen in fear any more

(01:00:46) Intersections: Being queer, being Japanese and Chinese

(01:07:52) Why are you not Side A?

(01:11:55) Being an “elder” in the Side B movement, and those who came before

(01:15:20) What’s the future for you? (Intentional community?)

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★ Links and References

Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church (2016)

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★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!:

Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship or newkinship.substack.com

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★ Credits

Creators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★