<p>Donovan Ackley III (he/they) is a yoga instructor for trauma recovery, professor and program coordinator for the LGBTQ+ Leadership Certificate at the University of Redlands, and consultant on gender and sexual minorities. In part 1 of our conversation, he shares about growing up as an intersex person, coming out in Christian community, and the liberation and losses that followed.</p>
<p>You can find out more about the LGBTQ+ Leadership Certificate program <a href="https://www.redlands.edu/study/schools-and-centers/school-of-continuing-studies/certificate-programs/cll/">here</a>. If you identify as trans and need support, or would like to support or volunteer with Trans Lifeline, you can do so <a href="https://translifeline.org/">here</a>. Donovan's book, "Sex and Sacrament: A Queer Liberation Theology of Prayer and Worship" is available on Amazon. You can find the audio version of the book as well as their guided spiritual practices on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe67G6tDMb5fm-HO8X-jllg">YouTube</a>.</p>

Healing in Community with Donovan Ackley III

"Beautiful Tension" was a phrase given to me when I came out in the mission field. After years of being out and sharing my own story, I wanted to highlight others' stories, too. From queer folx and allies to spiritual folx, this podcast highlights people discovering more of who they are, redefining spirituality, and pursuing their passions and purpose.