Community Group Leaders

Mondays | 1PM ET
Clobber Passages Bible Study Group

Helen Samai Nagelhout | she/her

Hi there! I'm Helen Samai, from the Netherlands. I love reading, knitting, being outside and talking about meaning-making. I’m a master student at the University of Humanistic Studies, working towards becoming a Humanist chaplain/counsellor. I'm involved with the Lutheran Church here in the Netherlands. I always say that I’ve experienced two coming outs: once when I was seventeen, telling my parents I was Bi. And once when I was 21, telling them I’d come to faith! In my journey into faith I’ve been blessed with affirming and uplifting churches and communities along the way. I come from a hiking loving family and I have felt time and time again the beauty of having someone to walk with you for a little while. I look forward to being a part of your journey here at QCF!

Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs | they/them

Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs is a Queer, BIPOC, non-binary seminarian and aspiring Public Theologian. Phoenix is serving as intern minister for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, VA, while they continue their studies and seminary education at Meadville Lombard Theological School. Phoenix is called to lead Radical Love, care, and Sanctuary Movements, simultaneously disrupting patriarchy and all systems of oppression plaguing our world. They are healing, growing, and learning to love themselves, trying to find their place on this topsy-turvy journey that we call life. Prior to answering the call to ministry, phoenix earned degrees in Media Production and Religious Studies from Pellissippi State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University. When Phoenix is not working or studying, they love being out in nature, traveling, eating good ole vegan food, all things theater and of course, coffee.

Mondays | 8PM ET
Spiritual Practices and Reflections

Shana Green | they/them

Pastor Shana Green serves as the pastor of New Creation Fellowship Church. With a heart filled with love and a deep understanding of the human experience, Shana is committed to peace-making, community outreach, focusing on social justice issues, poverty alleviation, and initiatives that empower the marginalized and underserved. Shana has been a licensed and ordained pastor since 2020, faithfully serving with a great sense of purpose and dedication to spreading God's love and grace. They live with their wife and son in Wichita, Kansas and enjoys spending time with friends, completing the New York Times Crossword puzzle, listening to music, and reading books on a variety of different subjects. Shana has a fervent enthusiasm for delivering sermons and sharing knowledge, as well as delving into the nuanced connection between scripture and its capacity to influence and mold every dimension of our existence, all under the guiding presence of the Spirit.

Brian Rink | he/him

Brian is a married, gay, middle-aged white guy who lives in Arlington, Virginia. He is the proud father of two adult women. A social worker by training, Brian currently practices psychotherapy at an LGBT+ group practice. In a previous life, Brian was a United Methodist minister with the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference. Brian enjoys spending time with his husband and two dogs, reading voraciously, and watching The Big Bang Theory.

Tuesdays | 3PM ET
Sexuality and Spirituality

Jacob Buttery | he/him

Jacob (he/him) is a theatre artist and educator based in the Phoenix, Arizona area. He enjoys hiking, arts, watching live performances, and listening to non-fiction audiobooks. He has a passion for creating compassionate community and facilitating creativity. He looks forward to chatting and meeting with everyone :).

Brigitte Piskura | she/her/they/them

Brigitte lives in Southern California with her husband, three kids, and a dog. Living in a mixed-orientation-marriage and blended family, Brigitte has much experience navigating and guiding hard conversations.

Brigitte is active in their local faith community and currently studying Spiritual Direction as a path to walk with others well. They also run a small business that supports other small business owners with ADHD get to the next step.

Tuesdays | 7PM ET
Trans and Gender Expansive Grief Group

Emerson Quadri | they/them

I'm a non-binary individual recently married and proud cat parent to Jojo (an orange Tabby) and Penny (a medium hair grey tabby) in Erie, PA. I work in my family business as an office manager, creating a unique dynamic that weaves both personal and professional aspects of life. Board games and puzzles are my passion, providing the perfect blend of strategy and relaxation. I find fulfillment in the simple pleasures of cozy evenings spent at home up with my cats and spouse.

Nat Pearman

I'm a transgender woman (25 months into transitioning), attorney, Episcopalian.

Tuesdays | 8:30PM ET
Poetry Sharing Group

Starchild Druid | they/them

I am a psychotherapist, poet, musican, and author based in Williamsburg, VA. I have recently published two poetry books Becoming God and Almah. This fall I released a music album “Dolly for President” that is available on all streaming platforms.

Jazzy Harrison

Bio Coming Soon!

Wednesday | 2:30PM EST
Drop-In Support Group for Parents of Newly Out LGBTQ+ People (Open to Allies)

Linda Robertson | she/her

Linda Robertson lives with her beloved husband of 37 years in the suburbs of Seattle. Parents of four adult children, Linda’s oldest son came out to her when he was 12 – news that was utterly shocking, devastating and terrifying to her at the time. Linda and Rob responded as loving, evangelical parents are taught to do: Communicate support and love, while holding a firm, scriptural stance that the Bible is clear about what God says about same-sex relationships. After 8years of wrestling with God, Linda, Rob and their son Ryan discovered, in the most unexpected way, that His love is far bigger than they ever knew. Since then, they have been on a long journey of learning how to walk by faith and not by fear as they parent their adult kids.

The Robertson’s story went viral in 2013, after she wrote a short blog post about their experience in the hopes of preventing other parents from making the mistakes they did. Read it at JustBecauseHeBreathes.com, and watch the new documentary, ""For They Know Not What They Do"", available on Amazon Prime or iTunes."

Wednesdays | 8PM ET
Ace/Aro Support Group

M.J. Weissenberger | she/her

M.J. is a pan/ace poet, thinker and wanderer. She spends her professional hours in the HR world, her volunteer hours in the child and youth advocacy worlds, and her leisure hours in the spaces of writing, gardening, hiking and painting. M.J. also navigates her world of compounding chronic illnesses with the support of her pets, and her partner.

Beatrix Weil | she/her

Rev. Beatrix Weil serves as the Chaplain of Rhodes College and Parish Associate Pastor of Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2014, and Princeton Theological Seminary in 2017. In addition to an MDiv, she earned a Certificate of Theology, Women, and Gender during her graduate studies. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Beatrix is proudly out as a queer, asexual minister whose vocation is realized every time she gets to journey with LGBTQIA+ young adults. Her students know she will not judge them on any topic, whether it’s exploring paths other than Christianity, asking big questions about BDSM, or (the dreaded) taking a class pass/fail. In 2024, she was awarded “Chaplain of the Year” by the Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education. She enjoys long walks with her husband and their two dogs, and fighting fascism.

Thursdays | 9PM EST
Deconstruction Group

Theo Swinford | they/them

Theo is a trans and nonbinary writer from Phoenix who now lives in Brooklyn. They are also neurodivergent and passionate about mental health advocacy, disability justice, and trauma-informed theology.

Nancy Janisch | she/her

I am a recently retired campus minister for a multi campus, multi denominational, progressive, fully LGBTQIA welcoming campus ministry and a longer retired veterinarian. I hope to be a strong a fierce ally for my LGBTQIA siblings.

Saturdays | 1PM ET
Coming Out Support Group

Anna Dawahare | she/they

Anna Dawahare (she/they) is a gay, genderqueer, pissed off Christian living in the beautiful San Gabriel Valley! She recently received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University and is currently pursuing her licensure. Her goal is to work with LGBTQ+ humans as well as those who have suffered at the hands of spiritual trauma and abuse. When they aren't co-facilitating QCF groups, they enjoy crocheting, singing with Angel City Chorale, and co-hosting the podcast Reclaiming the Garden. The way to their heart is a cup of jasmine green tea.

Josh Bledsoe | he/they

Josh B. participated in QCF small groups during the pandemic, and it was a wonderful experience. They are an educator and community organizer. Josh has an M.A. in Communication Studies and has taught speech and debate at the middle, high school and college level. Josh served as a PFLAG chapter president for six years. In their free time, Josh enjoys hiking, good coffee and used bookstores.

Sundays | 6PM ET
GBTQ+ Men’s Group

Brian O’Dell | he/him

Brian O’Dell, a gay man, lives in the rural Canton, PA. He grew up in suburban NJ and lived in New York City for over 25 years. Raised in the conservative Reformed Church in America, Brian’s adult spiritual journey led to current membership in the LGBTQ-welcoming, peace and racial justice, Riverside Church in NYC (TRC), as well as All Souls Unitarian church in Tulsa, OK. Brian has led over 20 in-person small groups at TRC on topics including Liberation Theology, Food Justice, The Gospel of Mark, 7 Deadly Sins: Modern Short Stories and Scripture, Christian Hospitality, and Living The Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity. He authored the TRC curriculum “Being the Beloved Community: The Challenge of Wealth and Poverty” Bible study. He led the QCF course “Spirituality & Sexuality” for male-identified persons in Fall 2019 and 2021, the “Queer Virtue” book study (2022) and hosts the “GBTQ+ Support Group for Males” on Sunday evenings. Brian lived for 9 months in a homeless shelter and was there diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Both have led to current involvement in the issues of Seniors and Disability, as well as the ignorance, discrimination and violence faced by The Poor and Homeless.

First Sundays | 7-8:30PM EST
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Learning Group (Open to Allies)

Carrie N. | they/she

Carrie N. 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.

Darren Calhoun | he/him

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.