Wake
Up
Darian Aaron: Down Right Loud!
By: K.D. Perry
Qualexcel@gmail.com
Darian Aaron is a LGBT activist and creator of Living Out Loud with Darian. He is also a staff writer for Clik Magazine. He has been featured in UNEQ magazine as well as such popular websites as keithboykin.com, Rod 2.0, PinkMafiaRadio, abovethelife.com, whatsthet.com, and National Black Justice Coalition. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Darian says that he wants to” Leave my mark on the world by being a force for change in the fight for equality for LGBT people and those living with HIV/AIDS”. He is truly dedicated to making a difference.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule. It is an honor to speak with someone so passionate about life. As you already know this is our “FUTURE issue” and its geared towards the young artists and readers. I believe you have a message for our youth. Are you ready?
Darian: Yes!
DARIAN ON CHILDHOOD and CAREER:
So Darian, what 
kind of childhood did you have? And who were your major influences?
Darian: I had what I believe was a very normal childhood. I was born and raised in a Christian household with both parents in Montgomery, Alabama. I have one older sister and an extremely large extended family. We’re all very close. My major influences growing up had to be Janet Jackson and Keith Boykin.
K.D.: That’s what’s up! I actually learned about Keith through your blogs.
How do you define being black?
Darian: That’s a really good question and one that I don’t think I’ve ever been asked before. I think the best way to answer your question is just to give you a few adjectives that come to mind when I think about the word and the black experience: Beautiful, Strong, Spiritual, Misunderstood, Attacked, Diverse, Proud.
“I see an explosion of young people who are even more courageous than the previous generation…”
With your definition of being black, do you feel as a SGL (Same Gender Loving) male, you are represented fairly in your community? Why?
Darian: No and this is one of the reasons why I’m committed to being a voice for those within the SGL community who feel powerless when we find ourselves being misrepresented and attacked by our own within the black community as well as the media. The black SGL community is extremely diverse and so often we’re presented to be one-dimensional and often predatory human beings who are to blame for everything that ills the black family.
For almost 2 years I’ve followed your online blogs and your career with CLICK Magazine. I’ve noticed that your focus ( more like your purpose) is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness in the SGL/ LGBT communities; especially those communities of color. What message would you give to that young man/woman who has a passion for something “out the box”?
Darian: I would tell them to listen to their heart and to surround themselves with positive people who they can depend on for encouragement during tough times. The work involved for people who choose a path that is considered “out the box” is usually never easy, there will be naysayers, but at the end of the day all that matters is that you’re living out your life’s purpose and hopefully having an impact on the lives of others. The toil may be great but the rewards are even greater.
You’ve done everything from Journalism, Dance, Activism, and Travel. What’s next?
Darian: I want to increase my visibility as a journalist and an activist online as well as work for a major LGBT rights organization. You can count on one hand the number of high profile openly gay black males who are called upon to represent our community in the media. I’d definitely like to be the person people turn to. I’ve been fortunate enough to have such an impact on the lives of so many people both straight and gay through my blog and I’d like to continue to do so on the front line.
K.D.: It looks as if we’re on the same page. After all we are the FUTURE.
DARIAN ON THE FUTURE:
Just as David in the scriptures, you are a voice for those not heard yet. Soon your role will be as of Solomon; to pass the mantle on to the next generation. Do you have any intentions of becoming a mentor, or train other young people to do what you do?
Darian: Now this is a question I get asked a lot and I always wonder if the time has come for me to step into this role because I feel like I’m still growing as a person and an activist. But if someone who I believed in approached me I would definitely step up to the task.I believe its imperative that we train our LGBT youth so when the time comes for me to step aside there’s already someone waiting in the wings ready to carry on the fight.
I know that you are a supporter of Obama. So, for Darian and for what Darian stands for, what is the number one thing you would like to see changed if Obama were to be elected into office?
Darian: Now you know I can’t pick just one. LOL! It’s a tie between universal health care, increasing funding for HIV/AIDS research, hate crimes legislation that includes sexual orientation and gender identity and the homeless crisis among the general population and specifically LGBT youth.
Do you ever see yourself in a position of political influence and/or political adviser?
Darian: That would be wonderful but I don’t think so. You might find me lobbying congress one day in support of pro-gay legislation. Although I am a CNN junkie and I can talk politics all day I don’t think it’s my calling.
DARIAN ON THE CHURCH and DONNIE McCLURKIN:
I always pray that divine truth will destroy my faulty truths. How can the American church eXcape their false realities?
Darian: The first step I believe is to really exemplify Christ-like behavior, which has been easier said than done for many churches throughout America. 
The Christian church, that many of us have come to know, especially those within the SGL community, is a church that lacks compassion and love for all of God’s children. The church has quickly turned from a house of prayer into a house of pain for many.
And that is my ultimate mission… to bridge the gap between us and the church.Three years ago I had an encounter with Dove Award winning Donnie McClurkin. The one on one counseling session we had changed me forever. It caused me to see the truth about me as a SGL male. With your experience in mind, do you believe Donnie is hurting the SGL/LGBTQ communities?
Darian: Without a doubt I believe that Donnie’s message is harming those who identify as SGL, but specifically those who identify as Christian too. A major turning point happened in my life when my mother sent me Donnie’s life story, what followed was a letter I wrote in return that asserted my place in the world as a black SGL Christian who was unapologetic about who God had created me to be. So Donnie’s letter had the opposite effect on me only because I was in a place in my life where I was comfortable in my skin and had reconciled my sexuality with my faith. For those who are not as strong as I was Donnie’s message can wreak havoc on a person’s self esteem and cause terrible inner turmoil.
“…so often we’re presented to be one-dimensional and often predatory human beings…”
With all do respect to Donnie and to many Pastors across the land, do you believe people like me and you or even people who are victims of what I call “Church Battering”, should remain in these institutions?
Darian: My advice is to never remain in a church where you’re first not being spiritually fed and second where you are constantly being told you are an abomination and not of God because of who you love. I tell people all the time to develop a relationship with God for you, research the origins of scripture and the intent of the writers for yourself. I don’t ever recall there being a commandment that says, “Leave your brain at home on Sunday mornings and receive everything the pastor says as the word of God”. There are LGBT affirming churches ready to receive you as you are.
DARIAN ON GAY MARRIAGES:
Would you like to marry your sweetheart... someday?
Darian: Yes of course. I’ve been planning my wedding since grade school! There is a ban on gay marriage where we live in Georgia so unfortunately we’ll have to leave the state in order to legalize our union, but I’m a strong supporter of marriage equality and I look forward to experiencing a basic civil right we’ve been denied for far too long.
K.D.: I think that’s so wonderful!
What makes him so special to you?
Wow! It’s so hard for me to express how I feel about him through words. He is one of the most caring and giving persons that I’ve ever known. Our relationship is a true partnership and after a year of being together he has broken my 6-month curse. LOL!
K.D.: You ain’t lyin’ Lawd knows you ain’t! LOL!
The California Supreme Court voted 4-3 to overturn a ban on gay marriage in California making it the second state where gays and lesbians can marry. How do you think the decision will change the way the church accept SGL couples.
Darian: I think in the weeks and months following the decision the church will become even more hostile towards the LGBT community and aggressively push for a constitutional amendment to be placed on the ballot in November. However, long term I believe the hearts and minds of people will begin to change as we become more visible and mainstream America learns that we are not a threat to the family or the institution of marriage.
How do you think the black community will accept the decision?
Darian: Sadly I think if the amendment is successful the black community will play a major role in its success. Black clergy along with anti-gay evangelical Christians across California are mobilizing to overturn the court’s ruling. This is particularly painful for me to see for two reasons. Black folks have conveniently forgotten that we were fighting for equal treatment under the law not too long ago and now they’re actively working to deprive another minority of their rights and they’re too blind to see they’re being used by the right wing.
DARIAN WRAPS IT UP:
Name three books that have opened your eyes to a better world.
Darian: One More River To Cross by Keith Boykin, The Good Book by Rev. Peter Gomes, and The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama.
You’re living’ your life out loud but would you say that you are living your dream? Why?
Darian: Yes. I’ve been fortunate to have about four different careers and I haven’t even reached my 30th birthday. My life has been filled with surprises, some good and some bad, but I’ve been blessed with work that has not only allowed me to provide for myself but has made a difference in the lives of others and that outweighs any amount of money I could ever make.
What do you see in the future for the young SGL people as it relates to politics, media, the arts, and faith?
Darian: I see an explosion of young people who are even more courageous than the previous generation who will come out and actively participate in the political process, champion positive portrayals of gays in the media, and reclaim their rightful place in the church and challenge religious bigotry.
Will I see you on the cruise in October? I and my guest would love to hang with the two of you.
Darian: That would be great! We’ve been invited by the great people from Nubian Dream Cruise to attend and I’m in the process of selling the idea to the husband, so we’ll see.
http://www.loldarian.blogspot.com