Pride Spotlight Series: Michaela Calahan (M.Div. ’24, Th.M. candidate)

Michaela Calahan (M.Div. ’24, Th.M. candidate) is a current student at Perkins School of Theology pursuing her second master’s degree in theology. She also serves as a pediatric emergency department chaplain at a Level I trauma center. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Michaela reflects on how her theological journey has shaped both her identity and her vocation.

Tell us about your current role and the work you’re doing.
I currently serve as a pediatric emergency department chaplain at a Level I trauma center. I also returned to Perkins to pursue a second master’s degree, a Th.M., to deepen my theological understanding and support the work I do at the bedside.

What initially inspired you to pursue ministry and theological education?
I had been wrestling with my faith for a long time, and at the same time, I felt a strong call to chaplaincy. Pursuing a Master of Divinity allowed me to explore both — the questions I was holding and the calling I felt so deeply.

Can you describe a moment or experience that most affirmed your calling?
I remember sitting in my Old Testament class during my first semester. Through the course of that lesson, I realized that the love and grace of God is truly for all people — including me. That moment renewed my faith and helped me understand how I could share that love with others through chaplaincy.

What does Pride Month mean to you personally and theologically?
Pride Month is an acknowledgment of the struggles and celebrations of those who have fought — and continue to fight — to be seen and loved as they are. Personally, it’s about living authentically and visibly. Theologically, I believe in a God who has always loved, chosen, and fought for the dignity of queer people. That belief is central to both my faith and my practice as a chaplain.

How do you identify in terms of gender identity and/or sexual orientation?
I use she/her pronouns, though I understand I may be perceived differently because of the way I dress. I identify as bisexual.

How has Perkins shaped or supported your theological understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion?
Perkins showed me that no place is a monolith. Even in a theological setting, you’re not placed in an echo chamber. You’re invited to wrestle, converse, and reflect — not to become defensive, but to learn how to live in community with people who believe differently. That matters in ministry, where the pews and the bedside don’t always match your personal beliefs. Perkins prepared me to navigate a kaleidoscope of perspectives — and to do so with grace.

As denominations continue to grow and change, what do you believe should guide that progress?
As someone raised in and often identifying with non-denominational Christianity, I see change not as becoming something new, but as uncovering who we’ve always been. Growth through self-reflection reveals a deeper sense of identity. Denominations don’t have to limit us — they can help us name ourselves more clearly, so we can engage in more honest conversations about where we align and where we differ.

What changes or conversations have you observed recently in light of growing denominational shifts, especially within the UMC?
The rise of conservative departures from the UMC has brought a kind of clarity. For me as a Black, queer woman, it’s helpful to know where people and institutions stand. There’s less guesswork now. It’s easier to see where I’ll be welcomed — and where honest dialogue is possible.