"Testify to Love" Singer Michael Passons: Kicked Out For Being Gay, Now Topping Christian Charts

Michael Passons was a founding member of Avalon, one of the biggest Christian music groups of all time. He wrote and performed "Testify to Love," a song that became an icon of Christian music. But when he came out as gay, he was forced out of the band and lost everything.Now, Michael is rewriting his story — and breaking records doing it. He just rereleased "Testify to Love" as an LGBTQ+ affirming anthem with country artist Ty Herndon, and together they became the first openly gay artists to reach #1 on the iTunes Christian charts.In this episode of You Can Be Both, Michael sits down with host Lauren Lanzaretta to share his full journey: Growing up in rural Mississippi. His dream of becoming a Christian music artist. What it felt like to be kicked out of Avalon for being gay. His spiritual deconstruction and finding faith again on his own terms. And what it means to finally sing authentically.This is a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and reclaiming your voice.IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT:Michael's journey as a founding member of Avalon and writing the iconic "Testify to Love"Growing up in rural Mississippi in a conservative Baptist churchRealizing he was gay and the internal struggle that followedBeing forced out of Avalon for coming outHis spiritual deconstruction and stepping away from organized religionFinding his way back to faith and spirituality on his own termsRereleasing "Testify to Love" as an LGBTQ+ affirming anthem with Ty HerndonMaking history as the first openly gay artists to reach #1 on iTunes Christian chartsWhat it means to sing and live authenticallyHis message to LGBTQ+ people still in the closetAdvice for worship leaders who've been kicked out of churchThe power of reclaiming your voice and your storyFOLLOW MICHAEL:Instagram: @michaelpassonsSpotify: Michael PassonsApple Music: Michael PassonsYouTube: Michael PassonsFOLLOW LAUREN:Instagram: @laurenlanzarettaYouTube: Lauren LanzarettaSpotify: Lauren LanzarettaApple Music: Lauren LanzarettaFREE LGBTQ+ HEALING & RESOURCE GUIDE:Access Lauren's full story, healing resources, books, podcasts, and voices that have helped transform shame to freedom.Visit: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth