For more than 20 years, Leah Rae Yawn (formerly Shafer) was a gospel worship leader at Saddleback Church. She sang for Women of Faith, worked with Michael W. Smith and Natalie Grant, recorded multiple albums, and sung the national anthem at NFL games. Her voice and faith were her livelihood, her heart, and her life.
Then she came out as gay — and lost it all.
In this powerful episode of You Can Be Both, Leah Rae opens up about her journey from a strict Christian upbringing to realizing she was bisexual, her 21-year marriage to a man, and the moment she met Captain Sandy Yawn from Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean — the first woman she ever truly loved.
When the churches that had been her home for decades discovered her relationship with Sandy, they rejected her completely. She was no longer allowed to lead worship. Her platform vanished. The community she'd served for two decades turned their backs.
But in losing everything, Leah found something greater: authenticity, freedom, and a partner who loves her unconditionally.
In this episode, Leah shares:
- How she suppressed her sexuality for decades while leading worship
- The moment she knew she was drawn to women
- What it felt like to lose her church community overnight
- Her relationship with Captain Sandy and what true love means now
- Why LGBTQ+ people belong in church and can lead worship
- Her message to LGBTQ+ people still struggling in the closet or in unsupportive churches
Leah's Powerful Message: "If you can't find a church that you feel like you belong to, there's so many other beautiful things out there that can help you thrive. Church is not a building — it's the soul."
This is a conversation about faith, rejection, love, and reclaiming your voice. If you've been rejected by a faith community, if you're struggling to come out, or if you're navigating faith and sexuality — this episode is for you.
FEATURED:
-Leah Rae Yawn, Gospel Singer & Worship Leader (Now Married to Captain Sandy Yawn)
-Host: Lauren Lanzaretta, You Can Be Both Podcast
RESOURCES:
Lauren's LGBTQ+ Healing and Resource Guide: laurenlanzaretta.com/youcanbeboth
FOLLOW:
Leah Rae Yawn on Instagram: @leahraeofficial
Captain Sandy Yawn on Instagram: @captainsandrayawn
Below Deck Mediterranean on Bravo
LAUREN:
Instagram: @Lanzaretta
Spotify: Lauren Lanzaretta
Apple Music: Lauren Lanzaretta
YouTube: Lauren Lanzaretta
