Questions from the Closet

Questions from the Closet

Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty discuss questions they are commonly asked as gay members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each week they are joined by a guest to talk about a question as it relates to LGBTQ+ topics within the context of faith. To submit a question or share a comment about an episode, you can email [email protected].

  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Giving Ourself and Others Space to Grow

    This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton talks with Dan and Terri Pratt, parents of six neurodivergent children, some of whom are LGBTQ+. They share their journey of supporting their kids, overcoming internalized beliefs, and building a more inclusive faith.

    Drawing on Joseph Smith’s First Vision, they discuss the importance of family support and unconditional love for youth navigating their identities. Their message: God loves us as we are, and curiosity and compassion can help us grow together.

    21 January 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 4 seconds
    Converting in Hong Kong... To Become Straight?

    From Hong Kong to Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Uri shares his journey as a gay member of the Church—finding God’s love, self-acceptance, and community along the way. 

    Tune in to this heartfelt OUT and About episode with host Iese Wilson as Uri reflects on his path, the challenges he’s faced, and his message of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals: You’re perfect, you’re brave, and you’re not alone.

    14 January 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 10 minutes
    Creating social safety for lgbtq+ loved-ones

    Kick off the new year with an inspiring ALL Together episode! Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto interview Dr. Lisa Diamond, professor of psychology and gender studies at the University of Utah, and her research assistants Julia Decker and Jay Christensen. The trio discusses their important research on social safety for LGBTQ+ members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and provides practical advice on creating safety and connection.

    7 January 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 57 minutes 7 seconds
    Exploring Body Image and Eating Through an LGBTQ+ Lens (with Sydney Williams, LCSW)

    In the new OPEN Up episode, Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty sit down with Sydney Williams, LCSW, a therapist and eating disorder specialist, to explore the complex relationship between body image and the LGBTQ+ community.

    They share insights into the cultural and historical factors shaping body ideals and offer practical advice on loving and trusting your body as a gift from God.

    2 January 2025, 3:00 pm
  • 57 minutes 14 seconds
    Spanish Episode: Compartiendo Nuestras Experiencias como Miembros Gays en la Iglesia

    Don’t miss the first episode of All Out in the Open in Spanish!

    In this special episode of THE Exclusive, Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty share their experiences as gay members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and answer frequently asked questions. We hope this episode can be a resource to support Hispanic individuals and families on their journeys of faith, love and understanding.

    24 December 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 53 seconds
    Asking Questions is the Answer: JS-H and D&C 1-2 (with Austin Peterson)

    This week Clare Dalton is joined by Austin Peterson, her collaborator on the Gatherings curriculum—Come Follow Me study groups designed for LGBTQ+ Church members and allies. Together, they dive into the early sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, exploring how asking questions can deepen our connection to God, ourselves, and others.

    17 December 2024, 2:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 12 seconds
    Pioneering A Path in Mexico

    In this episode of OUT and About, Iese Wilson sits down with André Pérez to discuss his journey as an LGBTQ+ member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints growing up in Mexico City. André saw a need for connection among Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ members and allies, and created a virtual community that continues to thrive with monthly meetings attended by over 100 people.

    André shares his journey of coming out, navigating mental health struggles, and staying in the Church while advocating for change. Through his faith and identity, he has come to know Christ in deeper ways and believes life is better when we include God and strive to help others.

    10 December 2024, 9:00 pm
  • 41 minutes 14 seconds
    A Reverend's Calling to Strengthen LGBTQ+ Belonging (with Dr. Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen)

    For this week’s ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Rev. Dr. Marian Edmonds-Allen, an ordained pastor and executive director of Parity, a nonprofit in New York City addressing the intersection of LGBTQ+ and faith communities. From starting her ministry as a single mom of four to advocating for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, Marian shares her inspiring journey of combining faith and action to create meaningful change.

    3 December 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Owning Your Choices When Others Disagree (with Ben & Charlie)

    OPEN Up: Ben Schilaty and Charlie Bird dive into the challenges of making authentic, personal decisions—especially when those choices are misunderstood or rejected by others. They discuss the pain of breaking the status quo and share personal stories about navigating loneliness, rejection, and the weight of following personal revelation as LGBTQ+ members of the Church. Together, they explore the importance of setting boundaries, processing past trauma, and finding healing through community and grace.

    26 November 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    Seeing the Love of God In Others (with Tom Christofferson)

    IN the Scriptures: In this episode, Clare Dalton chats with Tom Christofferson about finding faith, hope, and love through the stories in Ether 12 and Moroni 7 from the Book of Mormon. They dive into the ups and downs of faith, what it means to trust God, and how to see yourself the way Christ does. Along the way, Clare and Tom share personal stories about navigating life’s challenges, embracing who they are, and finding connection through charity and understanding.

    19 November 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 18 seconds
    Converting to the Church as a Gay Youth in the Philippines (with Cris Sembrano)

    In this episode, Iese Wilson interviews Cris Sembrano, a gay Latter-day Saint and convert from the Philippines. Chris shares his journey of balancing faith and identity, from navigating cultural challenges in his hometown to finding community and love at BYU-Provo. His story highlights resilience and the strength of personal faith in finding belonging.

    12 November 2024, 12:00 pm
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