All Out in the Open is a resource for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and those who love them. Our goal is to help listeners connect with themselves, with their families, with their community, and with God. Hosts Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty help listeners open up to themselves and those around them. Clare Dalton digs into the scriptures and teaches how they can be a catalyst for personal revelation. Iese Wilson takes listeners on a tour of LGBTQ Latter-day Saints all over the Church and introduces us to modern day pioneers. Michael Soto and Liz Macdonald highlight the amazing work of those who are building and strengthening their communities. Learn more at www.alloutintheopen.org.
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.
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 advocati...
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.
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 g...
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.
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.
ALL TOGETHER: In this special Election Day episode, hosts Liz and Michael welcome Mesa Councilmember Julie Spilsbury for an inspiring conversation about peacemaking in a divided world. Julie shares insights from her experience as a public servant dedicated to fostering unity through initiatives like the #MesaKindness campaign. From her early days in Mesa Public Schools to leading community partnerships, Julie’s journey reflects her deep commitment to bridging divides and building community. Join...
OPEN UP: In this episode, Charlie and Ben continue their important conversation, choosing to stay in the discomfort to explore their differing experiences. As they navigate the tension, Ben is able to identify the root of his pain and feelings of rejection, leading to several enlightening “ah-ha” moments. Through this process, they find resolution and understanding. The episode ends with a segment filmed two weeks later, where they each reflect on the discussion and share takeaways for listeners...
THE Exclusive: In this episode, Charlie and Ben reflect on their contrasting experiences at the most recent General Conference. Charlie had a positive and hopeful experience, while Ben felt deeply hurt and ostracized by certain messages. As they discuss the positives and negatives, the conversation shifts away from the conference itself and becomes more focused on personal pain and frustration. Ben shares his struggles with feelings of exclusion, while Charlie tries to validate his pain but stru...
IN the Scriptures : This week Clare Dalton is joined by Dr. Kristine Coons to explore the cautionary tales found the books of Mormon and Ether. They delve into the profound lessons learned from the destruction of two civilizations, reflecting on how these narratives serve as powerful reminders of the consequences of turning away from God. Throughout their discussion, Clare and Dr. Coons emphasize the unwavering truth that God is always willing to partner with us, providing light even in our dark...
OUT and About: Iese Wilson takes us to New Zealand where Shaquaila Uelese opens up about growing up, discovering her identity, and embracing the Māori term Takatapui. While her family initially struggled with her coming out, their love helped her reconnect with God and heal her testimony. Shaq also shares the inspiration behind her nonprofit, Nevertheless, which helps people heal from shame, and offers powerful advice to anyone who feels different.
ALL Together: In this compelling episode, hosts Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, to discuss the groundbreaking journey of passing an LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination ordinance in the city. Mayor Giles shares the intricate process of engaging with community members and church leaders, highlighting the challenges they faced in a polarized environment. Listeners will gain insights into the collaborative efforts that were crucial for overcoming resistance, as w...
In this live event from the gather conference, Charlie and Ben discuss the future of the podcast and where things are headed
In this episode Ben and Charlie discuss future plans for the podcast, the gather conference, and get an update on how dating has gone for Ben
Season 6 has come to a close! Ben and Charlie are joined by Sound Guy Mike to talk about the highlights from the season, including another AI written segment! Things are getting shaken up for Season 7 - keep an eye on our instagram for more.
Ben and Charlie are joined by historian Barbara Jones Brown to discuss how they work through difficult things that past church leaders have said.
Ben and Charlie are joined again by Kade Cope to discuss how they deal with moving forward when they have felt stuck.
Ben and Charlie are joined by Kade Cope to discuss how we can balance loving God and loving our neighbors.
In this episode Charlie and Ben share some of their recent insights while reading through the Book of Mormon. They share things they learned and how they have related it to their lives
In this episode Ben and Charlie share some guidelines that have helped them when sharing their story with others.
Ben and Charlie are joined by Rick Sorensen to discuss his experiences as a church leader and how you can support LGBTQ members.
In this episode Ben and Charlie are joined by Luke and Tiffany Sorensen to discuss their experiences as a son and mother when coming out.
Ben and Charlie are joined by Clare Dalton to discuss the importance of gathering together, and how you can start your own gathering.
In this episode Ben and Charlie are joined by Abigail Morrison to discuss what consent looks like and some helpful tips that can help to keep you safe.
Ben and Charlie are joined by Troy Williams of Equality Utah to discuss how to handle relationship dynamics when a love one decides to leave the church.
In this episode, Ben and Charlie are joined by Cynthia Winward to talk about middle aged moms and why they make such great LGTBQ allies.
In this bonus episode Ben, Charlie, and Sound Guy Mike talk about their hot takes on Thanksgiving.
In this Episode Ben and Charlie are joined by Michael Soto to talk about some of the questions often asked about what it's like to be transgender. Content Advisory: This episode contains medical terms referring to genitalia and gender reassignment surgeries
In this episode, Ben and Charlie sit down to discuss life changes for Ben.
Ben and Charlie are joined by Tami Combs to discuss attachment theory, and how that can apply to your relationship with God.
