Questions from the Closet

On this month's ALL Together episode, hosts Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Landon Phillips. Landon shares his journey of coming out, transitioning, and stepping into the world of LGBTQ+ advocacy. From focusing on faith-based spaces to working with Equality Arizona, Landon has used his voice as a trans person to foster change at both local and national levels. He also talk about building queer joy and community—including the queer Dungeons & Dragons group he helped launch. This is a conversation about identity, courage, and the power of using your story to create a more inclusive world.

In this week's OPEN Up episode, Ben and Charlie discuss the concept of deliverance, drawing parallels between the ancient Israelites and the LGBTQ+ community. They explore how the Spirit can push us to act, even when the path is difficult, scary or uncertain. They also acknowledge the trailblazers who helped pave the way for our deliverance and how knowing that others will follow in our footsteps influences our choices.

What does it take to build Zion?This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton sits down with Patrick Mason, professor of religious studies and history at Utah State University, to discuss Doctrine & Covenants 51-70. These sections follow the early Saints as they moved to Missouri to establish Zion.Clare and Patrick explore what Zion really means and the effort required to create it: We must radically change our hearts and become rooted charity, inclusion and abundance to form a community where of all God's children feel at home. 

This month on OUT and About, Iese Wilson sits down with Icaro Paraguassú, who shares his experiences as a gay Latter-Day Saint from Brazil. They discuss faith, identity, diversity, and the need for resources that reach every language and culture.Icaro reflects on the rainbow as both a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and a covenant with God, and how we each reflect the light of Christ in our own way. His rainbow pin opens conversations and offers quiet reassurance to those seeking belonging.From a mission in Argentina to a leadership academy in the Czech Republic, Icaro's story is a reminder that while our paths may differ, we're all journeying back to the same heavenly home.

In this heartfelt episode of ALL Together, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Bryce and Sara Cook, parents of two gay sons and founding members of ALL (Arizona LDS LGBT). After their sons came out, Bryce and Sara felt called to speak up, build bridges, and foster community. They hosted support groups in their home and organized an annual conference for LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigating faith and identity. Their efforts laid the foundation for many of the other groups and events we've highlighted in previous episodes of the podcast. Bryce and Sara share the powerful story of their family's journey and discuss how parents also have their own “coming out” process—one of unlearning and rediscovering what it means to love like Christ.

This month on OPEN Up, Ben shares a deeply personal story about navigating the reactions of his local Church leadership after he performed a same-sex wedding. Ben and Charlie discuss the scrutiny that LGBTQ+ Latter-Day Saints often face and how others Church members can help them feel seen.

In this special episode of THE Exclusive, Ben Schilaty is joined by Emilee Cutler and Spencer David Smith to talk about the upcoming Gather Conference, taking place this June in Provo, Utah. Now in its third year, the conference creates a Christ-centered space where LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them can connect, learn, and feel seen.Emilee shares her personal journey from fear to peace as the mother of a gay son, and how listening to LGBTQ+ stories helped transform her heart. Spencer reflects on coming out at 27, navigating faith and identity, and the unexpected healing he found by volunteering at Gather Conference. Together, they explore how the conference fosters belonging, compassion, and hope.To register for Gather Conference, please visit gather-conference.com. 

This month on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton and Sean Nicholes—a gay Latter-day Saint, psychiatry resident, and member of the U.S. Air Force—explore Doctrine & Covenants 41-50.In these sections, the early Saints were dealing with rumors both inside and outside the Church. Clare and Sean discuss how these stories help us learn to challenge stereotypes and love those who are different from us. When we discover our non-negotiables, we can live a life of integrity and purpose, relying on the Atonement of Jesus Christ when we fall short. By our fruits, others will know our values and our hearts.

In this month's episode of OUT and About, Iese Wilson sits down with Liv Mendoza Haynes, a queer, Mexican Latter-Day Saint. Liv shares how her unique intersection of identities shapes her spiritual journey.Liv reflects on joining the Church and serving a full-time mission in Mexico—and the complex emotions of teaching people from her own cultural background. Blessed to be in a mixed-orientation marriage full of mutual love and respect, she reminds our listeners: each and every one of you deserve love, and we're rooting for you to find it. 

This week's ALL Together guest Malissa Larson knows firsthand the power of community. A former homeless youth and first-generation college graduate, she worked her way through school and now serves as a Neighborhood Specialist for the City of Phoenix, helping to connect and uplift communities.In the episode, Malissa discuses with Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto the importance of meeting people where they are—slowing down, speaking their language, and listening with intention. Real change comes from hope, not shame. By focusing on the dignity of others and finding safe spaces for ourselves, we can build bridges that lead to lasting impact.

This month on OPEN Up, Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty tackle the overwhelming noise surrounding LGBTQ+ topics in the Church and society, sharing personal stories of feeling excluded, politicized or dehumanized. Those experiences can bring a lot of loneliness but also a deeper, more complex faith.Loving God and loving our neighbor go hand in hand—Ben and Charlie ask us to ponder, what does it truly mean to love our LGBTQ+ neighbors? While individual acceptance doesn't make up for structural exclusion, allies are needed to cut through the noise by standing up, sharing stories, and catching stones when necessary.

This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton sits down with Ady and Cora Johnson—returned missionaries, newlyweds, adventurers and active members of the Church. They dive into Doctrine and Covenants 29-40, exploring how God asks us to leave parts of our old selves behind. As we change, we may grieve the life we thought we'd live, but there is also incredible joy in becoming who we're meant to be.

In this episode of OUT and About, Iese Wilson interviews Wallace Pelesasa—a fellow Samoan and gay Latter-Day Saint. Growing up in a large family, Wallace attended church mainly to appease his father. His testimony didn't truly ignite until his military service, where he met people whose faith inspired him. As he built a relationship with God, Wallace also embraced his own identity and discovered his mission to build bridges between the LGBTQ+ community and his Samoan church congregation. His efforts remind us that true harmony comes when we embrace differences.  

This week on ALL Together, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Clare Dalton, host of IN the Scriptures and curator of the Gatherings curriculum, and Jen Dille, project manager at the Center for Action and Contemplation. Together Jen and Clare started monthly Ally Nights—safe spaces for learning, connection and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them. The episode explores what it means to be an ally and how our small, collective efforts can make a big difference. They also highlight the upcoming Gather Conference Arizona and Belong Youth Conference. We hope to see you at these great events!Gather Conference Arizona: https://www.gather-conference.com/regionalBelong Youth Conference: https://www.belongyouthconference.org

In this week's OPEN Up episode, Ben Schilaty shares his experiences with grief after recently losing his mother to her long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He reflects on the incredible life she lived, the challenges she overcame, and the profound impact she had on those who loved her.Ben also reveals what has been helpful in the mourning process—including the simple but powerful question, “What does grief look like for you today?”

This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton and Becca Shumway dive into Doctrine and Covenants 18-28. These revelations shaped the early structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Clare and Becca explore how structure can be both a help and a hindrance to personal growth. In the episode, Becca shares her insights on faith, the ongoing restoration and what it means to truly see the worth of every soul. 

In this week's OUT and About episode, Iese Wilson interviews Max Maneekam, a gay Latter-day Saint from Thailand now living in South Carolina with his husband.Max shares his journey of faith, from discovering the Church at age 12 to serving a mission in Ogden, Utah, to becoming the branch president of his Thai congregation at age 21 to attending BYU-Hawaii. As he has navigated religion and identity, he has been blessed to find unwavering support from his family, and he wants to be a resource for other LGBTQ+ members of the Church who face rejection, encouraging them to be brave, be yourself and know God loves you. 

In this ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Pastor Stan Mitchell, a Christian pastor with a powerful journey of faith and inclusion. Growing up in a fear-based, exclusivist Christian tradition, he gradually expanded his understanding of God's love and eventually played a role in his Nashville church's decision to fully embrace LGBTQ+ members in 2015. Now, he travels extensively, helping Christian families and churches navigate faith and LGBTQ+ acceptance.Pastor Mitchell discusses the wounds that religious teachings can cause—not just for LGBTQ+ individuals but also for those who uphold exclusionary beliefs out of fear and conviction. Through Jesus's parables and stories, he illustrates the need for compassion, listening, and standing in solidarity with the marginalized. He challenges allies to move beyond passive support, reminding us that if we're not feeling the impact of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, we may not be standing close enough.

This month on OPEN Up, Ben Schilaty and Charlie Bird sit down with Lisa Valentine Clark. Lisa is a mother of five and host of the podcasts “The Lisa Show” and “Council of Moms.”Lisa shares her experience with grief following the death of her husband. She discusses navigating life when it doesn't go as planned, including finding connection and living in the present.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 grace.

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 Chris Zambrano, 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 us for an empowering discussion on how each of us can become peacemakers in our own communities.

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. Join them for a candid exploration of how engaging in tough conversations can foster growth, healing, and deeper connections.

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 struggles to fully connect with its source.This leads to a tense moment between the two, as they try to understand each other's emotions but find it hard to see eye to eye. The episode sheds light on how, as LGBTQ members of the church, things that may seem harmless or unremarkable to others can be deeply triggering. It's an honest exploration of how two people can have different emotional responses to the same event and the complexities of supporting one another through those differences.

In this "In the Scriptures" episode Clare Dalton is joined by Dr. Kristine Coons. They discuss the cautionary tales of the destruction of two civilized. They share how God is always willing to partner with us to give us more light, even in the darkest of times. And that light often comes as we humbly learn from one another. 

Shaquaila Uelese shares what it was like growing up in New Zealand as someone who always felt different. As she came to understand her orientation, she began to self-identify with the Māori term Takatapui. While her family initially struggled when she came out, ultimately their love helped her connect with God and heal her testimony. In an effort to give back, she recently started the nonprofit Nevertheless which helps people heal from shame. Shaq wraps up the conversation with powerful advice to anyone who is unique like her. 

In this episode we are joined by Mayor John Giles to discuss how the community came together to pass a non discrimination ordinance. 

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 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.