All Out in the Open, Questions from the Closet

All Out in the Open

Religion EN ↓ 226 episodes

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 b...

Author

All Out in the Open, Questions from the Closet

Category

Religion

Podcast website

questionsfromthecloset.com

Latest episode

Jan 13, 2026

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Episodes

Pioneering A Path in Mexico (with André Pérez) 10.12.2024

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...

A Reverend's Calling to Strengthen LGBTQ+ Belonging (with Dr. Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen) 03.12.2024

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 fa...

Owning Your Choices When Others Disagree (with Ben & Charlie) 26.11.2024

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 i...

Seeing the Love of God In Others (with Tom Christofferson) 19.11.2024

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 w...

Converting to the Church as a Gay Youth in the Philippines (with Cris Sembrano) 12.11.2024

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.

Being a Peacemaker in a Divided World (with Julie Spilsbury) 05.11.2024

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 partner...

Sticking with a Tough Conversation (Part 2 with Ben & Charlie) 29.10.2024

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 segmen...

Unpacking our Different Reactions to General Conference (with Ben & Charlie) 22.10.2024

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. Be...

Finding Light in Troubling Times (with Dr. Kristine Coons) 15.10.2024

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...

Navigating Identity and Faith in New Zealand (with Shaqaila Uelese) 08.10.2024

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 o...

Passing LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination in a Conservative Community (with Mayor Giles) 01.10.2024

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. Listener...

Podcast Announcement - All Out In The Open 24.09.2024

In this live event from the gather conference, Charlie and Ben discuss the future of the podcast and where things are headed

Season 6 Wrapped 19.03.2024

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. 

How Do I Work Through Past Statements From Church Leaders? 12.03.2024

Ben and Charlie are joined by historian Barbara Jones Brown to discuss how they work through difficult things that past church leaders have said.

What If I Feel Stuck? 05.03.2024

Ben and Charlie are joined again by Kade Cope to discuss how they deal with moving forward when they have felt stuck.

How Do I Balance the 2 Great Commandments 27.02.2024

Ben and Charlie are joined by Kade Cope to discuss how we can balance loving God and loving our neighbors.

How Do I See Myself In the Scriptures? 14.02.2024

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

How Can I Share My Story? 06.02.2024

In this episode Ben and Charlie share some guidelines that have helped them when sharing their story with others.

How Can I Be Supportive as a Leader? 30.01.2024

Ben and Charlie are joined by Rick Sorensen to discuss his experiences as a church leader and how you can support LGBTQ members.

What's it Like When a Kid Comes Out? 23.01.2024

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.

What Are Gatherings? 19.12.2023

Ben and Charlie are joined by Clare Dalton to discuss the importance of gathering together, and how you can start your own gathering.

What is Consent, and How can it Help Protect Against S.A.? 12.12.2023

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.

What If a Loved One Insists I Leave the Church? 05.12.2023

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.

How Come All the Allies are Middle Aged Moms? 28.11.2023

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.

Bonus: Hot Takes on Thanksgiving 21.11.2023

In this bonus episode Ben, Charlie, and Sound Guy Mike talk about their hot takes on Thanksgiving.

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