All Out in the Open

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 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 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.