Talk of Him & Friends - Charlie Bird

Welcome to a very special Friends episode of Talk of Him with Charlie Bird! Charlie is an award-winning author, podcaster, therapist, and social media influencer based in Utah. He is known for playing the role of Cosmo the Cougar at Brigham Young University from 2016-2018, where he received national acclaim for his dance performances and viral mascot videos. He was born and raised in Southwest Missouri, and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Redlands, California. He “bleeds blue,” holding two undergraduate degrees from BYU, as well as a Master’s in Social Work. Charlie is passionate about bridging the gap between LGBTQ+ and religion, evident by his frequent work nonprofit organizations and weekly involvement with the ‘Questions from the Closet’ podcast. When he isn’t writing, speaking, or advocating, Charlie can be found hiking the Wasatch mountains, traveling with friends, or tumbling at local gymnastics gyms. You can find him on social media as @mrcharliebird. (Bio from https://mrcharliebird.com/pages/author) 

In this discussion with Charlie, we talk about his most recent book, Expanding the Borders of Zion, and discuss his own experience and unique stewardships as a gay member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Additionally, we discuss how we as members of the Church can better empathize and connect with members of the LGBTQ+ community, both inside and outside of the Church. 

About Expanding the Borders of Zion: A Latter-Day Saint Perspective on LGBTQ Inclusion Many people want to offer love and support to their LGBTQ friends and neighbors but aren't sure how. Bird’s unique position as a gay Latter-day Saint has given him valuable insight. In this book, he authentically details the blessings and challenges faced by gay members of the Church and provides readers with the perspective, understanding, and tools they need to more effectively minister to those who identify as LGBTQ. Expanding the Borders of Zion bridges the gap between religion and the LGBTQ community in a way that is both bold and inviting. It will undoubtedly inspire you to love deeper, grow closer to Christ, and expand your heart to more fully embrace all of God’s children.

Get your copy of Expanding the Borders of Zion by Charlie Bird at Seagull: https://www.seagullbook.com/expanding-the-borders-of-zion-charlie-bird.html?Category_Code=BOOKS