All Out in the Open
All Out in the Open, Questions from the Closet
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 23, 2021 • 47min
Can I be in a relationship and stay in the Church?
Charlie and Ben are joined by Summer Lee-Corry for a conversation about what it's like to attend worship services while in a relationship that is not sanctioned by the Church.
Feb 16, 2021 • 46min
How do I start a support group?
Charlie and Ben go through the logistics of starting a local LDS/LGBTQ+ support group with Michelle Sherwin and Byron Korth, who recently started a successful group in their home Stake.
Feb 9, 2021 • 60min
What hurtful things do Church members say?
This week Ben and Charlie are joined by T.J. Thomas, a therapist who identifies as bisexual, for a conversation about hurtful things that well-meaning members of The Church of Jesus Christ might say to an LGBTQ+ individual. They also have a discussion about bisexuality and what it's like for T.J. to be a male, bisexual, Latter-day Saint.
Feb 2, 2021 • 46min
Why do you stay in the Church?
Charlie and Ben talk about why they decide to move forward in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jan 26, 2021 • 41min
How can I safely navigate gay culture?
Charlie and Ben are joined by Derek Lundahl to talk about the moral "pendulum swing" that often accompanies LGBTQ+ individuals raised in religious cultures, and how to set boundaries and stay safe after coming out.
Jan 19, 2021 • 50min
What is asexuality?
Ben and Charlie are joined by Tearza Foyston for an in-depth conversation about asexuality.
Jan 12, 2021 • 54min
Can I date?
Ben and Charlie talking about their experiences dating while staying active in the Church.
Jan 5, 2021 • 35min
How can I help?
Charlie and Ben are joined by Rachel Bloxham to talk about how allies can help support LGBTQ+ individuals.
Dec 29, 2020 • 24min
How do I find gay people like me?
This week Ben and Charlie are joined by Victoria Hutchings, group leader of Affirmation San Francisco, for a conversation about how to find community and support among other LGBTQ+ people. Ben and Charlie talk about finding community through coming out and Victoria shares some of her journey becoming more involved with church after stepping away when she was young.
Dec 22, 2020 • 48min
Did pornography make me gay?
Among the worries presented to us by gay Latter-day Saints, one of the most common is that early exposure to pornography might have altered their orientation. This week we were joined by Liam Essig, an expert in pornography use and addiction recovery, for a conversation about the myths of pornography use, associated shame, and how to overcome unwanted viewing.
