All Out in the Open

To celebrate one year of All Out in the Open, hosts Charlie Bird, Ben Schilaty, Liz Macdonald, Michael Soto, Iese Wilson and Clare Dalton reflect on their favorite episodes and biggest takeaways. We’ll be taking a break from the podcast to assess the best way to meet the needs of the community moving forward. Thank you for tuning in each week—your support means the world to us. We’ll be sharing more resources, events and opportunities to get involved soon.

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

We’re excited to have Molly and Ruth join us in this week’s IN the Scriptures episode. Molly, an Arizona native, is a choir teacher with a passion for building community, and Ruth, originally from New York, works as an engineer who loves solving complex problems. The couple met and married in Utah before relocating to Indiana last year. Together with host Clare Dalton, they explore how cultural misunderstandings of doctrine and policy can cause real harm—and why acknowledging that harm is th...

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

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 offers powerful advice to anyone who feels different.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

In this week’s ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz. Growing up in an interfaith home, he felt called to Judaism and a life of activism. Rabbi Yanklowitz has founded organizations that serve foster children, immigrants, unsheltered individuals, and animals. Through his leadership and faith, he has also been a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Rabbi Yanklowitz invites listeners to reinterpret exclusive teachings, live joyfully as ...

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

In this week’s episode, Charlie and Ben share their experiences watching the October 2025 General Conference. They discuss which messages stood out to them and how we can apply those principles in our daily efforts to become better disciples of Christ.

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

This week our IN the Scriptures episode features Jeremy and Sara Kerrigan. After nearly two decades of marriage, Jeremy came out as gay. Though the couple later divorced, they continue to share deep friendship, faith, and love for each other and their five children. Together with host Clare Dalton, they discuss Doctrine & Covenants 124-136, exploring temple covenants, eternal relationships, and how our understanding of God grows through lived experience. #AllOutInTheOpen #INtheScriptur...

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

This week’s OUT and About episode features Marcel Robinson, a gay Latter-day Saint from Jamaica. He opens up about losing his father, coming to terms with his sexuality, facing health challenges, serving a mission, and now attending Brigham Young University–Idaho. Marcel’s story is one of faith, hope and perseverance.

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

This week in our ALL Together episode, Bishop Karen Oliveto shares her experiences as the first openly lesbian bishop in The United Methodist Church and what it means to bring ministry to the margins. Drawing on insights from her book “Together at the Table,” Bishop Oliveto discusses the power of gathering to find common ground. Her story reminds us that inclusion and understanding are everyday expressions of faith.

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

This week’s OPEN Up episode features one of our very own editors, Mike Poret—better known as “Sound Guy Mike.” Mike first discovered Questions from the Closet while he was in the process of coming out. Reaching out to Charlie and Ben, he offered his technical skills, which have supported our guests and listeners for the past five years. In this episode, Mike shares what happens behind the scenes, his favorite episodes, and how the podcast has impacted his own journey.

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025

This week in our IN the Scriptures episode, Michael Soto joins Clare Dalton to discuss Doctrine & Covenants 109-123. Together they explore the importance of names, boundaries, and chosen families.

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2025

This week in our OUT and About episode, VJ Aguilar shares his journey growing up in Mexico, immigrating to the U.S., and coming out as bisexual amid cultural pressures and familial expectations. From hiding his identity to proudly leading a Pride parade, VJ’s story inspires us to be brave.

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025

This week in our ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Sara Burlingame, former Wyoming state legislator and current Executive Director of Wyoming Equality. Sara shares what it’s like to live and work as an LGBTQ+ advocate in Wyoming, drawing from her experiences in both nonprofit and government spaces. She reflects on the importance of protecting rights, reaching across the aisle, and meeting people where they are to build meaningful bridges. With a background i...

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2025

We’re hosting a morning gathering for LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints and those who love them! Think light breakfast, good conversation, a few connection activities, and a short devotional. 📅 Saturday, September 13 🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm 📍 Private residence in Provo, UT (address shared after RSVP) RSVP using the link in our Instagram bio! Would love to see you there.

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2025

This week’s OPEN Up episode features Barry Donakey, who helped launch LGBTQ+ workshops at Utah Valley Institute and is involved with the Gather Conference. Barry joins Ben and Charlie to explore Church resources that support individuals, families, and leaders in ministering to LGBTQ+ members. You can find the church counseling resources here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/counseling-resources/same-sex-attraction?lang=eng and the life help resources here: https...

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

This week in our IN the Scriptures episode Clare Dalton and Hannah Bryan discuss Doctrine and Covenants 94-108. These sections outline the intense persecution of the early Church members living in Missouri. As a transgender woman, Hannah has faced violence in her own life that mirrors that experiences of the early Saints. Clare and Hannah dive into the formation of the United Firm and Zion’s Camp. These groups faced challenges and didn’t achieve every purpose they set out to do—reminders tha...

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

This OUT and About episode features Atlas Nocturne (he/they). While at Arizona State University, Atlas began attending the Church’s Institute of Religion—even though they’re not a member. They share what it was like to navigate faith spaces as a trans, non-binary person and how Church members made them feel welcome. Atlas’ story is a reminder that understanding and connection can bloom, even when we start from very different places.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

This OUT and About episode features Atlas Nocturne (he/they). While at Arizona State University, Atlas began attending the Church’s Institute of Religion—even though they’re not a member. They share what it was like to navigate faith spaces as a trans, non-binary person and how Church members made them feel welcome. Atlas’ story is a reminder that understanding and connection can bloom, even when we start from very different places.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

This week in our ALL Together episode, Bree and Kit Borrowman share their powerful journey of love, identity and community. Bree, a high school science teacher, lived with gender incongruence and dysphoria for about 50 years before coming out. Since then, she’s found joy and peace living as her authentic self. Her wife, Kit, shares what it’s been like to walk this road alongside Bree. Together, they discuss the deep sense of belonging they’ve found in the LGBTQ+ community while remaining act...

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

This week in our ALL Together episode, Bree and Kit Borrowman share their powerful journey of love, identity and community. Bree, a high school science teacher, lived with gender incongruence and dysphoria for about 50 years before coming out. Since then, she’s found joy and peace living as her authentic self. Her wife, Kit, shares what it’s been like to walk this road alongside Bree. Together, they discuss the deep sense of belonging they’ve found in the LGBTQ+ community while remaining act...

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

This week in our OPEN Up episode, Ben Schilaty and Charlie Bird talk with Justin Telthorst, a gay Catholic and founder of Empty Chairs, a nonprofit working to build belonging between LGBTQ+ individuals and the Catholic Church. Justin shares his journey of faith, identity, and advocacy—discussing what it’s like to be queer in a conservative faith tradition, and how he’s found purpose in creating space for others to feel seen. It’s a powerful conversation about authenticity, hope, and t...

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

How can I be a good ally? How do you stay hopeful in a difficult world? Who is Ben’s celebrity crush? Learn the answers (and more) in this THE Exclusive episode: a live Q&A from the 2025 Gather Conference featuring Ben Schilaty, Charlie Bird and Liz Macdonald.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

This week in our IN the Scriptures episode, Clare Dalton sits down with Ben Bernards, an author, blogger, podcaster, and a beloved youth speaker known for his energetic love of the gospel. He is also a husband and father to three daughters—two of whom are trans. Together, Ben and Clare dive into the Doctrine and Covenants and reflect on what it means to truly embrace light and truth: by trusting God, overcoming fear, and letting go of previously held beliefs.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

This week in our IN the Scriptures episode, Clare Dalton sits down with Ben Bernards, an author, blogger, podcaster, and a beloved youth speaker known for his energetic love of the gospel. He is also a husband and father to three daughters—two of whom are trans. Together, Ben and Clare dive into the Doctrine and Covenants and reflect on what it means to truly embrace light and truth: by trusting God, overcoming fear, and letting go of previously held beliefs.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Our OUT and About episode this week looks a little different. Our guest Adrian (name changed) from Indonesia isn’t able to come out publicly, so he shared his experiences as an LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saint with host Iese Wilson, who retold them to Ben Schilaty. We’re grateful for every story bravely shared on All Out in the Open.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Our OUT and About episode this week looks a little different. Our guest Adrian (name changed) from Indonesia isn’t able to come out publicly, so he shared his experiences as an LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saint with host Iese Wilson, who retold them to Ben Schilaty. We’re grateful for every story bravely shared on All Out in the Open.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

This week’s ALL Together episode features Cynthia Winward and Susan Hinckley, hosts of a podcast and authors of a book called At Last She Said It. They started their podcast to amplify the unspoken thoughts and feelings of Latter-day Saint women who feel out of place. Cynthia and Susan discuss the power of hearing people’s stories, embracing change as individuals and a living Church, and loving our family members as God does.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

This week’s ALL Together episode features Cynthia Winward and Susan Hinckley, hosts of a podcast and authors of a book called At Last She Said It. They started their podcast to amplify the unspoken thoughts and feelings of Latter-day Saint women who feel out of place. Cynthia and Susan discuss the power of hearing people’s stories, embracing change as individuals and a living Church, and loving our family members as God does.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

On this week’s OPEN Up episode, Ben Schilaty and Charlie Bird share heartfelt and powerful insights gathered from a survey of LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints. What do they wish their families, leaders, and fellow Church members understood? From deeply personal reflections to recurring themes of faith, pain, and hope, this episode gives voice to experiences too often overlooked. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or seeking to better support someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

On this week’s OPEN Up episode, Ben Schilaty and Charlie Bird share heartfelt and powerful insights gathered from a survey of LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints. What do they wish their families, leaders, and fellow Church members understood? From deeply personal reflections to recurring themes of faith, pain, and hope, this episode gives voice to experiences too often overlooked. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or seeking to better support someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

This week, Clare Dalton sits down with Stefanie Reinsch to discuss Doctrine & Covenants 71–83. Stefanie shares her journey of revelation and resilience. From serving a mission to coming out as bisexual to now pursuing PA school, she reminds us that there’s more than one way to walk with God.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

This week, Clare Dalton sits down with Stefanie Reinsch to discuss Doctrine & Covenants 71–83. Stefanie shares her journey of revelation and resilience. From serving a mission to coming out as bisexual to now pursuing PA school, she reminds us that there’s more than one way to walk with God.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

On this week’s OUT and About episode, Iese Wilson talks with James Grant, a gay, neurodivergent Latter-day Saint from England currently serving on his stake high council. James shares his journey of coming out after years of denial and the role community and connection played in that process. A former missionary leader introduced James to the Questions from the Closet podcast and Gather Conference, which he later attended with his mom and had a deeply spiritual experience. He found hope and ...

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

On this week’s OUT and About episode, Iese Wilson talks with James Grant, a gay, neurodivergent Latter-day Saint from England currently serving on his stake high council. James shares his journey of coming out after years of denial and the role community and connection played in that process. A former missionary leader introduced James to the Questions from the Closet podcast and Gather Conference, which he later attended with his mom and had a deeply spiritual experience. He found hope and ...

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

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. Th...

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

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. Th...

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

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 communi...

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

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 communi...

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

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 ...

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

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 Arg...

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

In this heartfelt ALL Together episode, 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...

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

In this heartfelt ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Sara and Bryce 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...

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

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. Spenc...

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

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. Spenc...

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

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 t...

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

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 t...

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

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 de...

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025