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Questions from the Closet

English, Religion, 7 seasons, 174 episodes, 5 days, 8 hours, 27 minutes
About
Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty discuss questions they are commonly asked as gay members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each week they are joined by a guest to talk about a question as it relates to LGBTQ+ topics within the context of faith. To submit a question or share a comment about an episode, you can email [email protected].
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Unpacking our Different Reactions to General Conference

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. Ben shares his struggles with feelings of exclusion, while Charlie tries to validate his pain but struggles to fully connect with its source.This leads to a tense moment between the two, as they try to understand each other’s emotions but find it hard to see eye to eye. The episode sheds light on how, as LGBTQ members of the church, things that may seem harmless or unremarkable to others can be deeply triggering. It’s an honest exploration of how two people can have different emotional responses to the same event and the complexities of supporting one another through those differences.
10/22/20241 hour, 7 minutes, 54 seconds
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Navigating Identity and Faith in New Zealand (with Shaqaila Uelese)

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.
10/8/202449 minutes, 43 seconds
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How Do I Balance the 2 Great Commandments

Ben and Charlie are joined by Kade Cope to discuss how we can balance loving God and loving our neighbors.
2/27/202450 minutes, 5 seconds