Proximity Through Podcasts

“You should start a podcast about it!”

The suggestion came to my friend Ben from a single working mom after she missed a panel discussion by LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints. Her heart wanted to engage in vital conversations concerning faith and sexual orientation, but her demanding schedule made it impractical. A few weeks later Ben called me up and our podcast, Questions from the Closet, was born. The woman’s idea, though simple, solved more than just her scheduling conflicts. Our podcast has become a widespread, accessible way to build representation, community, and connection at the intersection of our faith and our identities. It provides a user-friendly resource for others to learn about our experience. 

As social trends have explored identity, equality, and civil rights, many members of the Church have examined how their identities interact with their faith and with Church history. Podcasting has become one of the most popular ways to share insights and experiences for Saints who belong to minority groups. Examples of this can be seen in podcasts like Beyond the Block, which explores the experience of LGBTQ+ and Black and Indigenous People of Color in the Church, and At Last She Said It, which shares gospel insights, blessings, and challenges from a female perspective. 

Identities matter. They inform how each of us are viewed and treated, and how we shape the world around us. They influence how we interact with gospel teachings, and impact how we fit in the surrounding culture. By exploring our own identities and gaining proximity to others, we can heal divisions, find validation, and increase belonging for ourselves and others. Luckily, stepping into that space doesn’t have to be daunting and impractical. It can be as simple as searching a podcast!—Charlie Bird