Who is Charlie Bird and is he gay?
In February 2019, Charlie Bird published an op-ed through the Deseret News that revealed two secrets: 1. He was the man underneath the Cosmo the Cougar suit that made national headlines and led NBC Sports to dub 2017–2018 the “Year of the Mascot.” 2. He is a gay member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Who is Charlie Bird and why does he have two secrets?
In February 2019, Charlie Bird published an op-ed through the Deseret News that revealed two secrets: 1. He was the man underneath the Cosmo the Cougar suit that made national headlines and led NBC Sports to dub 2017–2018 the “Year of the Mascot.”
Is Charlie from ‘without the mask’ gay?
He is a gay member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Next month, Charlie will release a book called “Without the Mask,” and on today’s episode we talk with Charlie about what the gospel continues to teach him as he embraces a life that is very different than the one he planned for himself.
About Us
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.
BEN SCHILATY
Welcome to the podcast! I'm an administrator and adjunct professor at Brigham Young University. I'm also a gay Latter-day Saint. I love cacti, puns, Cinnabons, and musicals. And I love talking about LGBTQ issues and trying to be funnier than Charlie. — Ben
CHARLIE BIRD
Glad you are here! I was Cosmo the Cougar at BYU. You may have seen my viral dance videos. I'm currently back at BYU pursuing a Masters degree in Social Work. I’m a gay Latter-day Saint who loves hiking, road trips, and doing backflips.
Religion & Spirituality Podcasts
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.
Season 2 Recap!
Ben and Charlie talk about their favorite episodes from Season 2 and announce a live event for next season's kickoff.
What is conversion therapy?
Ben and Charlie are joined by Dr. Steve Smith (he/him) who talks about what conversion therapy is and why he considers it a harmful practice.
What is it like to face Church discipline?
Ben and Charlie are joined by John Gustav-Wrathall and James Brinton who share their respective experiences facing Church discipline after marrying same-sex partners.
Is sexuality fluid?
Dr. Lisa Diamond (she/her) joins Ben and Charlie to share her research on sexual fluidity.
Do you think the Church will change?
Ben and Charlie discuss whether or not they expect changes in Church doctrine and policy regarding same-sex couples.
How do I recognize personal revelation?
Ben and Charlie are joined by Sarah Keller-Langford (she/her) for a discussion on how they recognize and receive personal revelation.
Change of Eating Habits
We have started to cook more with fresh produce, this not only brings the family together as we peel carrots we laugh and joke, but it also puts us in control of what we are eating more. I find this a really nice change.
The Art of Living
As you get older you start to notice slight changes in your wellbeing, you become a little sluggish, you start to develop aches and pains, you put on that little extra layer of fat. So, I am looking for ways to inspire myself to change my habits and promote wellbeing within myself.
