Called to Queer

In this episode, we interview Nicole LaRue. We talk about her art and graphic design, being in an queer abusive relationship (and the contrast of that with her relationship with her wife now), and dealing with an eating disorder.Nicole LaRue was born in Berkeley, California. After earning her BFA from Brigham Young University, her own adventures took her across the world from South Korea to Japan, to the Oregon coast and places even farther. She currently lives and works in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both a graphic designer and illustrator, LaRue is widely known for her iconic work on the Women's March on Washington logo. She is the author, designer and illustrator of a number of books including Girl Almighty and Small & Mighty, interactive activist journals for kids. She has, most recently, collaborated with human rights lawyer, Kate Kelly on a book titled Ordinary Equality, a brilliantly graphic story of the women and queer people of the ERA.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. To monetarily support the podcast, you can donate at our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview nicholas b jacobsen. We talk about an interaction with a cop that put them back in the closet for another decade, how they became an activist, and how colonialism, white supremacy, and Mormonism are tied together.nicholas b jacobsen is a seventh-generation Utah-Mormon, trans-nonbinary settler raised in Nuwu homelands. As a creative historian, culture critic, & visual artist, their work addresses their personal and ancestral connections to the U.S. & Mormon settler-colonial-imperialist project. Through this, they work to disassimilate from the myths of white-supremacy and settler-innocence central to Mormon & U.S. cultures.  jacobsen completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in Art & Ecology at the University of New Mexico & a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics from Southern Utah University. They’ve has won many awards & have been published, podcasted, exhibited, and collected throughout the U.S. You can see more of their work at nicholasbjacobsen.com, unsettlingmormonism.com and @Unsettling_Mormonism on Instagram.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. To monetarily support the podcast, you can donate at our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Alice Abrams. We talk about realizing she was bi after she was married and had a baby (and the process of telling her husband and coming out publicly), how her art and queerness have intertwined, and getting into printmaking.M. Alice Abrams (Pritchett) is an illustrator and printmaker specializing in linoleum block print located in Vancouver, Washington. Her art work reflects her religious convictions and insights, as well as her insights and feelings about parenthood. Her goal is to create simple yet poignant artwork that makes people feel loved, seen, and welcomed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Alice recently came out as Bi-sexual and Bi-romantic on her Instagram account, and shares some of her experiences with coming out to her community of friends online. When she isn't busy carving or painting, she is trying to keep up with her lively daughters and dog with her husband.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. To monetarily support the podcast, you can donate at our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Eliza Campbell. She talks about growing up in a liberal Mormon household, believing that Jesus is an extremely radical figure, and how difficult it can be to step away from the church.Eliza Campbell is a writer and activist living in Queens, New York. She served a Mormon mission in Bulgaria and graduated from BYU, and is enthusiastic about liberation, poetry, and gas station cuisine.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. To monetarily support the podcast, you can donate at our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: SA and suicidality.In this episode, Kate reads their Medium.com article they wrote to begin 2023 about their temple experiences to start the New Year of 2019. For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. To monetarily support the podcast, you can donate at our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we talk about sex. There is a content warning for sexual assault. We cover the taboo topics that you might be too afraid to ask, and also really dig into the ways patriarchy has completely boxed out any and all ways that celebrate women's and AFAB folk's sexual experiences. We ask, "What even is sex?" and "What is lesbian sex?" We cover toys and masturbation. We also focus on healthy sexuality and consent. There's a lot here! Strap in and join us for a wild ride.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. To monetarily support the podcast, you can donate at our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Kaneesha Wardle. We talk about her not really wanting children, realizing she was queer when she was pregnant, then going through extreme postpartum depression. Kaneesha also discusses what it's like having a child diagnosed with cancer, finding moments of joy even during really hard things, and some ideas on how to deal with shame.Kaneesha Wardle recently permed her hair because it was the straightest thing about her. It's also somehow helped her tap into her inner child more, which she's really enjoyed. She may still be trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life professionally, but in her free time, she enjoys cuddles, puzzles, playing games, and coloring.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. To monetarily support the podcast, you can donate at our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Arawn Billings. Some topics we cover include dealing with chronic illness and shame, the importance of representation in art, and the stories behind some of his art pieces.Arawn is a transmasc illustrator who focuses on queer joy and representation in their art. Nature is also a source of inspiration and refuge for them. As for the rest, he'll let you know when he figures it out. You can follow him on Instagram @artbyarawn.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. To monetarily support the podcast, you can donate at our Ko-Fi page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the holidays, we don't have a normal interview episode for you today, but we do have a couple of announcements. You can now donate to the podcast to support the ongoing costs, such as hosting and editing. You can also sign up for Colette's new e-mail list to get announcements from her, including information about upcoming retreats.We hope you are having a gentle holiday season. We'll see you next week when we'll be back with another fantastic interview! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Bree Borrowman. She discusses the idea of passing versus not passing while being trans, as well as her experience transitioning publicly while being a teacher in Davis County Utah. She also talks about dealing with church membership restrictions since transitioning, while also having a firm testimony that she's following her Heavenly Parents' plan for her by helping people “on this side of the veil” instead of keeping her temple recommend.Bree Borrowman has experienced gender incongruence for about fifty years and an experience in November of 2019 caused a “coming out”. This has led to a more active role in the LGBTQIA community with a focus on transgender issues. Through this experience, Bree has come to realize and accept who she really is, the love of our Heavenly Parents and our Savior, and to appreciate and love the diversity of all people. Bree found a lifeline through the love and support of her spouse Kit and the wonderful people in the LGBTQIA community.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Laura Skaggs. Laura's been on a long journey within church; initially coming out and working for change in the church for many years before deciding to divorce her former husband and withdraw her membership. Laura also provides some insight into the trauma that queer Mormons experience, per Brian Simmon's dissertation and uses beautiful scripture metaphors (including the story of Moses) to speak about the complexity of queer Latter-day Saint experiences.Laura Skaggs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in treating spiritual trauma at the intersection of LGBTQ+ experiences and religion. Laura earned her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at San Diego State University with an emphasis in LGBTQ+ mental health within conservative religious social contexts. She went on to serve for two years on the board of directors of Affirmation LGBT+ Mormons, Families and Friends with a focus on responding to spiritual trauma and suicide prevention. Laura is also the co-creator of CWEERS Empowerment groups: a practice designed to help LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters confront social discrimination and internalized stigma. Laura is the mother of two daughters and presently sees clients full time in Provo, UT as part of Flourish Therapy Inc: a non-profit mental health clinic committed to expanding access to affordable, culturally competent, evidence-based behavioral and mental health services for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families. She also has done some beautiful writing, including this piece.For further background about David Archuleta (whom Laura references in the episode a few times), please read this article or this article.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Kyle Ashworth. We talk to him about his own experience coming into his queerness (including his mixed-orientation marriage and his marriage to his now husband) and becoming the host of a queer podcast. We also talk extensively about On the Record, a document Kyle has compiled to help establish a historical accounting of the official statements provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through the Church’s education, policy, disclosure, and messaging regarding LGBTQ+ topics. This document is vital in understanding where we're at today in regards to queer messaging within the Church.Kyle Ashworth is the voice behind Latter Gay Stories. Latter Gay Stories is an LGBTQ podcast and website resource for those in and adjacent to the intersection of LGBTQ Street and LDS Avenue. Kyle has developed resources to bring visibility to the LGBTQ+ community and establish the value of queer experiences and queer people in society. Kyle actively supports many local LGBTQ+ organizations, sits on multiple boards, and has previously served as president of the Affirmation Intermountain Region and in other community and civic positions. He is the father of four children. Kyle and his husband Jay, live in Heber City. You can follow Latter Gay Stories on Instagram and Facebook @LatterGayStories.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 1 of this episode we learned about the Lamanite Placement Program. In part 2 we learn about how Latter-day Saints can help support Native homes and communities, especially through ICWA. Souksavanh offers history and generously provides a blueprint going forward. It is not enough to just know what has happened, but to consider where we go from here. Souksavanh shares their knowledge and research about gender and how gender has been shaped by colonialism.Souksavanh T. Keovorabouth, Diné is a Ph.D. candidate at Oregon State University in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with a minor in Queer Studies and concentration in Indigenous Urban Studies and a Ph.D. Candidate at Macquarie University in Indigenous Studies. Their concentrated area of research is on Indigenous urban experience, Two-Spirit wellbeing, Relocation Act of 1950, and Native and Queer urbanization. Souksavanh is originally from Diné (Navajo) Nation but grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, is second generation Laotian, and Queer/Trans/Two-Spirit. You can connect with them on Instagram @souksavanh.t.keovorabouth.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first part of our first ever two-parter, we interview Souksavanh T. Keovorabouth. In this first episode we learn about this history of the Dine (Navajo) people and their matrilineal clans. We learn that queerness was always a part of Dine culture. Souksavanh explains the Relocation Act which moved their grandpa to Chicago and the Latter-day Saint Indian/Lamanite Placement Program when their mom, aunts, and uncles were placed in the program while their grandfather was in Chicago. Souksavanh offers a lot of history of the program's racism and how that racism continues today.Souksavanh T. Keovorabouth, Diné is a Ph.D. candidate at Oregon State University in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with a minor in Queer Studies and concentration in Indigenous Urban Studies and a Ph.D. Candidate at Macquarie University in Indigenous Studies. Their concentrated area of research is on Indigenous urban experience, Two-Spirit wellbeing, Relocation Act of 1950, and Native and Queer urbanization. Souksavanh is originally from Diné (Navajo) Nation but grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, is second generation Laotian, and Queer/Trans/Two-Spirit. You can connect with them on Instagram @souksavanh.t.keovorabouth.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Lin Flores. Some things we talk about include:The difficulties they faced being a brown queer teacher in UtahDealing with micro (and macro) aggressions in a school environmentBeing a convert to the LDS churchLin Flores (she/they) lives and works in SLC, UT as a full-time poet and creative writing student. They are enrolled in the online Creative Writing Masters Program at the University of New Orleans. Lin published her first chapbook, Reflections While Living in Utah, in 2020. This work quickly became a local bestseller, making it the most sold book at Utah’s first LBGTQ bookstore—Under The Umbrella. Lin loves art, music, history, donuts, and God. You can connect with them on Instagram @lincpoetry.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Sadi Rogers. Some things we talk about include:The realities of "leadership roulette" on how church discipline is carried out for queer individualsBeing in a mixed-orientation marriage and then going through a divorceMarrying her now wife and figuring out where she now fits in the churchSadi is a queer woman currently living in Southern California. She was raised LDS and is a wife, mother, substitute teacher, and EMT. She has 3 kids and a really awesome wife. When she’s not spending time with family or working she likes being outdoors, playing sports, or scrolling TikTok. Her love languages are taking naps and tacos. She believes that diversity is God’s gift to us to become more Christlike and hopes that sharing her story will inspire others to share their stories too. You can connect with her on Facebook or Instagram.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview ruth González-Muhlestein. Some topics we cover include: Realizing she was asexual earlier this year, after already being married and having kidsThe tendency some people have to pathologize or infantilize those that asexual What compulsory sexuality is and how people are impacted by itruth González-Muhlestein is an Orem-born, first generation Mexican-American. She’s passionate about antibias/anti-racism and enjoys reading, writing, making music and collages. She is a parent and partner, and works as a social media content creator for RISE Virtual Academy and Utah Educational Equity Coalition. You can connect with her on Instagram @asexualfeelings.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Maddison Tenney. Some topics we cover include:How disability advocacy, queer advocacy, and all types of advocacy for the marginalized interconnectHow the RaYnbow Collective came to be and the things they've accomplishedThe pushback the RaYnbow Collective received and how they dealt with itMaddison Tenney is a Queer Latter-Day Saint, artist and activist. She is the executive director of the RaYnbow Collective, an off-campus non-profit for LGBTQ+ students at BYU. She is also a staff member at Equality Utah. Maddi grew up in Oregon and Utah and is currently finishing her degree in English Literature with minors in Art and Global Women's Studies. You can connect with her on Instagram @maddi_10e.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode has a content warning, in that we talk about abuse in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.We're still on break, but we wanted to bring you this special bonus episode where we talk with Bradley Talbot about the Hulu series Mormon No More, which includes his story. Some topics we cover include:Bradley's involvement with Color the Campus and lighting of the Rainbow YOur reactions to Mormon No More (no spoilers, so if you haven't seen it, maybe catch a synopsis)Discussions of the law of chastity and abuse in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsBradley is the Founder of Color the Campus, earned his Bachelors in Psychology and Family Life at BYU and is about to start his MSW at Boston College. You can connect with him on Instagram @the_bradpad.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website.For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we wrap up the first season of our podcast, we recorded a discussion about our decision to take a break. We recognize that we have a lot of privilege when it comes to this topic and we recognize that there are elements of this discussion we are not able to discuss with enough clarity. However, some of the points we cover include:The need to rest and what that actually may look likeHow rest and community care are tied to one another, and how self-care can fall short of our needs as communitiesLeaning on the work done by disability advocates and BIPOC communities who rely on and share insights into how communities of care workThough we are taking a break, we will be back! Follow along on our social media channels (Instagram and/or Facebook) to stay up-to-date!For episode transcripts and further resources, please visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.