Charlie Bird: truths from “Expanding the Borders of Zion”
Charlie has done it again. His first book, Without the Mask Coming Out and Coming Into God’s Light, is eye-opening, vulnerably telling his story as a gay LDS man. His second book, Expanding the Borders of Zion: A Latter-day Saint Perspective on LGBTQ Inclusion, brings us along to show how Charlie’s tender stories from his own life can point the way to a more inclusive Zion that is richer for everyone.
Some of my favorite gems:
“I no longer view the gathering of Israel as bringing others into the small circle of Zion. Instead, I view it as expanding the borders of Zion to ensure it encompasses each one of God’s children. I used to think people could only be lost to sin [but] many people are actually lost to pain” (21-22).
“I discovered that belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ was very different from belonging in The Church of Jesus Christ” (70).
“Many LDS feel comfortable offering love and support to gay individuals who hate themselves. . . , but once they accept themselves or show any amount of pride, Church members often feel nervous and pull away. I believe this is the absolute worst thing you can do. The gay adolescence, combined with a distant or unsupportive family, is a recipe for danger. For gay loved ones to be safe, they have to feel comfortable living in the light” (144). (See also “Questions from the Closet,” April 4, 2023, with Charlie, Ben Schilaty and Molly Flake, for more about how to reduce the very real, crucial dangers of gay adolescence.)
“LGBTQ people don’t just belong in our meetinghouses — they are needed. They are creative, generous, valuable souls . . . whose testimonies are forged in unimaginable ways. God’s LGBTQ children are indispensable” (181-2).
Don’t miss the story of Charlie leaving a documentary film crew filming him at a Pride parade to attend a sacrament meeting (“Visitors Welcome,” 171-183). Charlie said, “No one should feel safer at a Pride parade than they do in sacrament meeting” (182). We can do better.
(Check Charlie’s website for copies of his books and a matching sticker and bookmark!)
Thank you, Charlie, for bravely pointing the way to this robust Zion, that place where Jesus Christ is calling us.
-Marci
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#mrcharliebird