05/31/2026
I’ve heard criticism of Charlie Bird from people who believe his decision to remain active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is harmful to LGBTQ youth. I respectfully disagree.
If Lena Schwen and others are free to share their experiences and encourage people to leave the Church, then Charlie Bird should be equally free to share his experience and encourage those who want to stay.
Not every LGBTQ person has the same journey, the same beliefs, or the same goals. Some find peace outside organized religion. Others find peace within it. I believe there should be room for both stories to be told.
Charlie Bird doesn’t speak for everyone, and neither does anyone else. But for LGBTQ youth who want to maintain both their faith and their identity, his voice may be an important one to hear.
Real inclusion isn’t allowing only the stories we agree with—it’s allowing people the freedom to share their authentic experiences, even when those experiences lead them down different paths.
What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them respectfully.