Alice Abrams (she/her)
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.
Kaneesha Wardle (she/they)
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.
Laura Skaggs (she/her)
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.
Kyle Ashworth (he/him)
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.
Sadi Rogers (she/her)
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 individuals
Being in a mixed-orientation marriage and then going through a divorce
Marrying her now wife and figuring out where she now fits in the church
Sadi 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.
Meghan Decker (she/her)
Kate: Hello, and welcome to Called to Queer, where we hold space for the queer Mormon women, genderqueer and intersex experiences. I’m Kate and my pronouns are she/they. Colette: And I’m Colette and my pronouns are she/her. Kate: Today we’re talking with Meghan Decker and we’re so excited for this conversation. But before we jump […]
Dr. Lacey Bagley (she/her)
Colette: [00:00:00] Hello, and welcome to Called to Queer, where we hold space for the queer Mormon woman, genderqueer and intersex experiences. I’m Colette and my pronouns are she/her. Kate: And I’m Kate, and my pronouns are she/they, Colette: Today, we’re interviewing Dr. Lacey Bagley and we’re so excited for this conversation. But before we […]
Channing Parker
In this episode, we interview Channing Parker. Channing is podcaster, writer, and yoga instructor. She has a breadth of background knowledge focused on feminist theology, embodiment, women’s mysteries, ancient religions and spirituality, and mysticism. Channing grew up LDS, but has experienced many faith transitions which has softened dogma into fervent and abiding love. She has been a practicing witch for four years and counting, and is deeply committed to serving her community through her radical authenticity, vulnerability, and desire to leave the world better than she found it. You can connect with Channing through her work on The Faithful Feminists podcast or celebrate queer witch joy with her at @channingbparker on Instagram.
Some things Channing talks about in this episode includes:
-Discovering her sexuality recently, as a bi woman in a mixed-orientation marriage
-The intersection of patriarchy and queerness
-Discovering witchcraft and feminism around the same time and how she practices both of those
Blaire Ostler
Kate: Hello and welcome to Called to Queer, where we hold space for the queer Mormon women, nonbinary, and trans experiences. I’m Kate and my pronouns are she/they. Colette: And I’m Colette and my pronouns are she/her. Kate: Today, we’re discussing with Blaire Ostler and we’re so excited to have her here today. So excited […]