Without the Mask

Coming Out and Coming Into God’s Light

De: Charlie Bird

Narrado por: Charlie Bird

Charlie Bird—the viral face of BYU during his years as Cosmo the Cougar—made waves across the nation in February when he came out and revealed to BYU fans that he is gay. Now, in Without the Mask, Bird reflects on how his identity has strengthened his testimony and how he views his sexual orientation in conjunction with his faith in Jesus Christ.

Alternating between memoir and teaching chapters, Bird’s touching and authentic prose chronicles his decision to openly share that he is gay and to remain active in the faith. Highlighting the challenges Bird has faced along the way, the book also shares the blessings he’s learned to recognize through his sexual orientation. Charlie feels deeply the importance of maintaining a relationship with God and hopes this message will “spark healing, bridge gaps of understanding and inspire hope” for other LGBTQ listeners and those who love them.

©2020 Charles Bird (P)2020 Charles Bird

A Glimmer of Hope

A friend told me about a famous mascot from BYU who came out gay. I found out that he had written a book about his experience and so I decided to dive into it. I wasn't disappointed and related so much to his experiences being "out" myself. I appreciate the way Charlie wovens his spirituality and personal stories together. I resonated with all his coming out moments to friends and family. I was really worried when he came out to his Dad. it was a moving moment. Chapter 6 - Glass Castle was a favorite with the three lessons from his Mom. Chapter 9 really hit me because I felt the same way with church leaders. But the way Charlie tells his experience helped me see things differently. I think one of the most important Chapters was 11 - Locker-Room Talk. It has a very sad and important message about what people say can really affect a person and how homophobic comments even with church members happen. I love this book and would recommend it to anyone in the Latter-Day Saint faith or not.

Beautiful, Uplifting, Encouraging

I put off reading this book for over 2 years, and I regret waiting. I was concerned that this book would cause doubts, fears or make me feel conflicted somehow. It had the exact opposite effect. Charlie shares hard stories from his life and how he overcame. He shares beautiful stories of unwaivering support from those who love him. He shares stories that exemplify bravery and resilience. He shares his testimony in such a convicting way that my faith of various principles was actually strengthened. I cried multiple times at the powerful stories of Charlie's life. I felt reassured in the fact that ALL people are important, loved, valuable and are worthy of respect and consideration. I don't know many people who are openly LGBTQ, but I do know that I want to be like Charlie's friends and family who accept, love, support and uplift all of God's children. Now onto Charlie's next book in hopes of better learning how to do just that.

A book I wish I had when my brother came out.

Charlie does a fantastic job of explaining without judging, loving without condemning, and helping without hurting back. This book is for anyone who wants to break down barriers and create authentic bridges to reconcile a faith community with the LGBTQ community. Don’t miss his second book, Expanding the Borders of Zion.