How Two Parents Built What They Were Praying to Find

Explicit content warning

05/06/25 • 52 min

In this heartfelt ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Bryce and Sara Cook, parents of two gay sons and founding members of ALL (Arizona LDS LGBT). After their sons came out, Bryce and Sara felt called to speak up, build bridges, and foster community. They hosted support groups in their home and organized an annual conference for LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigating faith and identity. Their efforts laid the foundation for many of the other groups and events we’ve highlighted in previous episodes of the podcast.
Bryce and Sara share the powerful story of their family’s journey and discuss how parents also have their own “coming out” process—one of unlearning and rediscovering what it means to love like Christ.

Previous Episode

Ben Reflects on Being Denied a Temple Recommend

This month on OPEN Up, Ben shares a deeply personal story about navigating the reactions of his local Church leadership after he performed a same-sex wedding.
Ben and Charlie discuss the scrutiny that LGBTQ+ Latter-Day Saints often face and how others Church members can help them feel seen.

Next Episode

A Gay Brazilian's Take on Rainbows, Raindrops, and Divine Identity (with Icaro Paraguassú)

OUT and About: Iese Wilson sits down with Icaro Paraguassú, who shares his experiences as a gay Latter-Day Saint from Brazil. They discuss faith, identity, diversity, and the need for resources that reach every language and culture.
Icaro reflects on the rainbow as both a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and a covenant with God, and how we each reflect the light of Christ in our own way. His rainbow pin opens conversations and offers quiet reassurance to those seeking belonging.
From a mission in Argentina to a leadership academy in the Czech Republic, Icaro’s story is a reminder that while our paths may differ, we’re all journeying back to the same heavenly home.