Charlie Bird rose to fame as Brigham Young University’s viral mascot, only to reveal a deeper truth beneath the mask navigating life as an openly gay member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a church that both celebrates and excludes him.
The Mascot explores the intersection of the LGBTQ+ community and the LDS Church through the lens of Charlie Bird. While some view Charlie as an example of how queer individuals can be accepted within the Church, others see his acceptance by Church leadership as special treatment that contradicts the teachings and doctrine given by its highest authorities.