Caleb Ence

Caleb Ence grew up in Santa Clara, Utah as a member of Mormon church and served an LDS mission in Botswana and Namibia. Upon returning, they attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a degree in accounting. Caleb identifies as bisexual and nonbinary and is very passionate about appreciating the beauty of the world, helping people learn about queerness, and LEGOs. 

In this episode, Caleb shares what it was like growing up in a deeply religious and politically engaged home where staying informed and involved was part of daily life. We talk about their LDS mission to Botswana and Namibia—a formative experience that completely reshaped how they saw the world. Caleb opens up about navigating religious OCD, learning how to identify what they were experiencing, and the healing that come from understanding your own mental health.

We also dive into Caleb’s journey of expanding their worldview through podcasts, books, and conversations that introduced them to perspectives outside their own. They reflect on their time at BYU, listening to stories from students whose experiences differed greatly from what they’d known, and how that shifted their understanding of equity and belonging. Caleb shares their personal journey of learning about queerness, exploring gender and sexual identity, and discovering their own (bisexual, trans, and nonbinary). We explore the importance of proximity to different communities, the power of empathy, and the joy they and their partner have found building their LEGO Instagram page to spark learning and connection within the LGBTQ community. It’s a conversation about curiosity, growth, and becoming who you truly are.

Be sure to check out Caleb’s LEGO Instagram page (linked below) to learn more about their work. If you’re looking for resources on LGBTQ+ education or support, you can also visit national organizations like The Trevor Project or A4TE.

• https://www.instagram.com/buildingbeyondthebinary/
• https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
• https://transequality.org/