As I have been conducting interviews for Gay Mormon Stories, I have been impacted by a phenomenon that has been striking and consistent: if we are open to it, God will affirm us as LGBT individuals and give us a…
In part 2 of 2 Matt talks about feeling unwelcome at church, and the impact of Prop 8, his research into church history and his loss of belief, his resolution with his family, his pursuit of a career in medicine,…
In part 1 of 2 Matt Salmon discusses his Mormon upbringing in a political family in Arizona, his intense efforts to conform to his religion, the ecclesiastical abuse that included disqualifying him from serving a mission due to his homosexuality,…
In part 3 of 3 Sam talks about his place in the church, his hopes for the future including his desire to have a husband and a family, and his belief about personal revelation and belief when interpreting the teachings…
In part 2 of 3 Sam Noble discusses his journey of self-acceptance, coming to terms with his sexuality, coming out to his family, and his realization that God wants him to pursue a same-sex marriage .
In part 1 of 3 Sam discusses his adolescence as a young gay man in Mormonism, his mission, and his BYU experience, focusing on the unusually positive experience he had with church leaders and counselors.
A second 2-hour conference on healing was sponsored by Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons, and is shared at Gay Mormon Stories with their permisssion. The July, 2013 conference was moderated by Tawnya Smith. Panelists included Carol Lynn Pearson, Karin Hendricks, Justis Tuia,…
In part 3 of 3 Justin talks about his life in New York, his successes as a musician, the joy of sharing his journey by sharing his music at pride festivals around the country and in Europe, his personal growth…
In part 2 of 3 Justin discusses some very difficult experiences including the suicide of his boyfriend, bad guidance from bishops, losing his job due to discrimination, his own suicidality, finally coming to terms with himself, moving forward, and moving…
In part 1 of 3 musician/song writer, Justin Utley, talks about growing up, his difficulties dealing with his orientation, his mission, and his very early success in the Mormon music scene in spite of these ongoing conflicts.