Latter Gay Stories

Latest Episodes:

132: Bernie Jessop | From Mormonism to Polygamy: How A Gay Man Found His Path Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

He was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in a turn of events Bernie was excommunicated. His excommunication didn't come because he is gay—that would come later—but because he joined a fundamentalist polygamous church.

How does someone who knows he is gay, decide to enter into polygamy? Watch this episode to find out.

The video version of this story is also available on the LatterGayStories YouTube channel (please subscribe). The audio version of this podcast is available everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.

#LatterGayStories #Polygamy #ComingOut #Authenticity

131: Laura Root | My Story of Happiness and Joy Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

For many it's a familiar story: active Latter-day Saint, hiding the feelings of same-sex attraction, and doing the things society requires of you to remain "normal".

But what happens when you can no longer do it all?

Laura Root shares her story of hope, love, pain and progress. Hers is a story of finding a path that is her own and at the same time staying close to her faith and her personal revelation. Laura came out while serving as a Relief Society President in her ward. The sisters in her ward threw her a bridal shower, soon after the wedding, her new bishop excommunicated her. But she found happiness in the journey.

We invite you to share an hour and better understand Laura's story.

Watch the video on our Facebook or YouTube channel or catch the audio podcast version everywhere you find your favorite podcasts (just search LatterGayStories and click the subscribe button).

#ComingOut #FaithAndSexuality #LatterDaySaint #GayMormon

130: Tyler Lefevor | Four Option Survey: LGBTQ/LDS Research Apr 15, 2020

Show notes

So, you've heard of the 4 OPTION SURVEY, but do you know what it is? We've got you covered! Tyler is an assistant professor of psychology at Rhodes College studying LGBTQ topics specific to Mormonism, his research aims to understand the mental health implications of gender, sexuality, faith, and their various intersections. As a self-identified queer Mormon, he is passionate about creating space for voices of all orientations and life paths to peacefully coexist. Want to take the survey? Click here: www.4optionssurvey.com

129: Keindrick Willis | My Personal, Mental and Spiritual Tug-of-War Mar 12, 2020

Show notes

A convert to the Church from Alabama, Keindrick did everything exactly "Mormon". While serving a mission to New York he also identified his sexuality.

This story is Keindrick's journey coming out, attending BYU, dealing with bigotry and finding joy in his journey.

"The pain of living closeted was greater than the pain of coming out." Keindrick shares his advice to members and Church leaders, and gives insight into his (multiple) experiences being turned into the BYU honor code office.

Please comment, like or share this episode to help us expand our reach. We also encourage you to rate this podcast episode and subscribe to this channel.

128: Debi and Aimee | Breaking Down The Barriers Feb 20, 2020

Show notes

How many years does it take to realize that you're not as straight as the church wanted you to be? For Debi and Aimee, it took almost ten. Even after living together, working together and spending all their time together, it took nearly a decade for them to realize (and accept) that they were lesbian.

"I knew what the Church teaches about people like us … it just is not true. I couldn't be happier. What we have is so good—and all good comes from God."

Listen to Debi and Aimee share their story of hope, love and happiness.

The video version of this podcast is available on the Latter Gay Stories Facebook page, our YouTube channel or online at LatterGayStories.org. You can listen to the audio version wherever you catch your favorite podcasts.

Please help us by liking, sharing and commenting on this (and our hundreds of other) podcast episodes.

127: Kyle Ashworth and Justin Utley | LifePlus Logan, Utah Event Jan 28, 2020

Show notes

Kyle Ashworth and Justin Utley join the Logan, Utah LIFEPLUS group to share their stories, some music and a few laughs. In this episode Justin sings songs from his newly released album, SCARS. Kyle discusses the topic of "belonging" and shares his personal story of coming out and thriving.

Justin and Kyle open the discussion to an audience Q&A—and the inquiries from the audience are powerful! Pay attention to the questions from mothers and fathers of LGBT children, church leaders, LGBT people and allies, and the responses they received from the speakers.

"This discussion was powerful and changed my whole perspective" -attendee

126: Skyler Wixom | My Faith. My Sexuality. My Path Forward. Jan 14, 2020

Show notes

Skyler Wixom, a BYU graduate and adjunct professor, shares his story of coming out and finding his path of authenticity and honesty. Skyler gives kind and sympathetic advice to Latter-Day Saints and Church leaders regarding his sexuality. He shares his story coming out for the first time to his mission president and the loving advice his mission president gave him.

Skyler discusses where is at today, including the transition of his faith and what led him from life as an active Mormon to exploring his sexuality. (Oh, and he's single…hint, hint...guys!)

You will learn and you will better understand by listening to Skyler's experience.

Share this invite with anyone who might be interested!

The video version of this episode is available on our Facebook page, our YouTube channel and online at www.LatterGayStories.org. The audio version is available everywhere you catch your favorite podcasts.

125: Sunny and Joe Smart | Our Story of Family and Marriage Dec 19, 2019

Show notes

Sunny Smart is gay. Her family knows, her friends know, her husband knows, and she knows. In this podcast episode, Sunny shares her story of coming out, remaining in a mixed orientation marriage, a transition of faith, and how proceeding forward in authenticity has changed her life.

She and Joe, share their experience navigating this journey together, as a family. And their decision to come out—and support the LGBT family has impacted their experience.

Their missionary son, Adam was recently denied a temple recommend and was asked to leave his mission for supporting the LGBT community and people like his own mother. The Smart's share their feelings about this tragic turn of events for their son, and what must be done to honor the journey of all people—in or out of the LDS church.

Watch this episode on the Latter Gay Stories Facebook page, online at LatterGayStories.org, on our LatterGayStories YouTube channel, or listen to the audio version wherever you catch your favorite audio podcasts. To make a donation to the podcast log onto our website at www.LatterGayStories.org and click on the donate link, or send us a donation via Venmo: @LatterGayStories

Daniel Spencer | Millions Know My Social Media Humor But Few Knew Me Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

Millions and millions of people know Daniel Spencer from his hilarious Mormon themed memes, stand-up comedy and his role on Provo's Most Eligible (a straight dating show). However, few people knew the secret that Daniel was hiding. He is gay. Daniel recently came out to his fans and to the world. This is his story about what its like to be gay, closeted and a Latter-day Saint.

Daniel talks about serving a mission, coming out to his mission president and family. Making mistakes, learning about empathy, depression, suicide, and finally finding a path of authenticity and honesty.

The video version of the episode is available online at LatterGayStories.org, on our YouTube channel or find it (along with real-time comments) on our LatterGayStories Facebook page. Please like, comment, subscribe and share this episode wherever you catch LatterGayStories.

123: Chris Richards | What Life Taught Me About Authenticity Nov 08, 2019

Show notes

Chris Richards sits down with Kyle Ashworth to share his Latter-Gay story. In this episode Chris talks about the mission, growing up "different," getting married to a woman and navigating life in a mixed orientation marriage.

He is honest. He is raw. He holds nothing back in this interview. We invite you to listen.

Chris shares the story of how his wife introduced him to Grindr, leaving the LDS Church, navigating boundaries within a non-traditional mixed-orientation marriage and so much more.

Watch the interview on our Facebook page, our YouTube channel (YouTube.com/LatterGayStories) on the LatterGayStories.org website, or listen to the audio version of this episode wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

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