(Shared from Mormon Matters podcast at MormonMatters.org) With the renewed conversation in Mormonism about homosexuality initiated by the November 6th policy changes, it has become clear that many Latter-day Saints have never really been exposed to the breadth of research conducted in the past several decades about the biological and social factors involved in human sexual development, attraction, and identity, including homosexual orientations. It is also evident that many currently hold to older and largely disproved explanations about the causes of homosexuality and an individual’s ability to change her or his sexuality. In this four-episode arc of the Mormon Matters podcast, host Dan Wotherspoon is joined by microbiologist William Bradshaw, marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist Natasha Helfer Parker, and psychiatrist Daniel Parkinson in an attempt to suggest the scope and summarize the findings of research into these questions. Parts 1 &amp; 2  focus on the preponderance of research into the biological factors that play a huge role in our sexual orientations and identities, including sexual fluidity. Parts 3 &amp; 4 tackle the sociological and psychological research. Part 3 addresses ideas that are often held by Latter-day Saints and others that homosexual orientation is caused by factors such as sexual abuse or early sexual experimentation, or certain personality traits of one’s parents. The panelists also address issues surrounding attempts to change one’s sexual orientation. Part 4 includes a continuation of these same issues as well as a focus on what’s happening in Mormonism today and what the panelists see as being the healthiest options given the new policies that do not, at this point, seem likely to change anytime soon.

(Shared from Mormon Matters podcast at <a href="http://MormonMatters.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MormonMatters.org</a>) With the renewed conversation in Mormonism about homosexuality initiated by the November 6th policy changes, it has become clear that many Latter-day Saints have never really been exposed to the breadth of research conducted in the past several decades about the biological and social factors involved in human sexual development, attraction, and identity, including homosexual orientations. It is also evident that many currently hold to older and largely disproved explanations about the causes of homosexuality and an individual’s ability to change her or his sexuality. In this four-episode arc of the Mormon Matters podcast, host Dan Wotherspoon is joined by microbiologist William Bradshaw, marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist Natasha Helfer Parker, and psychiatrist Daniel Parkinson in an attempt to suggest the scope and summarize the findings of research into these questions. Parts 1 &amp; 2  focus on the preponderance of research into the biological factors that play a huge role in our sexual orientations and identities, including sexual fluidity. Parts 3 &amp; 4 tackle the sociological and psychological research. Part 3 addresses ideas that are often held by Latter-day Saints and others that homosexual orientation is caused by factors such as sexual abuse or early sexual experimentation, or certain personality traits of one’s parents. The panelists also address issues surrounding attempts to change one’s sexual orientation. Part 4 includes a continuation of these same issues as well as a focus on what’s happening in Mormonism today and what the panelists see as being the healthiest options given the new policies that do not, at this point, seem likely to change anytime soon.

092: Making Sense of the Research on Homosexuality— Biological Factors Part 4

091: Making Sense of the Research on Homosexuality— Biological Factors Part 3

090: Making Sense of the Research on Homosexuality— Biological Factors Part 2

089: Making Sense of the Research on Homosexuality— Biological Factors Part 1

Clark Johnsen

In this hilarious and touching episode shared with us from Mormon Stories, John Dehlin interviews Clark Johnson, an original cast member in the hit Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon. In part two, Clark recounts the events and his favorite memories leading him to join The Book of Mormon cast; from the dance department at BYU to the Broadway stage. He goes on to share scene by scene and song by song, themes from the musical that relate to his life and experience with the world.  Audio only Part 2:

In this hilarious and touching episode shared with us from Mormon Stories, John Dehlin interviews Clark Johnson, an original cast member in the hit Broadway musical, <a href="http://bookofmormonbroadway.com/show" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Book of Mormon</a>. In part two, Clark recounts the events and his favorite memories leading him to join The Book of Mormon cast; from the dance department at BYU to the Broadway stage. He goes on to share scene by scene and song by song, themes from the musical that relate to his life and experience with the world. Audio only Part 2:

088: Clark Johnsen – From BYU to Broadway’s Book of Mormon Musical Part 2

In this hilarious and touching episode shared with us from Mormon Stories, John Dehlin interviews Clark Johnson, an original cast member in the hit Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon. In part one, Clark shares his experience as a young gay Mormon coming from a conservative LDS background, his mission to Mexico, and how he and his family came to terms with his decision to leave the church.  Audio only part 1:

In this hilarious and touching episode shared with us from Mormon Stories, John Dehlin interviews Clark Johnson, an original cast member in the hit Broadway musical, <a href="http://bookofmormonbroadway.com/show" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Book of Mormon</a>. In part one, Clark shares his experience as a young gay Mormon coming from a conservative LDS background, his mission to Mexico, and how he and his family came to terms with his decision to leave the church. Audio only part 1:

087: Clark Johnsen – From BYU to Broadway’s Book of Mormon Musical Part 1

Natasha Helfer Parker from MormonMentalHealth.org interviews Lorena Tobon, who grew up as a faithful and extremely dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia.  From an early age she found herself falling in love with other women in her life – something that caused her great consternation as she tried to live the Mormon life she loved.  Serving a mission for the church, marrying her husband Elmer (who joins the discussion for part of the interview) and having two children were all part the choices she made desperately trying to deny her sexual orientation.  Lorena and Elmer discuss how they have come to a point in their marriage where they realize it is no longer sustainable and the pain involved in the decisions they are currently making to keep their family system intact as they begin a co-parenting relationship.  Lorena also shares the difficulties of coming to terms with her love for the gospel while not feeling like her experience fits in the current church culture and policies. Part 3 covers how Lorena and Elmer have attempted to handle their situation: making sense of their mixed-orientation marriage and how they chose to start resolving these types of issues for themselves.  They also discuss their hope that by telling their story they can be part of the process of helping others in similar situations and contributing to the new types of dialogue currently happening in our Mormon culture – including the address of  discrimination, limitations and harmful implications we currently face within Mormonism regarding homosexuality.

<a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Castillo-72511.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Natasha Helfer Parker from <a href="http://MormonMentalHealth.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MormonMentalHealth.org</a> interviews Lorena Tobon, who grew up as a faithful and extremely dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia.  From an early age she found herself falling in love with other women in her life – something that caused her great consternation as she tried to live the Mormon life she loved.  Serving a mission for the church, marrying her husband Elmer (who joins the discussion for part of the interview) and having two children were all part the choices she made desperately trying to deny her sexual orientation.  Lorena and Elmer discuss how they have come to a point in their marriage where they realize it is no longer sustainable and the pain involved in the decisions they are currently making to keep their family system intact as they begin a co-parenting relationship.  Lorena also shares the difficulties of coming to terms with her love for the gospel while not feeling like her experience fits in the current church culture and policies. Part 3 covers how Lorena and Elmer have attempted to handle their situation: making sense of their mixed-orientation marriage and how they chose to start resolving these types of issues for themselves.  They also discuss their hope that by telling their story they can be part of the process of helping others in similar situations and contributing to the new types of dialogue currently happening in our Mormon culture – including the address of  discrimination, limitations and harmful implications we currently face within Mormonism regarding homosexuality.

086: Lorena Tobon: Interview from Mormon Mental Health Part 3

Natasha Helfer Parker from MormonMentalHealth.org interviews Lorena Tobon, who grew up as a faithful and extremely dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia.  From an early age she found herself falling in love with other women in her life – something that caused her great consternation as she tried to live the Mormon life she loved.  Serving a mission for the church, marrying her husband Elmer (who joins the discussion for part of the interview) and having two children were all part the choices she made desperately trying to deny her sexual orientation.  Lorena and Elmer discuss how they have come to a point in their marriage where they realize it is no longer sustainable and the pain involved in the decisions they are currently making to keep their family system intact as they begin a co-parenting relationship.  Lorena also shares the difficulties of coming to terms with her love for the gospel while not feeling like her experience fits in the current church culture and policies. Part 2 covers Lorena’s young adulthood: joining the military, her mission experience, starting to come more to terms with her realization of having “same-sex attraction” (and attempts to deter those feelings), and the start of her relationship with her husband.  Elmer joins in the conversation and they begin to discuss the current situation with their marriage and their decision to slowly move towards divorce.

<a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Castillo-72511.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Natasha Helfer Parker from <a href="http://MormonMentalHealth.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MormonMentalHealth.org</a> interviews Lorena Tobon, who grew up as a faithful and extremely dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia.  From an early age she found herself falling in love with other women in her life – something that caused her great consternation as she tried to live the Mormon life she loved.  Serving a mission for the church, marrying her husband Elmer (who joins the discussion for part of the interview) and having two children were all part the choices she made desperately trying to deny her sexual orientation.  Lorena and Elmer discuss how they have come to a point in their marriage where they realize it is no longer sustainable and the pain involved in the decisions they are currently making to keep their family system intact as they begin a co-parenting relationship.  Lorena also shares the difficulties of coming to terms with her love for the gospel while not feeling like her experience fits in the current church culture and policies. Part 2 covers Lorena’s young adulthood: joining the military, her mission experience, starting to come more to terms with her realization of having “same-sex attraction” (and attempts to deter those feelings), and the start of her relationship with her husband.  Elmer joins in the conversation and they begin to discuss the current situation with their marriage and their decision to slowly move towards divorce.

085: Lorena Tobon: Interview from Mormon Mental Health Part 2

Natasha Helfer Parker from MormonMentalHealth.org interviews Lorena Tobon, who grew up as a faithful and extremely dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia. From an early age she found herself falling in love with other women in her life – something that caused her great consternation as she tried to live the Mormon life she loved. Serving a mission for the church, marrying her husband Elmer (who joins the discussion for part of the interview) and having two children were all part the choices she made desperately trying to deny her sexual orientation. Lorena and Elmer discuss how they have come to a point in their marriage where they realize it is no longer sustainable and the pain involved in the decisions they are currently making to keep their family system intact as they begin a co-parenting relationship. Lorena also shares the difficulties of coming to terms with her love for the gospel while not feeling like her experience fits in the current church culture and policies. Part 1 covers the early part of Lorena’s life, her parents conversion to the Mormon church, implications church life had on their family life, her own journey into a Mormon testimony, and the recognition she was “different” from a very early age.

<a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Castillo-72511.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Natasha Helfer Parker from <a href="http://MormonMentalHealth.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MormonMentalHealth.org</a> interviews Lorena Tobon, who grew up as a faithful and extremely dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia. From an early age she found herself falling in love with other women in her life – something that caused her great consternation as she tried to live the Mormon life she loved. Serving a mission for the church, marrying her husband Elmer (who joins the discussion for part of the interview) and having two children were all part the choices she made desperately trying to deny her sexual orientation. Lorena and Elmer discuss how they have come to a point in their marriage where they realize it is no longer sustainable and the pain involved in the decisions they are currently making to keep their family system intact as they begin a co-parenting relationship. Lorena also shares the difficulties of coming to terms with her love for the gospel while not feeling like her experience fits in the current church culture and policies. Part 1 covers the early part of Lorena’s life, her parents conversion to the Mormon church, implications church life had on their family life, her own journey into a Mormon testimony, and the recognition she was “different” from a very early age.

084: Lorena Tobon: Interview from Mormon Mental Health Part 1

In part 3 of 3, Meg and Jake talk about the urgent need for change in the church, and the damage that is being done, as well as their engagement with Mormonism as activists for the LGBT Mormon cause. . . .  Audio only part 3:

<a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2014-11-23-08.04.24-pm.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>In part 3 of 3, Meg and Jake talk about the urgent need for change in the church, and the damage that is being done, as well as their engagement with Mormonism as activists for the LGBT Mormon cause. . . . Audio only part 3:

083: Jake and Meg Abhau part 3 where they discuss the church’s impact on LGBT and their activism

Exploring the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Mormon experience through stories.

There is no such thing as a &#34;gay&#34; Mormon. We are children of God. Sure, we all have different tendencies; but we are not defined by our tendencies. Poor title. Poor content.

Poor podcast

You guys need to come back and out out more stuff. I can send subscribers your way

Update

Gay Mormon Stories Podcast

John Hamer

In part 1 of 2 John discusses his Mormon background and identity, how he lost his faith, how he managed at BYU as a gay agnostic, and how he cut Mormonism out of his life (almost) completely.    Link to Part 2 Link to GMS supplemental interview Part 1

In part 1 of 2 John discusses his Mormon background and identity, how he lost his faith, how he managed at BYU as a gay agnostic, and how he cut Mormonism out of his life (almost) completely. <a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/310011_10151398205882344_393854366_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/253351_10151398205937344_1765867971_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Link to <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/041-john-hamer-pt-2-on-coming-back-to-mormonism-by-way-of-history-and-finding-his-calling-at-the-community-of-christ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Part 2</a><a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/041-john-hamer-pt-2-on-coming-back-to-mormonism-by-way-of-history-and-finding-his-calling-at-the-community-of-christ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/041-john-hamer-pt-2-on-coming-back-to-mormonism-by-way-of-history-and-finding-his-calling-at-the-community-of-christ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Link to <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/043-john-hamer-talks-more-about-being-gay-and-his-journey-and-his-place-as-a-gay-man-in-the-community-of-christ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GMS supplemental interview</a> Part 1

040: John Hamer Pt.1 on growing up Mormon and being a gay agnostic at BYU

Carol Lynn Pearson

Lesbian Mormon

As part of a new podcast initiative called “Gay Mormon Stories” (in cooperation with Mormon Stories Book Club) we interview the beloved poet, playwright, LGBT activist and Mormon author Carol Lynn Pearson about her new book entitled, “The Hero’s Journey of the Gay and Lesbian Mormon” (click here for the Kindle version, and here for the print version). From Carol Lynn: I am so happy to introduce the fourth (and probably final) of my works that focuses on the needs of our gay brothers and sisters. We live in a wonderful day. Science has shown that a homosexual orientation is not a choice. Most people are aware that one or more of their loved ones is gay. Society and religion are moving in the direction of understanding and inclusion.  But for many of our gay family members and friends, the path is still difficult and sometimes life-threatening. I am thrilled to offer what I believe to be a beautiful “gift book” that might serve as a traveling companion providing a new and brighter vision of this journey.  What if, after all, being gay is not a defect, not a lesser life, but a different calling?– an invitation to travel the road of heroes mapped out by mythologist Joseph Campbell and find the life-giving substance that cures all ills.

As part of a new podcast initiative called “<a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gay Mormon Stories</a>” (in cooperation with <a href="http://mormonstories.org/mormon-stories-book-club/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mormon Stories Book Club</a>) we interview the beloved poet, playwright, LGBT activist and Mormon author <a href="http://mormonstories.org/questions-for-carol-lynn-pearson/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carol Lynn Pearson</a> about her new book entitled, “The Hero’s Journey of the Gay and Lesbian Mormon” (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHFI50U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00AHFI50U&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=mormstorpodc-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here for the Kindle version</a>, and <a href="http://www.clpearson.com/herosjourney.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here for the print version</a>). From Carol Lynn: <blockquote>I am so happy to introduce the fourth (and probably final) of my works that focuses on the needs of our gay brothers and sisters. We live in a wonderful day. Science has shown that a homosexual orientation is not a choice. Most people are aware that one or more of their loved ones is gay. Society and religion are moving in the direction of understanding and inclusion.  But for many of our gay family members and friends, the path is still difficult and sometimes life-threatening. I am thrilled to offer what I believe to be a beautiful “gift book” that might serve as a traveling companion providing a new and brighter vision of this journey.  What if, after all, being gay is not a defect, not a lesser life, but a different calling?– an invitation to travel the road of heroes mapped out by mythologist Joseph Campbell and find the life-giving substance that cures all ills.</blockquote>

001: Carol Lynn Pearson and “the Hero’s Journey of the Gay and Lesbian Mormon”

Sam Noble

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.    Link to part 2 here Link to part 3 here Part 1:

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 href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/553873_10100592102029759_440131679_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/309747_10100746331836989_192396193_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/164_554406717365_859_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>Link to part 2 <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/051-sam-noble-pt-2-on-accepting-his-homosexuality-coming-out-and-assessing-his-religion/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Link to part 3 <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/052-sam-noble-pt-3-on-his-place-in-the-church-as-a-gay-man/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 1:

050: Sam Noble Pt. 1 on growing up Mormon, dealing with his sexuality, his mission and BYU

In part 1 of 3 Bryan and Adam discuss their friendship that extends back to their teen years, growing up Mormon, serving missions, attending BYU, and independently taking their first steps out of the closet.    Link to Part 2 Link to Part 3 Part 1:

In part 1 of 3 Bryan and Adam discuss their friendship that extends back to their teen years, growing up Mormon, serving missions, attending BYU, and independently taking their first steps out of the closet. <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/250_43332510322_5933_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/15535_703464479559_4638975_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Link to <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/033-bryan-hendrickson-and-adam-allred-pt-2-discuss-accepting-their-orientations-and-managing-their-mormonism/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Part 2</a> Link to <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/034-bryan-hendrickson-and-adam-allred-pt-3-discuss-their-evolving-relationships-mormonism-and-moving-forward/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Part 3</a> Part 1:

032: Bryan Hendrickson and Adam Allred Pt. 1 discuss their parallel journeys, teen years, missions, BYU

John Gustav-Wrathall

In part 1 of this 4 part series John talks about his upbringing in the mission field and his intense connection to the church, his equally intense guilt related to his sexual orientation, how he danced with these  two opposing forces in his life while serving a mission and attending BYU, and how despair gained the upper hand.   Part 2 with John here Part 3 with John here Part 4 with John here Part 1:

In part 1 of this 4 part series John talks about his upbringing in the mission field and his intense connection to the church, his equally intense guilt related to his sexual orientation, how he danced with these  two opposing forces in his life while serving a mission and attending BYU, and how despair gained the upper hand. <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/005-john-gustav-wrathall-pt-1-on-his-youth-spiritual-development-and-his-descent-into-despair/424169_4950110427014_420079047_n/" rel="attachment wp-att-339 nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/406003_4950122427314_1334821090_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Part 2 with John <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/006-john-gustav-wrathall-pt-2-on-his-suicidality-on-leaving-the-church-to-survive-and-on-exploring-life-paths/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 3 with John <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/007-john-gustav-wrathall-on-living-as-a-gay-man-his-gay-marriage-and-acceptance-by-family/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 4 with John <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/008-john-gustav-wrathall-pt-4-on-his-return-to-mormonism-on-his-terms-and-his-surprising-path-to-parenthood/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 1:

005: John Gustav-Wrathall pt. 1 on his youth, spiritual development, and his descent into despair

Adam White

n part 1 of 2 Adam talks about his youth as a Mormon, and the factors that shaped him, his coming out, and his early experiences at BYU, and finding support through blogging then USGA at BYU.

n part 1 of 2 Adam talks about his youth as a Mormon, and the factors that shaped him, his coming out, and his early experiences at BYU, and finding support through blogging then USGA at BYU.

072: Adam White, Pt. 1 on his youth and BYU and coming out

Jon Abhau

In this segment Jon talks about his coming out as a gay Mormon teen, and his hopes and dreams.  This is part of a series that includes his mother Meg, and his father Jake.   

In this segment Jon talks about his coming out as a gay Mormon teen, and his hopes and dreams.  This is part of a series that includes his mother Meg, and his father Jake. <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1381795_10152278551099338_2032364765_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1939748_10152644416750620_464062737_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1964810_10152579861159338_1068071178_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>

068: Jon Abhau on coming out as a gay Mormon teen

Keaton Johnson

In part 1 of 2 Keaton talks about his unusual Mormon upbringing, and how his sexual orientation interplayed with his eating disorder and his substance use.    Link to part 2 here Part 1:

In part 1 of 2 Keaton talks about his unusual Mormon upbringing, and how his sexual orientation interplayed with his eating disorder and his substance use. <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/428334_10150557669414645_301387696_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/426818_10150576623699645_826696401_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/553572_10151036902299645_205562644_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/553572_10151036902299645_205562644_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/553572_10151036902299645_205562644_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Link to <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/059-keaton-johnson-pt-2-on-finding-love-marriage-and-being-a-parent/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">part 2 here</a> Part 1:

058: Keaton Johnson Pt. 1 on coming out, overcoming obesity and drug addiction

In part 1 of 2 Erik Lovell discusses his coming out process and discusses in-depth the importance of personal revelation in his journey.

In part 1 of 2 Erik Lovell discusses his coming out process and discusses in-depth the importance of personal revelation in his journey.<a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/200515_5335420903_6345_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/34227_440497036124_3576252_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/36973_399374415903_7786422_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>

063: Erik Lovell Pt. 1 on growing up Mormon and on personal revelation

The next few podcast interviews at Gay Mormon Stories will feature a gay man, his ex-wife and 2 of their adult sons.  The first installment is a 2 part interview with brothers Jefferson and Nathan Cloward.  In part 1 they talk about how their father’s homosexuality impacted their childhood and adolescence, including how they both developed the belief that they were responsible to save their father, how this led both of them to extreme passion and diligence on their missions, and how each of them had unexpected outcomes from their mission experiences.    Part 2 with Nathan and Jefferson here  Part 1:

<a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/167713_1537856733300_3009854_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The next few podcast interviews at Gay Mormon Stories will feature a gay man, his ex-wife and 2 of their adult sons.  The first installment is a 2 part interview with brothers Jefferson and Nathan Cloward.  In part 1 they talk about how their father’s homosexuality impacted their childhood and adolescence, including how they both developed the belief that they were responsible to save their father, how this led both of them to extreme passion and diligence on their missions, and how each of them had unexpected outcomes from their mission experiences. <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/180647_1551832442684_5191330_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/525514_10151217425998537_1606082607_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Part 2 with Nathan and Jefferson <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/013-nathan-and-jefferson-cloward-pt-2-on-coming-to-terms-with-their-fathers-homosexuality-managing-their-faith-crises-and-moving-forward-with-stronger-family-ties/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here </a> Part 1:

012: Nathan and Jefferson Cloward Pt. 1 on growing up Mormon with a gay father and their mission to save him

Matt Salmon

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, his surprising benefits from reparative therapy, and his experience of taking the issue to God which helped him finally accept himself.  Also check out Matt’s ‘It Gets Better’ youtube video.    Matts ‘It Gets Better’ video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsHmKNIf-aI  Link to part 2 here Part 1:

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, his surprising benefits from reparative therapy, and his experience of taking the issue to God which helped him finally accept himself.  Also check out Matt’s ‘It Gets Better’ youtube video. <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/wp_ss_20130708_0004.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/wp_ss_20130708_0003.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/226.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Matts ‘It Gets Better’ video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsHmKNIf-aI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsHmKNIf-aI </a> Link to part 2 <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/054-matt-salmon-pt-2-on-feeling-forced-out-of-the-church-finding-resolution-with-his-family-and-pursuing-medicine/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 1:

053: Matt Salmon Pt. 1 passes through reparative therapy and ecclesiastical abuse, before finally confirming God’s acceptance

 Wendy and Tom Montgomery are devout Mormons from California who have five children.  They were part of the movement of many LDS members who pounded on doors in 2008 to support the passage of Proposition 8, the state referendum that overturned the ruling that allowed same-sex couples to marry in California.  They did so not knowing that their oldest son Jordan was gay and that he was struggling with suicidal ideation due to the position his church had taken that homosexual behavior was sinful.  He was also worried his family would cut him off if he told them what he was struggling with.  He was 13 when he came out to his parents. This podcast interviews not only Wendy and Tom, but also Jordan (15) and his sister Susannah (14) who has become an advocate for him within the church and her community.  They discuss the struggles of loving their faith and wanting to continue with their Mormon heritage while simultaneously going through many hurtful experiences as they try to educate themselves and others and stand in unity as a family structure.  It is a wonderfully vulnerable and open window into the types of issues so many LDS families are struggling with as they grapple with the implications of our Mormon beliefs and their LGBT loved ones.  They have been recently interviewed by a wide variety of media outlets. Oblivion (A Mormon Teen Speaks Out for Others, Part 1 of 2) by Susannah Montgomery on No More Strangers: LGBT Mormon Forum Lifesaver (A Mormon Teen Speaks Out for Others, Part 2 of 2) mormonsandgays.org Family Acceptance Project: Families are Forever NPR interview: Keeping the Faith, and Loving Your Gay Son ABC interview: Mormon Mom Who Fought for Prop 8, Now Fights for Gay Son Huffington Post did an article called Gay Mormons: Wendy and Tom Montgomery Lead Push to Change LDS Church Stance on Homosexuality. Affirmation: Gay &amp; Lesbian Mormons Daniel Parkinson is the main moderator at Gay Mormon Stories Many thanks to The Lower Lights for the beautiful bumper music and to James Estrada of Oak Street Audio for audio production of this podcast. Thanks to Natasha Helfer Parker for sharing this interview from her Podcast Mormon Mental Health

<a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/1017268_10200647509364540_573110768_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Wendy and Tom Montgomery are devout Mormons from California who have five children.  They were part of the movement of many LDS members who pounded on doors in 2008 to support the passage of <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/best-moments-arguments-proposition-case-supreme-court/story?id=18817866#.UcOn4G_VCO4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proposition 8</a>, the state referendum that overturned the ruling that allowed same-sex couples to marry in California.  They did so not knowing that their oldest son Jordan was gay and that he was struggling with suicidal ideation due to the position his church had taken that homosexual behavior was sinful.  He was also worried his family would cut him off if he told them what he was struggling with.  He was 13 when he came out to his parents. This podcast interviews not only Wendy and Tom, but also Jordan (15) and his sister Susannah (14) who has become an advocate for him within the church and her community.  They discuss the struggles of loving their faith and wanting to continue with their Mormon heritage while simultaneously going through many hurtful experiences as they try to educate themselves and others and stand in unity as a family structure.  It is a wonderfully vulnerable and open window into the types of issues so many LDS families are struggling with as they grapple with the implications of our Mormon beliefs and their LGBT loved ones. <a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/17485_10200647508284513_1403979342_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> They have been recently interviewed by a wide variety of media outlets. <a href="http://www.nomorestrangers.org/oblivion-a-mormon-teen-speaks-out-for-others/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oblivion (A Mormon Teen Speaks Out for Others, Part 1 of 2)</a> by Susannah Montgomery on No More Strangers: <a href="http://www.nomorestrangers.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LGBT Mormon Forum</a> <a href="http://www.nomorestrangers.org/lifesaver-a-mormon-teen-speaks-out-for-others-part-2-of-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lifesaver (A Mormon Teen Speaks Out for Others, Part 2 of 2)</a> <a href="http://mormonsandgays.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mormonsandgays.org</a> <a href="http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Family Acceptance Project</a>: <a href="http://vimeo.com/68510570" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Families are Forever</a> <a href="http://npr.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NPR</a> interview: <a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/10/18/236946537/keeping-the-faith-and-loving-your-gay-son" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Keeping the Faith, and Loving Your Gay Son</a> <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABC</a> interview: <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/mormon-mom-fought-prop-fights-gay-son/story?id=19451081#.UcYn8D7Epkz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mormon Mom Who Fought for Prop 8, Now Fights for Gay Son</a> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a> did an article called Gay Mormons: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/08/gay-mormons-wendy-montgomery-_n_4064834.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wendy and Tom Montgomery Lead Push to Change LDS Church Stance on Homosexuality.</a> <a href="http://affirmation.org/news_2013/2013_136.shtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Affirmation: Gay &amp; Lesbian Mormons</a> Daniel Parkinson is the main moderator at <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gay Mormon Stories</a> Many thanks to <a href="http://thelowerlights.bandcamp.com/album/a-hymn-revival-volume-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lower Lights</a> for the beautiful bumper music and to James Estrada of <a href="http://oakstreetaudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oak Street Audio</a> for audio production of this podcast. Thanks to Natasha Helfer Parker for sharing this interview from her Podcast <a href="http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mormon Mental Health</a>

060: Montgomery Family Part 1, where we hear from the teen family members

John Hamer Pt

In part 2 of 2 John discusses his post-Mormon journey and his efforts to form community among ex-Mormons, becoming an expert on Mormon history, finding community at the Community of Christ, and he argues the benefits of a community that embraces ‘so-called intellectuals, feminists and homosexuals’.    Link to Part 1 here Link to GMS supplemental interview here Part 2

In part 2 of 2 John discusses his post-Mormon journey and his efforts to form community among ex-Mormons, becoming an expert on Mormon history, finding community at the Community of Christ, and he argues the benefits of a community that embraces ‘so-called intellectuals, feminists and homosexuals’. <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/284025_10150255538442344_7308259_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/480483_181968698602412_199468193_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Link to <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/040-john-hamer-pt-1-on-growing-up-mormon-and-being-a-gay-atheist-at-byu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Part 1 here</a><a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/040-john-hamer-pt-1-on-growing-up-mormon-and-being-a-gay-atheist-at-byu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/040-john-hamer-pt-1-on-growing-up-mormon-and-being-a-gay-atheist-at-byu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>Link to <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/043-john-hamer-talks-more-about-being-gay-and-his-journey-and-his-place-as-a-gay-man-in-the-community-of-christ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GMS supplemental interview here</a> Part 2

041: John Hamer Pt. 2 on coming back to Mormonism by way of history, and finding his calling at the Community of Christ

Kyle Howard

In part 1 of this 2 part presentation we hear Kyle’s coming out story from the perspective of his LDS family and the journey that they took to support him.   Audio:

In part 1 of this 2 part presentation we hear Kyle’s coming out story from the perspective of his LDS family and the journey that they took to support him. <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/1472959_10202026770023380_1976578549_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Audio:

077: Kyle Howard Pt.1  with his parents and his brother Tyler tell their story at LDSWalkWithYou.org

Justin Utley

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.    Link to part 2 here Link to part 3 here Part 1:

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. <a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/JUSTIN-UTLEY-01129.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/24595_378205391870_5613884_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/946558_10151690826824329_319083543_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC00420a11.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Link to part 2 <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/048-justin-utley-pt-2-on-difficulties-of-coming-out-dealing-with-suicide-accepting-himself-moving-forward/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Link to part 3 <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/049-justin-utley-pt-3-on-his-successes-with-his-music-career-and-his-personal-life/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 1:

047: Justin Utley Pt. 1 on growing up Mormon, his struggles, his early music and his involvement in Evergreen

In part 2 of 2 Erik discusses being gay and out at BYU, on his participation at NorthStar, on maintaining chastity while dating men.  

In part 2 of 2 Erik discusses being gay and out at BYU, on his participation at NorthStar, on maintaining chastity while dating men.<a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1004947_10151769924415904_90397216_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/302115_10150284958181479_1353227517_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/301856_3405275329482_1553412209_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>

064: Erik Lovell Pt. 2 on being out at BYU, dating and celibacy

This series continues with Nathan and Jefferson’s father Curtis Cloward. In this episode, pt. 1 of 2 with Curtis, he discusses how his happy childhood rolled over into a very troubled adolescence marked by shame and fear about his sexuality, learning to compartmentalize to survive, making a strong commitment to “fight the gay”, serving a mission with this battle, and receiving bad counseling from BYU therapists and Bishops.  Link to part 2 here Part 1:

<a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/164718_1543265548517_6963062_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This series continues with Nathan and Jefferson’s father Curtis Cloward. In this episode, pt. 1 of 2 with Curtis, he discusses how his happy childhood rolled over into a very troubled adolescence marked by shame and fear about his sexuality, learning to compartmentalize to survive, making a strong commitment to “fight the gay”, serving a mission with this battle, and receiving bad counseling from BYU therapists and Bishops. <a href="https://i2.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/399118_2379289328589_1031642217_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a>Link to part 2 <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/018-curtis-cloward-pt-2-on-marrying-to-kill-the-gay-on-plunging-into-self-destruction-on-the-shame-of-excommunication-on-divorce-starting-over-and-regaining-his-family/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 1:

017: Curtis Cloward Pt. 1 on learning to to compartmentalize  and trying to “fight the gay” as a youth and as a missionary

In part 2 of 4, John talks about his suicidal intention, how that got side-tracked, how God intervened in his life and helped him find new hope outside of the church, and his new quest to find his path.    Part 1 with John here Part 3 with John here Part 4 with John here Part 2:

In part 2 of 4, John talks about his suicidal intention, how that got side-tracked, how God intervened in his life and helped him find new hope outside of the church, and his new quest to find his path. <a href="https://i1.wp.com/gayms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/487259_4950109666995_1232459133_n.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Part 1 with John <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/005-john-gustav-wrathall-pt-1-on-his-youth-spiritual-development-and-his-descent-into-despair/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 3 with John <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/007-john-gustav-wrathall-on-living-as-a-gay-man-his-gay-marriage-and-acceptance-by-family/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 4 with John <a href="http://gayms.wpengine.com/008-john-gustav-wrathall-pt-4-on-his-return-to-mormonism-on-his-terms-and-his-surprising-path-to-parenthood/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> Part 2:

006: John Gustav-Wrathall pt. 2 on his suicidality, on leaving the church to survive, and on exploring life paths

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