February 11, 2020

Hi, I’m Cheryl

My name is Cheryl Smith. Writing my story is really pushing me out of my “comfort zone” for a few reasons. First, I am a private person and I actually really care about what people think about me. It’s something … Read the rest here

Latter Gay Stories

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IN or OUT of Mormonism.

Latter Gay Stories

10 hours ago

You did it. ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Latter Gay Stories

2 days ago

The holidays can be incredibly difficult for many of us. I vividly remember, not long after my divorce, curling up on the living room floor, overcome with sadness. The house that once echoed with the giggles of my children—the perfect Mormon family—felt hollow, and my anguish seemed to be the only decorations on the walls.

That Christmas, I was alone.

My journey to discover my authentic self had brought me to this moment of isolation, full of questions and fears:

Did I do the right thing?
Am I being selfish?
Did I not try hard enough?
Will I be alone forever?

I know many of you have felt these questions too. They are real, and they’re often part of the LGBTQ+ journey.

This Christmas, some of us will gather with family, friends, or chosen family, while others will spend the day alone. Some will find themselves surrounded by love and affirmation, while others will feel the sting of rejection.

Christmas, at its heart, is a celebration of hope, of new beginnings, and divine miracles. The holiday offers the thought that we, too, are part of something sacred. Honoring your true self is a miracle of its own, and like the Christmas story, it takes time.

Perhaps that’s the quiet meaning of Christmas: time.

Even in the traditional Christmas story, the shepherds, the wise men, and the stars needed time to gather, to prepare, to arrive.

We all need some time to heal, time to grow, time to connect.

You need time.

You are needed.

Those who truly see you—those who treasure you, will find their way to you. They will come bearing love, and joy, and blessings. Some are walking to you—others are running. But they are on their way.

They. Will. Come.

In the cold of winter, our branches often feel burdened with snow and ice. Those burdens will fade. As the seasons change, the things that feel heavy melt—and they eventually find their way to our roots providing nutrients for growth.

To the seekers and believers, the religious and the questioning, the loved and the lonely, we celebrate with you. You are not alone. You are not broken. And your best days are still ahead.

There are so many gifts yet to open.

❤️
Kyle ... See MoreSee Less

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Latter Gay Stories

5 days ago

The LGBTQ+ community isn’t about indoctrination—it’s about acceptance, love, and being free to live authentically. Teaching kids to respect diversity isn’t indoctrination; it’s preparation for the real world.

Meanwhile, many churches actively shape beliefs, behaviors, and worldviews from a very young age. If we’re discussing indoctrination, it’s worth considering where unquestioning conformity is actually encouraged.

Acceptance isn’t a threat—fear and intolerance are.

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Hi, I’m Cheryl

Latter Gay Stories

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