I’m not gay. I have read so many beautiful and depressing stories here and as a straight woman, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, so many of you were failed by our religious community. My heart hurts with yours.
Here is my story of coming out as a supporter of our LGBTQ community.
Back in 2008, in California, we had Prop 8 (Gay Marriage). The idea of men marrying men and women marrying women never bothered me. I knew what our church preached, but I didn’t see it as a big deal or anything to get up in arms over. I knew God had a plan no matter what. I was planning on voting for legalizing gay marriage in our state that upcoming election, despite watching my stake members protest on the street corners to “protect families” (give me a break). At this time, my husband and I were made aware that getting pregnant might not be an option for my body. We planned on adopting. Someone in my ward began to feed my mind with fear telling me that if gay marriage becomes legalized, then all the adoption agencies would close. It worked. I became afraid that I would not be able to adopt. Fear overpowered logic and I considered voting against gay marriage. I prayed for answers and for faith. As we drew closer to voting time, my prayers were answered in an unconventional way than I was used to, but answered none the less and I felt the spirit tell me that what I was feeling and hearing was truth. I was told that to vote against a group of people, children of God, for one reason based out of fear and selfishness was not the right and Christlike thing to do. Not to worry because Heavenly Father had a divine plan for me and my husband to start our family and it would happen in His time. I chose to have faith over fear and proudly voted for Gay Marriage. I know my more “liberal” ideas we’re not acceptable to many in our church and in my family. I was warned that I was “allowing Satan into my mind”, yet I faithfully went to church, served my calling, partook of the sacrament and attended the temple.
I kept a close relationship with Heavenly Father.
The idea that as members of the church, we are expected to have the same political ideas, get our YW medallion, become an Eagle Scout, serve a mission, marry a return missionary, and hurry and marry in the temple that we will be cured of who we are, and that it’s all pertinent to our salvation. That’s just not true.
The true message of our pure and perfect gospel is to love one another. Feed one another, clothe one another, and provide refuge for one another. To be Christ-like to the best of our mental and physical capabilities and to seek and follow Heavenly Father’s divine plan. We are all children of God and we are all worthy of love.
I want to extend my love to each of my LGBTQ brothers and sisters and hug all of you and tell you I’m not ashamed of your design of who you are. Most importantly I want to tell you that I love you unconditionally.
We want to hear your story–here’s how to share it with us!
Each Sunday we feature a new Coming Out Story on the Latter Gay Stories blog. Coming out is an important process that is different for everyone; some experiences are difficult; while others are heart-warming and inspiring. Coming out is rarely easy–but your story will help others draw inspiration from your own experience. We rely on weekly submissions to keep the Coming Out Stories alive and invite you to share your story now.
