Judith Mehr is arguably one of the most well-known artists continually commissioned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has painted prophets, apostles, murals, and some of the most iconic gospel art used within the LDS Church. Behind that talent and her paintbrushes lived a secret. Judith was gay—and feared coming out. This is her story.
Judy shares her experience growing up closeted, college life at BYU (where she was tasked to spy on women in her dorm to determine if they were lesbians), finding (and hiding) a partner, coming out and finding her authentic self.
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Comments (3)
Lance Steele
October 30, 2019 at 9:53 am
Judith,
I liked that you said that when you come out you are saying that you are ok as you are. That has been my experience. Living in the closet for me was pantomiming that I was not ok. I could say it all I wanted to myself but until I actually acted the part out it was not real for me, I could not convince myself I was whole if I was acting out that I was not whole.
Lance Steele
October 30, 2019 at 11:04 am
I forgot to ad, thank you for articulating your experience. Your your trust in personal revelation helps to bolster others in the conviction of their own personal experience.
Camille Blackburn
October 27, 2019 at 7:48 am
Judith,
Thank you for sharing your authentic self. You are such a beautiful person! I am not gay but have family members who are and I am and always have been an ally. I am twice divorced and it’s tough for me to figure out how I fit in as a Mormon. The truth is, I don’t. But, its my heritage and hard to set aside. I am a musician at a local Methodist church, which gives me a good excuse not to attend my ward.
Blessings to you!