Latter Gay Stories

Jim White and Miles Hunsaker label themselves as "late-bloomers." They came out later in life: both were married to women, with children. They each held high callings in the LDS Church and both worked to reconcile their religious teachings with what their heart testified to them. In this episode, Jim and Miles take a deep dive into personal experiences, what they did to navigate the rocky waters of uncertainty, and what led them to each other.

Shaunie Schow was a small-town Idaho woman who served as a Relief Society President and in the Stake Relief Society presidency. Jennifer Saunders was the complete opposite. Individually, they navigated their desires to love and be loved. They both worked to do good in the world and to cultivate Christlike attributes. Together, they found the measure of their creation. This is story of hope, of love, and of rising above the expectations of a community to live an authentic and honest life.

“We were not only gay. We were not only married. But we were also attending Church—with our children, and the Church didn’t know how to handle all of that. It took a couple of General Authorities to determine the fate of our family…and then November 2015 happened.” Rob Schopke & David Staker sit down with the Latter Gay Stories podcast to share their journey. Each divorced from marriages married to women. Each worked to find happiness and fulfillment. Each found each other. This is thei

Tiana story is similar to many others in her shoes. She knew from a very early age that she was different. What did that difference mean? And how do you explain something that you can’t define? Following the path laid for her, Tiana served a mission and it was in a discussion with her Mission President that she acknowledged what that “difference” was. This is her story about leaving her mission early and making difficult decisions to help her find peace, happiness, and her best future.

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) and online at LatterGayStories.org.

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”. 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 RS President in her ward. The sisters gave her a bridal shower, and shortly after she was excommunicated.

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. Link to the survey: www.4optionssurvey.com

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. Keindrick shares his advice to members and Church leaders, and gives insight into his (multiple) experiences being turned into the BYU honor code office. We encourage you to rate this podcast episode and subscribe to this channel. 

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.”

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. They open the discussion to an audience Q&A. 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.

Skyler Wixom, a BYU graduate and adjunct professor, shares his story. Skyler gives sympathetic advice to Latter-Day Saints and Church leaders and shares his story coming out to his mission president and the loving advice his mission president gave. Skyler discusses where is at today, including the transition of his faith. You will learn and you will better understand by listening to Skyler’s experience.

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. Donate now at www.LatterGayStories.org

Millions of people know Daniel from his hilarious Mormon 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. 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 family, learning about empathy, depression; suicide, and finally finding a path of authenticity and honesty.

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.

Judith Mehr is arguably one of the most well-known artists 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. From college life at BYU (where she was tasked to spy on women in her dorm to determine if they were lesbians), to finding (and hiding) a partner, coming out and more!