Latter Gay Stories

"I never missed general conference, I held leadership positions, I served a mission, I studied at a church school, I got married—you reach a point where you do all the things you believe are best and true, but when there are no more boxes left to check, and you still feel a certain way, you have to start to ask yourself some really significant and often difficult questions." Kent Carollo sits down with Latter Gay Stories to share his journey from the closet, to coming out and navigating a world that to him, seemed to be incredibly foreign and inaccessible. His story is a message of hope and love. It is a story of kindness and doing what is right—despite the many voices that encouraged him to "stay true to gospel truths". #LatterGayStories #ComingOut #MixedOrientationMarriages

In April of 2021, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a disciplinary council for Natasha Helfer. Natasha has been a personal ally and friend to the LGBTQ+ community. In her professional career, Natasha has opened doors to healing and growth for better mental and sexual health among queer people and their families. In this special episode, Natasha interviews Kyle Ashworth of LatterGayStories about his experience attending her disciplinary council held in Derby, Kansas. They discuss LGBTQ/Mormon relations, a little history on the topic and what the future looks like for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints. This episode originally aired on The Mormon Sex Info Podcast: Facebook.com/mormonsexinfo #LatterGayStories #Mormons #Excommunication #NatashaHelfer

Uprooting your life and making a course correction is never an easy experience. In this episode, Tanner Jones shares his experience coming out to himself, his family and his young family. He describes his experience trying to do his very best and his path to happiness—even if it meant divorce and leaving his lifelong faith tradition. Tanner's story is a candid look into the lengths many gay men will go to "do what is right" in the face of doing what is honest. This is Tanner's inspiring story of coming out, divorcing and leaving Mormonism. #LatterGayStories #ComingOut #MixedOrientationMarriage

Where do parent's turn for education, guidance, wisdom and direction when their child comes out? How does religion and society impact the well-being of our youth? What did you wish you had known prior to your child coming out? Join us for this panel discussion as we hear four candid stories from mothers who navigate this journey with their gay and lesbian children. What worked? What didn't? How can we do better? Danette Tolman and her daughter are lesbian. She shares her own personal coming out story and experience and how being queer gave her the tools to better support her daughter in her own coming out journey. Sherine Smith has a gay son. Sherine discusses the difficulties of being Latter-day Saints in this space. She offers loving advice to church leaders and other mothers on this path. Jill Mortensen has a lesbian daughter. Nuanced from Mormonism, Jill openly shares the difficulties their family experienced from the policies and doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ. Her advice to "love first" a beacon of hope and growth. Liisa Frei shares her nearly two decade journey supporting her gay son. She shares the many resources available to parents today and reassures the community that our queer youth are vital to the health of our communities.

Jessyca Fulmer's personal story was featured as a video on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' MormonAndGay website. What Jessyca's video didn't show was her personal struggle for survival. After nearly ONE MILLION views she pulled the plug and asked for it to be removed. In this episode we talk about that decision. Happily, Jessyca reunited with a high school friend, Savana Fulmer and many of life's missing pieces fell into place. They went from MormonAndGay to their wedding day. Savana, discusses her asexuality and bisexuality. And offers sweet advice for a wide audience. She talks about finally feeling a connection with someone and how in LOVE she is with Jessyca. The last half of the interview is a home-run. The whole interview is a grand-slam. This is a story for active Latter-day Saints, parents and our LGBTQ friends. Please help us share this episode. The video version of the episode is available online at LatterGayStories.org and our Facebook and YouTube channels.

It's no secret that your grandpa is Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles, but what happens when he finds out there's something you're keeping secret? Identifying as bisexual and polyamorous, coming home from his mission early, listening to conference talks written specifically about him, and honoring his happiness over tradition; Craig Call, the grandson of Elder Richard G. Scott found his own path and he shares his story with the LatterGayStories audience. Craig opens up about the preferential treatment he received growing up, the inner-workings of Mormonism, and what he's learned from life's lessons. He also answers audience questions! The video version is available on our Facebook and YouTube channels. The audio version is available everywhere you catch your favorite podcasts! #LatterGayStories

Miles Hunsaker and Jim White sit down with the Latter Gay Stories podcast to share their individual stories of coming out, finding inner peace and thriving as a couple. Both Jim and Miles 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. This episode is also available as a video podcast. You can watch it on our YouTube channel or the interactive version of this episode available on the LatterGayStories Facebook page. We invite you to subscribe to this channel and to follow us on social media and our website at www.LatterGayStories.org

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. In this episode Jenn discusses her TEDtalk: "Loving Outside the Lines". The link to that talk is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8H1BDHvbyk The video version of this episode is available on the LatterGayStories Facebook page and YouTube channel. You can find more than 100 stories like this online at www.LatterGayStories.org/episodes

"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 and 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. Give us an hour to better understand the experiences of the LGBTQ community. The video version of this podcast is available on the Latter Gay Stories Facebook page, the LatterGayStories YouTube channel and right here on LatterGayStories.org. The audio podcast version is available everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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 episode is the story of her journey after leaving her mission early and making difficult decisions to help her find peace, happiness, and her best future. Please like, share, or comment on this episode. We also invite you to subscribe to our LatterGayStories YouTube channel and LIKE the LatterGayStories Facebook page. It is stories like this that help us build bigger and stronger bridges between the LDS and LGBTQ communities.

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). The audio version of this podcast is available everywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. #LatterGayStories #Polygamy #ComingOut #Authenticity

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". But what happens when you can no longer do it all? 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 Relief Society President in her ward. The sisters in her ward threw her a bridal shower, soon after the wedding, her new bishop excommunicated her. But she found happiness in the journey. We invite you to share an hour and better understand Laura's story. Watch the video on our Facebook or YouTube channel or catch the audio podcast version everywhere you find your favorite podcasts (just search LatterGayStories and click the subscribe button). #ComingOut #FaithAndSexuality #LatterDaySaint #GayMormon

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 and life paths to peacefully coexist. Want to take the survey? Click here: 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. "The pain of living closeted was greater than the pain of coming out." Keindrick shares his advice to members and Church leaders, and gives insight into his (multiple) experiences being turned into the BYU honor code office. Please comment, like or share this episode to help us expand our reach. We also 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." Listen to Debi and Aimee share their story of hope, love and happiness. The video version of this podcast is available on the Latter Gay Stories Facebook page, our YouTube channel or online at LatterGayStories.org. You can listen to the audio version wherever you catch your favorite podcasts. Please help us by liking, sharing and commenting on this (and our hundreds of other) podcast episodes.

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. Justin and Kyle open the discussion to an audience Q&A—and the inquiries from the audience are powerful! 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. "This discussion was powerful and changed my whole perspective" -attendee

Skyler Wixom, a BYU graduate and adjunct professor, shares his story of coming out and finding his path of authenticity and honesty. Skyler gives kind and sympathetic advice to Latter-Day Saints and Church leaders regarding his sexuality. He shares his story coming out for the first time to his mission president and the loving advice his mission president gave him. Skyler discusses where is at today, including the transition of his faith and what led him from life as an active Mormon to exploring his sexuality. (Oh, and he's single…hint, hint...guys!) You will learn and you will better understand by listening to Skyler's experience. Share this invite with anyone who might be interested! The video version of this episode is available on our Facebook page, our YouTube channel and online at www.LatterGayStories.org. The audio version is available everywhere you catch your favorite podcasts.

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. Their missionary son, Adam was recently denied a temple recommend and was asked to leave his mission for supporting the LGBT community and people like his own mother. The Smart's share their feelings about this tragic turn of events for their son, and what must be done to honor the journey of all people—in or out of the LDS church. Watch this episode on the Latter Gay Stories Facebook page, online at LatterGayStories.org, on our LatterGayStories YouTube channel, or listen to the audio version wherever you catch your favorite audio podcasts. To make a donation to the podcast log onto our website at www.LatterGayStories.org and click on the donate link, or send us a donation via Venmo: @LatterGayStories

Millions and millions of people know Daniel Spencer from his hilarious Mormon themed 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. He is gay. 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 his mission president and family. Making mistakes, learning about empathy, depression, suicide, and finally finding a path of authenticity and honesty. The video version of the episode is available online at LatterGayStories.org, on our YouTube channel or find it (along with real-time comments) on our LatterGayStories Facebook page. Please like, comment, subscribe and share this episode wherever you catch LatterGayStories.

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. Watch the interview on our Facebook page, our YouTube channel (YouTube.com/LatterGayStories) on the LatterGayStories.org website, or listen to the audio version of this episode wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

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. The video version of this podcast is available on our website at LatterGayStories.org, our Facebook page and YouTube.com/LatterGayStories. We invite you to like our Facebook page where we publish content weekly and subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest video episodes of this podcast.

Yaeger Chivers sits down with the Latter Gay Stories podcast to share his story coming out in a small, Utah town, navigating his sexuality within the Church, his experiences with conversion therapy programs, and trying to please his family—while repressing his identity. He touches upon the difficulties of trying to meet the expectations of society and family, and what it took for him to live his best life, despite what others thought of him. This episode is provided in both video and audio versions on our Facebook page, YouTube channel or listen wherever you find your favorite podcast episodes.

Justin Utley, singer, songwriter and LGBTQ advocate sits down with Latter Gay Stories for an epic, in-depth interview. Justin shares the painful details of his coming out experience, conversion therapy, the deaths of people close to him and what he's doing to make a difference in the lives of the LGBTQ family. Using music and his vocal talent, Justin has performed worldwide sharing a story of hope to the LGBTQ community. He continues to fight on a local, state, national and international level for a complete ban of conversion therapy. Find Justin's latest album SCARS, available for download on his website at www.JustinUtley.com

Sometimes we need to hear the raw and candid journey—unfiltered and real. This is Brock's story. This is a no-holds barred interview where Brock shares his complete journey. It includes depression, leaving his mission early, suicidal thoughts, Grindr, hook-ups and ultimately finding love in the most unsuspecting places. Brock shares his feelings about growing up LDS and trying to tow the line to look, act and be a good Mormon. He served a mission which ultimately led his Mission President to out him to his parents. For the next hour we invite you to listen to Brock's story of survival and eventual thriving as a husband and father. The video version of this podcast episode is available at LatterGayStories.org, YouTube and on our Facebook page. We invite you to share, like and subscribe to LatterGayStories!

Let's Love Better: Susie Augenstein, Peculiar: George Deussen and the Latter Gay Stories Podcast teamed up for a Picnic In The Park to help the LGBTQ+ community, their friends, and allies share an evening of food, fun and friendship. For those allies, church and community members who are looking for ideas to better understand the LGBTQ+ experience, events like this are monumental. We become better people when we understand and involve ourselves into unfamilar situations. This short podcast/video is the program portion of the event. A special thanks to the more than 300 people who supported the picnic and to Esera J. Mose who rocked the night with his voice!

In this interview we sit down with A. Todd Jones as he shares his story of living in a mixed-orientation marriage, dating, coming out, finding authenticity and what he's doing in his life now to help the LGBTQ community. A. Todd Jones dives deep into his coming out story—a story very relatable to the many who struggle to understand who and what they are. The video version of the podcast and others are available on our Facebook and YouTube channels, online at LatterGayStories.org and the audio podcast is available wherever you find your favorite podcasts! SUBSCRIBE to our channel now!

She was married to a woman and found solace secretly cross-dressing to help her find her inner beauty. While navigating this journey to best understand her gender identity, Valerie Nicole Green took the crucial steps to live a life of authenticity and honesty. Valerie shares her story of her youth, holding stake and bishopric callings, coming out to her family and friends, life within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the death of her wife, and where her journey has taken her today. Together, we can better understand the journey our trans brothers and sisters navigate. #Transgender #TransMormon

If you're a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and navigating a journey to understand the intersection of religion and sexual orientation, we invite you to join us for this Latter Gay Stories episode. Bryce Cook is an active Latter-day Saint, father of two gay sons and the author of "What Do We Know of God's Will For His LGBT Children? An Examination of the LDS Church's Position on Homosexuality." In this episode, Bryce Cook and Kyle Ashworth fairly and candidly breakdown the history of LGBT discussion within the Church, changes within the policies and doctrines, social impacts and what the future might look like for the LDS and LGBT communities. We invite all Latter-day Saints to listen to this interview, regardless of how you personally feel regarding these topics. We invite you to follow the counsel of Elder M. Russell Ballard who invites the Saints "… to listen to and understand what our LGBT brothers and sisters are feeling and experiencing. Certainly, we must do better than we have done in the past." Link to Bryce Cook's essay: CLICK HERE #Mormons #ChurchofJesusChristofLatterdaySaints #LGBTMormon #LGBT #Gay #GayChristian

Sarah Cunha and Madison McConkie sit down with the Latter Gay Stories podcast to share their story. Sarah is a BYU graduate and remained closeted growing up in the Church. In this episode she opens up about her experience coming out, sharing the news with her family and navigating life as a gay woman at BYU. Madison shares her experience as a closeted youth, LDS missionary and student of Dixie State University. Sarah and Madison have found each other and continue their journey of authenticity and honesty, on their terms.

This episode features discussion from Ben Schilaty, a gay Latter-day Saint, Jodie Palmer, a lesbian Latter-day Saint, and Ann Pack, a transgender Latter-day Saint. Each person in this panel discussion offer their personal experiences being queer and LDS. They offer tips, suggestions and glimpses into their experience, in an effort to help others better understand their path. As Elder Ballard admonished, "...we need to listen to and understand what our LGBT brothers and sisters are feeling and experiencing. Certainly we must do better than we have done in the past so that all members feel they have a spiritual home where their brothers and sisters love them and where they have a place to worship and serve the Lord."

Tom Christofferson is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he's gay and the author of "That They May Be One," a book detailing his life is a member of the Church and how he navigates his sexuality. In this episode Tom shares his experiences and offers advice to church leaders and to the LGBTQ community from the 2019 Affirmation International Conference.

Jena Peterson is an active Latter-day Saint who identifies as gay and remains married to her husband of 14 years, Todd, in a mixed orientation marriage. In this episode, Jena discusses her personal experiences being gay and the impact it has on her membership in the Church. She shares tips to help church leaders and members better understand the LGBTQ experience.

President Michael Mayfield currently serves as a counselor in the Stake Presidency. He is a former bishop and is the father of a gay child. For President Mayfield, when his daughter came out, he was stunned, surprised, and blindsided by his daughter's revelation. In this episode President Mayfield discusses his experience as both an ecclesiastical leader and the father of a gay child. He discusses the 10 Tips For Parents from MormonAndGay.LDS.org and offers his advice to parents and church leaders in this space.

Seven years ago (while celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary in Las Vegas), Josh and Lolly Weed made a quiet blog post announcing to their friends and family that Josh was gay, and together they were navigating life in a mixed-orientation Mormon marriage. The Weeds expected to have a candid discussion about their experience, but they weren't prepared to do it on a national and worldwide stage. Their story erupted into virality with millions and millions of people sharing and weighing in on their experience. Josh and Lolly are arguably the most famous example of a mixed-orientation marriage in Mormonism. Their story has been used by LGBT allies and activists as an example of a disingenuous marriage and at the same time, Latter-day Saint leaders hailed the Weeds as an example of endurance and principle–using their story to convince other Latter-day Saints that mixed-orientation marriages were viable and healthy. Five years after their original blog post, the Weed's announced their divorce. In their first sit-down interview since their announcement of their divorce, Kyle Ashworth sits down with Josh and Lolly to discuss the beginning, middle and future of Josh and Lolly's experience.

Imagine life as a gay man growing up in an ultra-conservative Mormon family—who's weekend family activities included delivering flyers and hosting events aimed at shaming homosexuals. That was the world that Ryan grew up in. This is his story. His story includes the pain of hiding his true identity from his homophobic family, serving a mission in an effort to change his sexuality, self-harm and failed suicide attempts, marriage and divorce—and finally finding drag as an outlet to express his identity. This is a fascinating interview focusing on what it takes to find authenticity and honesty in each of our lives. And how unconventional expression can unite people.

On Mother's Day, Cher's son came out to her. From that day forward she fought to protect him and the community he belongs to. In this episode Cher discusses her journey as an LGBT ally and friend to the LDS/LGBT community. She shares the hard parts about religion, society and the traditional views of sexuality. Cher offers advice to parents of LGBT children and what her path looked like during those crucial "coming out" experiences. https://youtu.be/cyCKcECOYFU

Dr. Gregory Prince sits down with Latter Gay Stories for a unique one-on-one discussion about the actions and unintended consequences of the LDS Church's history with LGBT people and their allies. In this episode we thoroughly discuss topics including: - Why the LDS Church has doubled down against homosexuality. - Is there a genetic component (born this way) to homosexuality? - Policy vs. Doctrine: does LDS doctrine change? - What was the impact of the November 2015 Policy on Mormonism? - What does modern day scripture say about homosexuality? - Q and A session from Latter Gay Stories listeners - and so much more! Kyle Ashworth and Greg Prince take a deep dive into LDS tradition, history, and the messaging behind a topic that could be the most polarizing subject in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. PURCHASE Greg's book: Gay Rights and the Mormon Church HERE: https://tinyurl.com/y6spyuuh Dr. Gregory Prince is an historian, author, and researcher who earned his graduate degree in pathology (PhD) at UCLA. He pursued a four-decade career in pediatric infectious disease research, pioneering the world's most current treatment for RSV (infant pneumonia). His love of history led him to write four books: "Power on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood," "David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism," "Leonard Arrington and the Writing of Mormon History," and "Gay Rights and the Mormon Church: Intended Actions, Unintended Consequences."

So often the we hear stories about the first four letters of the L-G-B-T community, but rarely do we have the opportunity to hear stories from those who identify with the other letters, like A as in asexual. What is asexuality? Who identifies as asexual? What does asexuality look like? In this episode we sit down with Chad and Matt to discuss their sexuality and their reality. Their interview is genuine, wholesome and rich in continual nuggets of shared wisdom and experience. Join the online conversation on our Facebook page: Latter Gay Stories

Deb Asper is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in LGBT therapy and more particularly, LGBT trauma. And to say that she's a gem—and an asset to the community is an understatement. Her dedication to seeing that the LGBT community thrives is evident in her actions. She loves you. She wants to see you succeed, she's in your corner. In this episode Deb cuts through a lot of life's rhetoric to help you begin healing from the difficulties of your situations. She is an expert in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR) therapy used for mitigating trauma. Deb's words and tools can help you overcome feelings of shame, doubt, public harassment and other situations that prevent progress.

103 | The Latter Gay Stories Podcast rebroadcasts An Evening With Affirmation, featuring speakers Nathan Kitchen and Laurie Lee Hall. Nathan Kitchen is the current President of Affirmation and Laurie Lee Hall serves as the Senior Vice President of Affirmation. In this episode, Nathan Kitchen and Laurie Lee Hall discuss their vision for Affirmation and their hope for the future of LGBT people. Laurie Lee Hall, the former Chief Architect for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a modern day miracle. The spaces she created for the LDS church include the newly constructed Provo, Utah MTC, the historic Tabernacle at Temple Square, many chapels, exquisite temples, local meeting houses and even the famed Provo City Center Temple. Listen as Laurie tells her story of building sacred spaces, while building authenticity within herself.

102: Greg Barnett | The vital role of love, inclusion and understanding the journey each of us navigate. Greg Barnett sits down with the Latter Gay Stories podcast to share his experience navigating life as a gay man—in and out of the LDS Church. Greg was asked to give an LGBT themed talk in a sacrament meeting. He shares that talk in this episode, what he's learned along the way and what each of us can do to make the intersection of LDS Street and LGBTQ Avenue a friendlier place. Oh, and there are a few tears in this episode. You've been warned.

Jody Hansen is a suicide prevention educator sharing the QPR program to wards, stakes, and community groups throughout the state of Utah and beyond. In this episode, the Latter Gay Stories Podcast sits down with Jody to discuss ways to better educate against suicide and what we can do to help prevent this epidemic from further reaching into our families. Additionally, in this episode we discuss the LDS Church's rescission of their controversial November 2015 Policy of Exclusion and the devastating impact it made to the LGBTQ community within Mormonism. To reach out to Jody regarding a QPR training or to learn more about her training opportunities email her: [email protected]

"All of you think I am weird, and I don't even know why. I don't even know why I feel this way, or why this is uncomfortable for me." - Tyler Armstrong At age three, Tyler knew he was different. His family knew he was different. Fourteen years later, Tyler and his dad sit down with Latter Gay Stories to share their journey as a trans family. Tyler talks about bathrooms, boys, church dresses, therapy, coming out, and bishop's interviews. Drew opens up about his experiences advocating for the LGBT community even before his then daughter—now son transitioned. He shares the difficult parts of religion and what we can do to better understand this topic. Tyler and Drew invite you to ask questions and create a conversation below! Together, they want to open a dialogue to better help each of us understand transgender topics.

What happens when you hear the words, "mom and dad, I'm gay"? How do you react, what do you say, and what does the path forward look like? Aaron and Marie Jones, the parents of a lesbian daughter share a raw and candid discussion detailing their personal journey through sexuality and religion. He's a former bishop, she's an educator and wife in a rural, conservative, Utah community--factors that make any coming out experience difficult, at best. In this episode the Jones' discuss the progress they have made as they work to better understand the LGBT community, their own 'coming out' experience, and what Aaron and Marie want the LDS community to know about the power of loving people, unconditionally.

Kyle and Reece Jacobson join the Latter Gay Stories podcast to share their journey and story! The married couple share their experiences as growing up closeted, serving missions, exploring their sexuality, and coming out. Kyle discusses his experience with the Journey Into Manhood (JIM) reparative therapy program, he gives advice to young men and church leaders, what authenticity feels like and how he's found happiness. Reece shares stories about his mission, trying to find his place in life as a closeted teen, Prop 8—and swiping right on Tinder—an experience that would change his life forever. The Jacobsen's are married, they are the happy dads of a cute dog, and their life is likely as normal as yours. Catch the video version on the LatterGayStories website, Facebook page or YouTube channel for bonus video material! We add the video they made to recreate their first date and their eventual engagement!

From time to time, I like to produce a quick 10 minute or so podcast that shares a few thoughts I have had during the week, or a lesson I picked up as I have interviewed guests who are featured on this podcast. The QuickCast is a great way to reflect on a message—even during a busy day or night. On this episode I reflect on a flight I took with my young son, 7 years ago. We both love to fly around in little airplanes. And on this flight we wanted to watch the sunset on Split Mountain, a rock face at Dinosaur National Monument in eastern Utah. As I reflected on this seven-year old memory, I started thinking about how much perspectives change our lives. Enjoy!

In this touching and inspiring episode of Latter Gay Stories, Kelsey Jones and Mekael Simmons share their journey as lesbian women. Both were married to men, came out to their husbands and followed their intuition forward into a path of authenticity and honesty. Now partnered, they share their candid story, their love, and their advice to others who are in a place similar to where they began.

In January of 2018, Paul Augenstein, bishop of a Riverton Utah LDS ward, and his wife, Susie opened their chapel doors one Sunday to welcome a message of hope, inclusion and love. Their 5th Sunday LGBT Conference set into motion a movement that has created better understanding and love between the LDS and LGBT communities. In this podcast episode we discuss what compelled the Augensteins to reach into the LGBT community, their call to meet with LDS Church leaders in Salt Lake City, what the Augensteins are continuing to do within the LGBT community, and ideas to help you create a program similar to what they have created.

Welcome to season 8 of the Latter Gay Stories podcast, formerly the Gay Mormon Stories podcast! In this episode we welcome our new host, Kyle Ashworth and get a glimpse into his personal life, what to expect in season 8 of the podcast, and more!