Gay Mormon students at BYU come out in web video

[LAGC]

Students from a strict Mormon college that prohibits "homosexual behavior" have launched a Web video aimed at reassuring other gay and lesbian youth struggling with their faith and sexual orientation.

The video recently posted to YouTube by 22 Brigham Young University students is the first of its kind with ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which forbids gay sex and marriage. By posting the video, the students could face excommunication from the church and expulsion at BYU, where gay students are prohibited from touching or kissing.

The campaign is part of columnist Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project, which seeks to give voices and hope to bullied gay and lesbian teenagers. In the video, several BYU students confess that they considered suicide because they didn't think they could be Mormon and gay.

"In our religion, there is a lot of misunderstanding and ugliness about homosexuality," said Kendall Wilcox, a former BYU faculty member who produced the video and serves as an adviser to the school's unofficial gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender support group. "We wanted to send this message that God loves you just as you are."
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http://home.suddenlink.net/news/read.php?id=18891251&ps=1011&srce=news_class&action=4&lang=en&_LT=UNLC_USNWU00L4_UNEWS&page=1

Living in a heavily Mormon state (Idaho), I can't imagine how tough it is for these brave souls to come out like that and risk excommunication from their church and total rejection from their extended families.

But the Mormon Church is never going to change if believers from the inside don't speak up and make their voices heard.

Bravo, bravo.

[seattleblah]

1. Why the **** would they be at BYU in the first place?

I really don't understand these confused, illogical conservatives.

[LAGC]

3. There actually are quite a few liberal Mormons (mostly younger ones), esp. around Salt Lake City.

They often elect Democrats to city government positions.

The biggest problem with the Mormon Church is they have all these REALLY old white straight guys in leadership positions, with very outdated conservative views. It may take another 20 years, but new blood WILL eventually filter up and the Mormon Church WILL reform. They were late to the game accepting black people into the fold as well, but they eventually came around.

But you're right, over 80% of Mormons vote Republican, and that has got to change.

[joeybee12]

8. They're kids...lots of kids don't start questioning how they

were brought up or question their religion.

[dsc]

2. I will admit I cried a bit upon seeing it.

[SamG]

6. Understandable because some of these personal stories...

are pretty depressing.

Thanks to the goddesses for social networking, Twitter, Facebook, and other resource message boards where these young men and women can find help and support in dealing with an overbearing, non-accepting religious dogma.

I am so happy to find out that they have found each other, and can speak so openly and publicly.

[Plantaganet]

4. Wow!

I've completely forgotten about the key role the Mormon "Church" played legislating Prop 8!

Oops.

[beyurslf]

5. I am happy they managed to find peace and reconcile their hateful church's beliefs with who they are

how sad they have to reach out to those their church would cast aside and condemn to hell. I hope they reach all those who are maligned and hurt by their church's words.

I will not forget or forgive what their church has done to my community though.

[Smarmie Doofus]

7. Savage is a fucking *genius*.

It's impossible to know how many lives have been turned around and --- literally-- *saved* by this simple.... yet not so simple.... idea.

[Bohunk68]

9. I'm currently

in rehearsals for a role in the Fantasticks and the young man who plays the part of Matt is a Mormon and my gaydar says he is one of mine. He's a senior now in high school and going to Boise, ID to the Mormon college out there to study music. I was at a birthday party and one of his classmates was there and said that he thought he was gay also. And, that was a sensible lad who played our production of Mockingbird last year in the role of Jem. Great kid with a great single mom. And growing more handsome by the day.