LGBT Mormon
I’m the collateral damage of Mormon racism and homophobia
By Jana Riess — January 19, 2024
(RNS) — 'Everyone knew before I did that the church was white on purpose,' writes guest columnist Carlene Fraser. 'The Saints they were 'perfecting' didn’t look like me. Think like me.'
A prominent Mormon therapist apologized for anti-LGBT activism. What’s the next step?
By Jana Riess — August 7, 2020
Guest columnist Dr. Tyler Lefevor applauds the recent apology from LDS therapist Allen Bergin, who was a prominent figure in the church's decades-long fight against homosexuality.
Gay Mormons, reparative therapy, and the safe spaces of conservative religion
By Jana Riess — May 19, 2016
Historian Benjamin E. Park says the new memoir “Saving Alex” -- which chronicles a gay teen Mormon’s nightmare of conversion therapy -- is “a reminder of the lengths people are willing to go to in denying the authenticity of homosexual voices.”
Gay Mormon rocker no longer singing praises for his faith
By Jana Riess — April 30, 2016
Tyler Glenn's new solo video "Trash" says the Mormon religion is claustrophobic for LGBT people—and since the video ends with the singer's mock death, apparently fatal.
Mormon statement officially denounces ‘abusive’ conversion therapy for LGBTs
By Jana Riess — March 17, 2016
Well, hallelujah. This is quite a turnaround for Mormon culture.
Mormon apostle urges teachers to address controversial topics like polygamy and seer stones in class
By Jana Riess — March 3, 2016
Race? Seer stones? Polygamy? Mormon apostle M. Russell Ballard says the church's seminary teachers should address controversies openly to "inoculate" students.
Gay Mormon teen chronicles nightmare of conversion therapy in “Saving Alex”
By Jana Riess — February 29, 2016
When she was 15, Alex Cooper's Mormon parents checked her in to a "conversion therapy" program that shamed her for being gay. Now she is telling her story.
LDS Church responds to alleged spike in LGBT youth suicides
By Jana Riess — January 29, 2016
Recent allegations say suicide is on the rise for LGBT Mormon teens. While the specific details are disputed, the basic message is clear: Mormons need to do much better.
More fun and games for liberal Mormons! It’s “Testimony Meeting Bingo: Marriage Equality Edition”
By Jana Riess — July 1, 2015
Yesterday's Mormon drinking game isn't much use on Fast Sunday, as a reader pointed out. But never fear: Jerrilyn Hassell Pool has created Marriage Equality Bingo instead!
Mormons respond to Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage
By Jana Riess — June 26, 2015
Like many Mormons, I'm rejoicing at the news that the Supreme Court has lifted the ban on same-sex marriage. The LDS Church, however, continues to be opposed.
Mormon Nastygrams and the “abomination” of homosexuality
By Jana Riess — June 2, 2015
This is by no means the first Mormon nastygram I’ve ever received, and it's not even close to being the worst. After five years of blogging, I've become downright philosophical about them. But several things struck me about this one.
Gay Mormon Celeste Carolin wants to stay active in the LDS Church — and to get married
By Jana Riess — May 5, 2015
Seattle Mormon Celeste Carolin wants to marry the love of her life. Under current LDS policy, that means her options are to either be excommunicated or to voluntarily resign from the Church. "I will choose neither," she says. "I choose to stay."
Mormon leaders softening on LGBT issues — to a point
By Jana Riess — March 17, 2015
The LDS Church is walking a tightrope, wanting to stand firm on its doctrinal opposition to same-sex marriage while also (a bit belatedly) affirming equal rights for LGBT persons.
Page 1 of 1
