Slog Comments
He's Mormon and He's Gay and He's Coming Out
1
Yeah... sure he'll skip sex. I bet we see him staring as Jock Video's hottest new bottom by October of this year.
2
The Mormons are always polite - in their racism, in their sexism, and in their hypocrisy. A friend from the south says she prefers the south because at least they are open about the racism. In Utah it is subtle, but still present. A gay friend was gradually excluded from all church activities save the home visits, where they made him feel so much guilt that I was afraid he was going to commit suicide (luckily he moved to California and is MUCH happier and church-free!).
5
Either they will freeze him out of the church, or at some point he will fall and love and will walk away from it. I don't see someone being that self aware at a young age staying celibate and bound to a church that will make him deny who he is for the rest of his life.
6
I'm with #5 - he can't live without love (or sex). He'll either kill himself or have to leave the church. It's interesting that he seems to be happy to come out but then deny himself love or sex. Maybe he can find another gay Mormon guy to "love" and then all will be well.
I doubt it. Mormons are really nice people but not that accepting or forgiving.
I doubt it. Mormons are really nice people but not that accepting or forgiving.
7
When I see things like this I always think: "I'm so glad I'm not a Mormon anymore!" Then I drink some coffee and have sex with my three wives.
8
@6 but not that accepting or forgiving
That's a pretty big brush you're painting them all with.
My neighbor Mormon family accepts us as people even though we're atheist. Their kids play with ours, have sleepovers etc.
Growing up Catholic I know there's a huge difference between the religion you were placed in at birth and how you act and think as an adult.
It really is too bad that religion can make this kid feel he needs to be celibate in his sexual prime.
You know he's whittling the wood like crazy....
That's a pretty big brush you're painting them all with.
My neighbor Mormon family accepts us as people even though we're atheist. Their kids play with ours, have sleepovers etc.
Growing up Catholic I know there's a huge difference between the religion you were placed in at birth and how you act and think as an adult.
It really is too bad that religion can make this kid feel he needs to be celibate in his sexual prime.
You know he's whittling the wood like crazy....
9
He'll be able to pull it off for a while, but the celibate life is a hopeless life. I was a self-loathing, churchy closet-case and remained celibate until I was 27. At some point you have a to make a choice to either be yourself and start actually living or get out. You can't go on missing out on so much of life indefinitely. Especially in the mid-twenties when all your friend start to get married, and your future is a lonely, dark tunnel with no light at the end.
12
Religion fucks up your head and then leaves you pick up the pieces yourself. As I told each family member I was gay, the first thing out of their mouth was "become a priest". Yeah, that would have solved a problem I didn't have and created a lot of new one's I didn't need..
13
Hah, he says "I think prior to now, the biggest problem was ignorance." No, ignorance is still the biggest problem. These people are shocked because they obviously do not believe that LGBT people could be normal human beings. Ignorance is why religious doctrine like Mormonism and extremely dubious research vomited by conservatives can still win people over in the face of actual scientific evidence that being gay, having gay sex, gays getting married, being a gay parent, are not harmful at all.
I'm willing to bet that the people who responded with denial and shock have never knowingly been friends with LGBT people, and the ones who responded like it wasn't a big deal have a less marginal worldview.
I'm willing to bet that the people who responded with denial and shock have never knowingly been friends with LGBT people, and the ones who responded like it wasn't a big deal have a less marginal worldview.
14
I think the video is satire (it comes from "Facetious Face Productions") but...the essential point of it is valid: the notion of loving acceptance among a lot of religious folk (not just Mormons) is that being gay is a "call to celibacy".
Which makes God a raging asshole, considering She could accomplish the same thing by just making you asexual.
Which makes God a raging asshole, considering She could accomplish the same thing by just making you asexual.
15
three choices: either accept it as a sincere, open young man trying to connect and find a place in his church for himself, which makes it realy sad OR read it as a satire, which makes it hilarious OR read it as the Mormon church using one of its poor beknighted children to re-position itself and undo some of the crapstorm they eared in Maine and California, which makes it really really really cynical.
16
14
Actually, all of the evolutionary advantages homosexual advocates claim are derived from "homosexuality" would be easier accomplished by innate asexuality.
But never let the facts get in the way of Junk "Science" Social Advocacy.
Actually, all of the evolutionary advantages homosexual advocates claim are derived from "homosexuality" would be easier accomplished by innate asexuality.
But never let the facts get in the way of Junk "Science" Social Advocacy.
17
I give him two years of celibacy, tops (at least, for his sake, I hope so). First, because he's cute, second because he said himself "for living a lonely celibate mortal life is a taste of hell, and the possibility that a person might "fall away" is always possible." Who chooses that forever? I hope he finds a god who loves him (if that is what he wants).
18
2
Ain't it the truth, sister.
We'll take Slog's blatant raving slober sputtering anti-Mormon bigotry over politeness any day.
Ain't it the truth, sister.
We'll take Slog's blatant raving slober sputtering anti-Mormon bigotry over politeness any day.
19
Would've been cute if it wasn't for the whackjob cult, lifelong celibacy crap. Also, Richard the "high school bro"? Totally gay.
21
It's possible that being an out, polite, Mormon gay man will help other Mormons accept that gays can be just like them and do not merit their or anyone's derision. Other scenarios are more likely, but sometimes humanity can surprise us.
Lack of sex doesn't actually kill people. If he feels like being celibate is his own idea, and especially if it actually is, it might not even hurt him.
Lack of sex doesn't actually kill people. If he feels like being celibate is his own idea, and especially if it actually is, it might not even hurt him.
22
21 comments and no one has yet noticed that, in the scene with his brother, their MOTHER is straddling the brother? Mormon family values?
23
Calling this satire is being generous. I don't for second believe this video is being honest. Not a single negative reaction, even from Mom? That ain't the LDS church I have experienced. Those who said he would be locked out of LDS society are right. My cynical suspicious side is screaming at me that this is either LDS propaganda to soften their image or it's just an attempt of some kids to spoof the intertoobz.
25
Admittedly, I'm straight and my gaydar is flawed, but a few of the guys that appear in this video made me think that the main dude wasn't the only gay man in that video. Just sayin'.
27
It reads legit to me. Mormons, in compensation for being outsiders, try really hard to appear accepting and hip. For example, regarding their exclusion of black men from the priesthood, most mormons, to this day, don't recognize the blatant racism; they actually think "I'm not a racist, but God is" is a valid explanation for the ban.
Same thing here. None of them think they are bigots or sexist or racist. And, given the media and culture savvy of the Church and its membership, if you turn a video camera on them, waiting for their response, they know how to respond. They're totally cool, remember.
What this poor guy fails to realize is that by choosing to associate himself with the LDS philosophy and practice, he's part of the machine that creates bigotry and racism and sexism. He's the problem.
He likely holds the Priesthood, which is denied to his sister and mother, and thinks nothing of it. He's asking for acceptance of his homosexuality, while propping up a philosophy that denies equality.
Until he takes responsibility for the damage done by his perpetuation of a failed political philosophy (mormonism), he has no right asking for acceptance.
Same thing here. None of them think they are bigots or sexist or racist. And, given the media and culture savvy of the Church and its membership, if you turn a video camera on them, waiting for their response, they know how to respond. They're totally cool, remember.
What this poor guy fails to realize is that by choosing to associate himself with the LDS philosophy and practice, he's part of the machine that creates bigotry and racism and sexism. He's the problem.
He likely holds the Priesthood, which is denied to his sister and mother, and thinks nothing of it. He's asking for acceptance of his homosexuality, while propping up a philosophy that denies equality.
Until he takes responsibility for the damage done by his perpetuation of a failed political philosophy (mormonism), he has no right asking for acceptance.
28
Two things: @22 OH MY GOD YES. Is this normal in Utah? A mom straddling her teenage son and giving him a back massage? Normal enough that it's filmed for an unrelated project? Ew!
And I was doing ok reading his website until I came across the phrase "seized to exist." As in, "as soon as classes let out, my social life seized to exist." Buh bye.
And I was doing ok reading his website until I came across the phrase "seized to exist." As in, "as soon as classes let out, my social life seized to exist." Buh bye.
30
If he remains celibate, does that mean he won't get his own planet in the afterlife?
/religion is a hoot
/religion is a hoot
31
Coming out gay but committing to never express your sexuality is like coming out as a carnivore but committing never to eat meat.
32
I think the dude is serious.
Gave me the sads. Also a boner, he's kind of hot. Do you think I could get him drunk? Oh, right, Mormons don't drink. :-)
Some religious communities are especially closed -- Mormons doubly so. Their own universities (BYU), no absolution (so he can't sin and then get back on the wagon, he'd face eternal consequences for a single blow job).
To decide against celibacy and try out being with a guy means he potentially cuts himself off from his family and all his friends. Seems like he puts his faith first, so I predict he will either be unhappy but stay alone, or more likely find a like-minded Mormon lesbian and they will together raise equally brainwashed Mormon kids. Maybe in a generation or two the Mormons will change their tune.
Still would like to get him drunk.
Gave me the sads. Also a boner, he's kind of hot. Do you think I could get him drunk? Oh, right, Mormons don't drink. :-)
Some religious communities are especially closed -- Mormons doubly so. Their own universities (BYU), no absolution (so he can't sin and then get back on the wagon, he'd face eternal consequences for a single blow job).
To decide against celibacy and try out being with a guy means he potentially cuts himself off from his family and all his friends. Seems like he puts his faith first, so I predict he will either be unhappy but stay alone, or more likely find a like-minded Mormon lesbian and they will together raise equally brainwashed Mormon kids. Maybe in a generation or two the Mormons will change their tune.
Still would like to get him drunk.
33
First he was a Mormon, now he's a gay Mormon, hopefully soon he will just be gay and no longer Mormon. Because he'll have to grow out of the LDS church in order to find love and intimacy without the guilt or self loathing. It is courageous to accept yourself as gay when you are told your whole life that it's wrong and it take courage to accept that the church you were born into is just another man-made religion and not a direct conduit to the divine. He made the first step toward freedom, I hope he completes the journey. Peace
34
How noble he is, giving up a happy and satisfying life to remain with a bigoted, hypocritical cult that worships a non-existent entity.
35
Keep in mind that Mormons have a history of changing their dogma when it is no longer convenient for them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_peop…
This is a good thing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_peop…
This is a good thing.
36
Well, I don't know if he is really gay and this video serious or not.
However, after learning of the LDS involvement in Prop 8 I started to pay attention to them and their attitudes towards gay people, and I have read dozens of blogs from gay Mormons. Nothing in this video is anything I haven't heard before from other gay Mormons. So even if he isn't legit I doubt it is satire so much as a dramatization of the true attitudes and experiences of gay Mormons.
The thing about Mormons, and some other more aware religious groups, is that they have this idea that if you are being polite and calm you aren't being hateful. They think that it is only hate if you are foaming at the mouth, using bad words and basically saying you hate.
They don't get that you can hate with a smile on your face and polite words in your mouth. They have convinced themselves that putting enormous pressure on people to conform and toe the Mormon line no matter how miserable it makes their life isn't hate.
The insidious part of Mormon belief is the idea that a family stays together into the next life. That a family is sealed and goes through eternity together. So that if you decide to leave the church you aren't just hurting yourself (in their view) but hurting all your relatives because you will be breaking up the eternal family and leaving an "empty chair" at the eternal family feast.
The idea is "how can you be so selfish as to put your own, temporary, mortal pleasure over the good of your ETERNAL family?"
Most other religions don't pretend that life goes on as normal in the afterlife, with the same kinds of familial relationships holding the same place in the existence of the individuals. But Mormonism does. In their theology you still have a special and unique relationship with your family for all eternity, and if you interfere with keeping the whole family together you are hurting these people you love FOR ALL TIME.
Talk about a guilt trip. Even the Catholic church missed out on that line of guilting into obedience.
So even if this guy isn't for real, he is a representation of real people experiencing exactly what is being depicted. Being guilted into letting go of any real opportunity for happiness in this life for a pipe dream about the next.
And Mormons continue to convince themselves that they are so wonderful when they don't kick out a gay child or call gay people names, or basically act with the minimum decency we would expect from all people, even as they use guilt and pressure to convince their children to give up hope for love, companionship, and pleasure in exchange for the hope of being able to remain part of their oppressive family for ever, as they all pat themselves on the back over how progressive they are in how they express their hate.
Hate with a smile and a nice world. It's the LDS way.
More...
However, after learning of the LDS involvement in Prop 8 I started to pay attention to them and their attitudes towards gay people, and I have read dozens of blogs from gay Mormons. Nothing in this video is anything I haven't heard before from other gay Mormons. So even if he isn't legit I doubt it is satire so much as a dramatization of the true attitudes and experiences of gay Mormons.
The thing about Mormons, and some other more aware religious groups, is that they have this idea that if you are being polite and calm you aren't being hateful. They think that it is only hate if you are foaming at the mouth, using bad words and basically saying you hate.
They don't get that you can hate with a smile on your face and polite words in your mouth. They have convinced themselves that putting enormous pressure on people to conform and toe the Mormon line no matter how miserable it makes their life isn't hate.
The insidious part of Mormon belief is the idea that a family stays together into the next life. That a family is sealed and goes through eternity together. So that if you decide to leave the church you aren't just hurting yourself (in their view) but hurting all your relatives because you will be breaking up the eternal family and leaving an "empty chair" at the eternal family feast.
The idea is "how can you be so selfish as to put your own, temporary, mortal pleasure over the good of your ETERNAL family?"
Most other religions don't pretend that life goes on as normal in the afterlife, with the same kinds of familial relationships holding the same place in the existence of the individuals. But Mormonism does. In their theology you still have a special and unique relationship with your family for all eternity, and if you interfere with keeping the whole family together you are hurting these people you love FOR ALL TIME.
Talk about a guilt trip. Even the Catholic church missed out on that line of guilting into obedience.
So even if this guy isn't for real, he is a representation of real people experiencing exactly what is being depicted. Being guilted into letting go of any real opportunity for happiness in this life for a pipe dream about the next.
And Mormons continue to convince themselves that they are so wonderful when they don't kick out a gay child or call gay people names, or basically act with the minimum decency we would expect from all people, even as they use guilt and pressure to convince their children to give up hope for love, companionship, and pleasure in exchange for the hope of being able to remain part of their oppressive family for ever, as they all pat themselves on the back over how progressive they are in how they express their hate.
Hate with a smile and a nice world. It's the LDS way.
37
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this not being satire, but all signs point to it being real.
38
I think the video is sincere. I have several reasons to think this, based on my experience with Mormons. All the Mormons I knew growing up were in theater, and had gay best friends. Most of the Mormon families I knew were not so judgmental (I don't know how the ones in Mormonism's heartland are).
As to people's reactions being too shocked (because the guy seems obviously gay), many... actually all of the Mormons I knew came across that way, too.
BTW, look at his sister's videos. Yes, they are really Mormon. Although I am suspicious that the whole family has access to the nice recording equipment.
As to people's reactions being too shocked (because the guy seems obviously gay), many... actually all of the Mormons I knew came across that way, too.
BTW, look at his sister's videos. Yes, they are really Mormon. Although I am suspicious that the whole family has access to the nice recording equipment.
39
I get the sadz from this message: I'm Mormon, I'm gay, and I'll be celibate for the rest of my life. I wanted to make this video to let other gay Mormon's know that they're not alone. They, too, can be celibate for the rest of their lives.
41
Mormons are so slogs Ninners! I hated them (Mormons) growing up as a gentile in Utah, then I moved to Seattle and (after many years) realized that Seattle liberals are exactly like Mormons in Utah! At the end of the day all I can do is have love and understanding for both groups......
44
Actual black guy here. I take offense to the "Mormons are Slog's n-----s" position (oh, and that's very cute with the 9s, asshole). Not least because of their position on black people in their church until very recently. Also, black people did not pour millions of dollars into infringing on the civil rights of other people (BTW, when you sponsor hateful shit like Prop 8, you should expect some pushback- that's hardly bullying). I don't remember black people having very much agency at all, pre-Civil Rights Movement. That was the problem, remember? And the root of the word you so carelessly, cluelessly toss around? I'd tell you to go get fucked, but you'd probably call that anti-Mormon bullying too. I don't mean it as such, honestly. But I do mean to be impolite.
45
There's are a numer of elephents always in the room when these discussionstake place.
I'll just point to a few that pop into my head
What is it about Christianity that makes being gay more than a biblical sin,sush that it becomes and obsesion. That and the ubiquitous abuse by male priests, elders etc of young men needs to be examined in the light of Christian theology, biblical studies and worship practices. (A good place to start answering some of these questions is Bishop Shelby Spongs 'The Sins of Scripture'.)
As to worship practices consider, for instance, the worship of an almost naked man, nailed to a cross often portrayed with and extatic expression on his face. Sadly political so called correctness forbids us criticising religion so we prattle on and on about the many 'evil' individuals, such as Catholic priests, who have betrayed out 'trust' yet we dare not ask what is it about that particular religion that consistently attracts peadophiles. And dont' get me started on Mormons seriously weird 'sacred' underpants.
As to the so called abominable sin of sodomy hasn't anyone noticed this isn't exclusively praciced by homosexuals?
I could go on and on but
I'll just point to a few that pop into my head
What is it about Christianity that makes being gay more than a biblical sin,sush that it becomes and obsesion. That and the ubiquitous abuse by male priests, elders etc of young men needs to be examined in the light of Christian theology, biblical studies and worship practices. (A good place to start answering some of these questions is Bishop Shelby Spongs 'The Sins of Scripture'.)
As to worship practices consider, for instance, the worship of an almost naked man, nailed to a cross often portrayed with and extatic expression on his face. Sadly political so called correctness forbids us criticising religion so we prattle on and on about the many 'evil' individuals, such as Catholic priests, who have betrayed out 'trust' yet we dare not ask what is it about that particular religion that consistently attracts peadophiles. And dont' get me started on Mormons seriously weird 'sacred' underpants.
As to the so called abominable sin of sodomy hasn't anyone noticed this isn't exclusively praciced by homosexuals?
I could go on and on but
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