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655: Omar and Nancy Kader - The Journey of a Palestinian Boy Raised in Utah and His Amazing Wife Pt. 3
25 september 2016 · 1 uur 15 min
Dr. Omar Kader was born in Provo, Utah to Palestinian immigrants. HIs father was a devout Muslim and a disabled World War I vet who owned a successful Provo fruit farm. During Omar's childhood he and his family were called the n-word by fellow Provoans, but fought to earn the respect of his community. Omar and his father were close friends of Dr. Hugh Nibley, who liked to practice his Arabic skills with Omar's dad. Lees meer
In this epic multi-part series, we hear several inspiring stories, including:
How Omar escaped Palestine after being sent back there by his father to prevent him from marrying a Utah woman.
How Dr. Hugh Nibley fought to help Omar enroll in Brigham Young University.
How Omar met, courted, and married his amazing wife Nancy - a brilliant Mormon girl from Ogden, UT (this courtship included his conversion to the LDS faith). We also touch on what it was like to enter into a multi-cultural marriage in Utah during the 1960s.
Omar's draft into the Vietnam War (serving in Germany)
How Omar and Nancy risked expulsion from BYU for fighting against the Vietnam war and for supporting the BYU Student Democratic Party during the Earnest L. Wilkinson administration -- and how Hugh Nibley came to their rescue.
Omar's experiences obtaining a Ph.D. in International Relations at USC, along with his 10 year career at BYU wherein he faced both considerable racism and heroic support from certain BYU faculty and administrators.
Nancy's work with the Democratic party in Utah, which included interactions with actor Robert Redford.
Omar's decision to leave BYU and move to Washington D.C.
Omar's work as a lobbyist for Arab-Americans, which included meetings with Yasser Arafat and King Hussein of Jordan.
The part Omar played in helping BYU obtain the land to build the BYU Jerusalem center, which he later grew to regret.
Omar's scorching critiques of LDS apostles Ezra Taft Benson and Jeffrey R. Holland.
Omar's work as a successful businessman in Washington D.C. against a…
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654: Omar and Nancy Kader - The Journey of a Palestinian Boy Raised in Utah and His Amazing Wife Pt. 2
25 september 2016 · 1 uur 31 min
Dr. Omar Kader was born in Provo, Utah to Palestinian immigrants. HIs father was a devout Muslim and a disabled World War I vet who owned a successful Provo fruit farm. During Omar's childhood he and his family were called the n-word by fellow Provoans, but fought to earn the respect of his community. Omar and his father were close friends of Dr. Hugh Nibley, who liked to practice his Arabic skills with Omar's dad. Lees meer
In this epic multi-part series, we hear several inspiring stories, including:
How Omar escaped Palestine after being sent back there by his father to prevent him from marrying a Utah woman.
How Dr. Hugh Nibley fought to help Omar enroll in Brigham Young University.
How Omar met, courted, and married his amazing wife Nancy - a brilliant Mormon girl from Ogden, UT (this courtship included his conversion to the LDS faith). We also touch on what it was like to enter into a multi-cultural marriage in Utah during the 1960s.
Omar's draft into the Vietnam War (serving in Germany)
How Omar and Nancy risked expulsion from BYU for fighting against the Vietnam war and for supporting the BYU Student Democratic Party during the Earnest L. Wilkinson administration -- and how Hugh Nibley came to their rescue.
Omar's experiences obtaining a Ph.D. in International Relations at USC, along with his 10 year career at BYU wherein he faced both considerable racism and heroic support from certain BYU faculty and administrators.
Nancy's work with the Democratic party in Utah, which included interactions with actor Robert Redford.
Omar's decision to leave BYU and move to Washington D.C.
Omar's work as a lobbyist for Arab-Americans, which included meetings with Yasser Arafat and King Hussein of Jordan.
The part Omar played in helping BYU obtain the land to build the BYU Jerusalem center, which he later grew to regret.
Omar's scorching critiques of LDS apostles Ezra Taft Benson and Jeffrey R. Holland.
Omar's work as a successful businessman in Washington D.C. against a…
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653: Omar and Nancy Kader - The Journey of a Palestinian Boy Raised in Utah and His Amazing Wife Pt. 1
25 september 2016 · 1 uur 7 min
Dr. Omar Kader was born in Provo, Utah to Palestinian immigrants. HIs father was a devout Muslim and a disabled World War I vet who owned a successful Provo fruit farm. During Omar's childhood he and his family were called the n-word by fellow Provoans, but fought to earn the respect of his community. Omar and his father were close friends of Dr. Hugh Nibley, who liked to practice his Arabic skills with Omar's dad. Lees meer
In this epic multi-part series, we hear several inspiring stories, including:
How Omar escaped Palestine after being sent back there by his father to prevent him from marrying a Utah woman.
How Dr. Hugh Nibley fought to help Omar enroll in Brigham Young University.
How Omar met, courted, and married his amazing wife Nancy - a brilliant Mormon girl from Ogden, UT (this courtship included his conversion to the LDS faith). We also touch on what it was like to enter into a multi-cultural marriage in Utah during the 1960s.
Omar's draft into the Vietnam War (serving in Germany)
How Omar and Nancy risked expulsion from BYU for fighting against the Vietnam war and for supporting the BYU Student Democratic Party during the Earnest L. Wilkinson administration -- and how Hugh Nibley came to their rescue.
Omar's experiences obtaining a Ph.D. in International Relations at USC, along with his 10 year career at BYU wherein he faced both considerable racism and heroic support from certain BYU faculty and administrators.
Nancy's work with the Democratic party in Utah, which included interactions with actor Robert Redford.
Omar's decision to leave BYU and move to Washington D.C.
Omar's work as a lobbyist for Arab-Americans, which included meetings with Yasser Arafat and King Hussein of Jordan.
The part Omar played in helping BYU obtain the land to build the BYU Jerusalem center, which he later grew to regret.
Omar's scorching critiques of LDS apostles Ezra Taft Benson and Jeffrey R. Holland.
Omar's work as a successful businessman in Washington D.C. against a…
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652: One Ordinary Family's Extraordinary Mormon Transition Pt. 3
15 september 2016 · 52 min
In this epic, three-part interview with Paul, Lisa, and Kyle, we learn about one ordinary Mormon family’s extraordinary Mormon transition. Topics covered in this episode include: Lees meer
Living as an orthodox Mormon family in rural Utah.
Dealing with a crisis of faith in a large, orthodox Mormon family.
Living in a mixed-faith marriage.
How to ineffectively and effectively communicate with believing family members (siblings, extended family).
Dealing with a missionary in the field while the family is having a crisis of faith.
Supporting a gay child.
Leaving the church after decades of service, and in mid-life.
As a parent, sitting outside your own child’s wedding.
Finding communities of support (and joy) after leaving the church.
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651: One Ordinary Family's Extraordinary Mormon Transition Pt. 2
15 september 2016 · 1 uur 17 min
In this epic, three-part interview with Paul, Lisa, and Kyle, we learn about one ordinary Mormon family’s extraordinary Mormon transition. Topics covered in this episode include: Lees meer
Living as an orthodox Mormon family in rural Utah.
Dealing with a crisis of faith in a large, orthodox Mormon family.
Living in a mixed-faith marriage.
How to ineffectively and effectively communicate with believing family members (siblings, extended family).
Dealing with a missionary in the field while the family is having a crisis of faith.
Supporting a gay child.
Leaving the church after decades of service, and in mid-life.
As a parent, sitting outside your own child’s wedding.
Finding communities of support (and joy) after leaving the church.
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650: One Ordinary Family's Extraordinary Mormon Transition Pt. 1
15 september 2016 · 1 uur 18 min
In this epic, three-part interview with Paul, Lisa, and Kyle, we learn about one ordinary Mormon family’s extraordinary Mormon transition. Topics covered in this episode include: Lees meer
Living as an orthodox Mormon family in rural Utah.
Dealing with a crisis of faith in a large, orthodox Mormon family.
Living in a mixed-faith marriage.
How to ineffectively and effectively communicate with believing family members (siblings, extended family).
Dealing with a missionary in the field while the family is having a crisis of faith.
Supporting a gay child.
Leaving the church after decades of service, and in mid-life.
As a parent, sitting outside your own child’s wedding.
Finding communities of support (and joy) after leaving the church.
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BONUS: M. Russell Ballard Regional Broadcast - 9-11-2016
12 september 2016 · 35 min
M. Russell Ballard Regional Broadcast - 9-11-2016
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649: Sam Young - Living the Law of Common Consent by Voting Opposed
8 september 2016 · 2 uur 21 min
Sam Young lived as an orthodox Mormon for several decades, including a full term as an LDS bishop and many years as a stake high counselor. After stumbling on the LDS Gospel Topics Essays and learning about Joseph Smith's polyandry, the Book of Abraham translation problems, etc. -- and specifically after the LDS Church November 2015 policy change regarding LGBT members and their children -- Sam experienced an LDS faith crisis. Lees meer
Over time, Sam developed his own method for expressing concern about LDS policy and administrative problems -- he decided to begin living the Law of Common Consent as found in Doctrine and Covenants 26, which to him means that during every ward, stake and general conference Sam will be voting opposed when asked to sustain the LDS first presidency and the quorum of the 12 apostles. Sam is also inviting other LDS church members to consider a similar approach if they object to recent policy and administrative changes.
This interview includes Jamie Hanis Handy and Sam's 85 year old mother, Bertie, who recently resigned her church membership over similar concerns to Sam.
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648: Missionaries Pt. 6: Jacob - Sent Home Early for Cuddling with Zone Leader
30 augustus 2016 · 1 uur 18 min
Jacob realized he was gay only a few months before he left for his LDS mission. He served in the San Jose, Costa Rica mission from August 2012 to September 2013. Lees meer
While serving in Costa Rica, a zone leader became attracted to Jacob, and as they began to do "splits," During these splits, Jacob and his ZL would occasionally "cuddle" in bed - but did not engage in any overt sexual behaviors.
This is Jacob's mission story.
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647: Missionaries Pt. 5: Rose Sorenson - Becoming an Atheist as a Missionary
23 augustus 2016 · 54 min
Rose Sorenson was raised in a devout LDS household (Idaho Falls, ID), but began having doubts as a 12 year old. Although she continued to struggle with perfectionism and doubts as a teenager, Rose decided that the LDS church's decision in 2013 to lower the missionary age for women was a "sign" that she should serve a mission to strengthen her testimony. Lees meer
She served in the Georgia Atlanta North Mission from March 2013 to August 2014.
After a year of struggling with her testimony, including bouts of depression and anxiety -- and after reading the Book of Mormon four times without receiving a spiritual witness that the book was true -- Rose decided that she was an atheist, but remained determined to complete her mission.
This is Rose's story.
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646: Missionaries Pt. 4: Tormented over "Self Abuse", Disillusioned by Uninspired Mission Leadership
17 augustus 2016 · 1 uur 29 min
Tre was raised in Oakland, CA as a bi-racial Mormon (Filipino mother and New Zealander/Maori father). While he was very committed doctrinally to Mormonism, he was not crazy about Mormon culture, and was taught the fundamentals of critical thinking from a young age. Prior to and during his mission, Tre was tormented by doubts, along with teachings and rules regarding "self abuse." For over a year on his mission Tre was taught that lack of success on his mission was due to these practices/weaknesses. After becoming zone leader, Tre became aware of a sex scandal that reached the highest levels of missionary leadership. This is Tre’s story. Lees meer
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645: Missionaries Pt. 3: Mike Woodruff – Gay, Abused on Mission, PTSD, Early Return
11 augustus 2016 · 1 uur 1 min
Mike Woodruff knew that he was attracted to men by age 14. After consulting with his LDS bishop, he was told that his “same-sex attraction” would “resolve itself” once he served an LDS mission. His LDS patriarchal blessing also assured him that he would serve a complete LDS mission. Lees meer
After being called to the Leeds, England mission, Mike was physically and emotionally abused by his first companion. Suffering with severe PTSD symptoms, he tried for two months to remain in the mission, but did not receive appropriate mental health care. Instead, his mission-assigned therapist focused primarily on encouraging Mike to read his scriptures and pray more, which only reinforced his feelings of shame/blame as an abuse victim. In addition, Mike’s abusive companion was never punished for the abuse (to his knowledge), and was simply reassigned to other missionaries.
Mike ended up returning home early from his mission (after 3 months of service), and spent several years trying to reconcile the shame/guilt that he felt, heal from his PTSD, and reconcile his same-sex sexuality. Mike consulted North Star LDS to help him manage his sexuality and remain faithful LDS, but this approach ultimately led him to a suicide attempt.
Mike ultimately found peace and mental health by leaving the LDS church, and coming out as a gay man.
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644: Missionaries Pt. 2 – Depression, Faith Crisis, Suicidality
9 augustus 2016 · 52 min
Today's interviewee was a graduate of Dartmouth University and a regular listener to Mormon Stories podcast when she decided to serve an LDS mission in 2012. Towards the latter half of her mission she began to experience depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, due in part to a culture of perfectionism within Mormonism, along with doubts she began to experience as a missionary (primarily around LGBT and historical issues). When she informed her mission president of her depressive symptoms, he allowed her only three visits to a talk therapist. Lees meer
Over time on her mission, she began to experience significant suicidal ideation, and on the final month of her mission was self-admitted to a psychiatric behavioral health unit/hospital. After her stay in the hospital, she decided that she no longer believed the church to be true, and terminated her mission service early (a few weeks shy of completion). While the LDS church attempted to make her parents pay her hospital bills while a missionary, her parents declined and threatened to sue the church if they continued with such insistences.
Eventually she decided to leave the LDS church, and has experienced significant improvement in her mental health, and elimination of her suicidality, as a result of this decision. At present, she is engaged to be married and works as a nurse at Planned Parenthood in California.
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643: Missionaries Pt. 1 - Joshua Tesch and Facebook
4 augustus 2016 · 1 uur 13 min
Joshua Tesch served in the California Roseville Mission from 2013 to 2015. When the LDS church introduced the use of Facebook and iPads to missionaries, Elder Tesch was asked by his mission president to become one of the "Tech Missionaries" to help the mission adopt the new technology. Through this new program Elder Tesch was exposed to credible information critical of the LDS church, including the http://cesletter.org. Over time Elder Tesch developed a faith crisis and turned to the Mormon Stories Podcast Community on Facebook for support. Ultimately his involvement in the MSPC was reported to his mission president and his iPad was taken away. He continued as a missionary until his final month, when his mission president sent him home dishonorably for openly sharing his doubts. Lees meer
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642: John Dehlin "Ask Me Almost Anything" on Facebook Live
21 juli 2016 · 1 uur 16 min
John Dehlin answers questions from a live audience via Facebook Live! This episode was recorded on July 20, 2016.
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Elder Steven E. Snow Candidly Explains Why the LDS Gospel Topics Essays Are Not Publicized by the Church
16 juli 2016 · 3 min
Elder Steven E. Snow candidly explains why the LDS Gospel Topics Essays are not publicized by the LDS Church.
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641: Grieving Together: Processing the Recent (and Continual) Loss of Black Lives in America
9 juli 2016 · 1 uur 20 min
In this episode we invite Mica McGriggs, Dr. Darron Smith, and Dr. Fatimah Salleh to discuss the recent (and continual) loss of black lives in America due to to police action.
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640: Staying Active in the LDS Church as an Unorthodox Member
30 juni 2016 · 2 uur 34 min
In this episode Gina Colvin, Ph.D., Dan Wotherspoon, Ph.D., and Thomas McConkie explore the path of staying active in the LDS Church as an unorthodox member. This episode was recorded live at Studio at 50 West in Salt Lake City on June 15, 2016.
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Summer 2016 Mormon Transitions Events: Phoenix, Salt Lake City/Park City, Dallas, Los Angeles/Las Vegas
28 juni 2016 · 2 min
Summer 2016 Mormon Transitions Events: Phoenix, Salt Lake City/Park City, Dallas, Los Angeles/Las Vegas
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639: Dr. Thomas Murphy on the Book of Mormon, DNA, His Cancelled Disciplinary Council, and Native American Anthropology Pt. 2
21 juni 2016 · 1 uur 53 min
In 2002 anthropologist Thomas Murphy, Ph.D. published the first peer reviewed academic journal article on DNA and the Book of Mormon, demonstrating that DNA evidence (at the time) did not support the Book of Mormon's historical claims. Dr. Murphy was subsequently summoned to an LDS disciplinary council for apostasy, but the disciplinary council was "called off" at the last minute, and he has not been pursued since. Lees meer
In this podcast series, Dr. Murphy discusses:
His early years in the LDS church.
His loss of LDS belief as a young adult as a result of military service, demonstrated lack of inspiration on the part of his church leaders, and information he learned as an anthropologist working primarily amongst native Americans.
His research and publication regarding DNA and the Book of Mormon.
His work as an anthropologist in Latin America, including work in Mexico and Guatemala.
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638: Dr. Thomas Murphy on the Book of Mormon, DNA, His Cancelled Disciplinary Council, and Native American Anthropology Pt. 1
21 juni 2016 · 1 uur 10 min
In 2002 anthropologist Thomas Murphy, Ph.D. published the first peer reviewed academic journal article on DNA and the Book of Mormon, demonstrating that DNA evidence (at the time) did not support the Book of Mormon's historical claims. Dr. Murphy was subsequently summoned to an LDS disciplinary council for apostasy, but the disciplinary council was "called off" at the last minute, and he has not been pursued since. Lees meer
In this podcast series, Dr. Murphy discusses:
His early years in the LDS church.
His loss of LDS belief as a young adult as a result of military service, demonstrated lack of inspiration on the part of his church leaders, and information he learned as an anthropologist working primarily amongst native Americans.
His research and publication regarding DNA and the Book of Mormon.
His work as an anthropologist in Latin America, including work in Mexico and Guatemala.
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BONUS: Reply All Podcast Episode #55 - "The Line"
21 juni 2016 · 35 min
#55 The Line Lees meer
February 18, 2016
“I was so thirsty and hungry after the truth, my whole body aching for answers.” Hans Mattsson, LDS Church leader 2000-05
This week we have a story about a big group of people with the same questions. Difficult, complicated, heartbreaking ones. These people all have one thing in common — they’re Mormons. Reporter Karen Duffin tells their story.
Further Reading
Mormon Stories Podcast
New York Times story, “Some Mormons Search the Web and Find Doubt”
New Essays on LDS Church Website
The Facts
Our theme song is by The Mysterious Breakmaster Cylinder.
Our ad music is by Build Buildings.
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637: The Mama Dragons and the Mama Dragons Story Project
27 mei 2016 · 2 uur 40 min
The Mama Dragons group consists of almost 1,000 Mormon, post-Mormon, and now never-Mormon women who are dedicated to: Lees meer
1) Loving their LGBT children.
2) Preventing LGBT youth suicide.
3) Supporting parents of LGBT children to better love and support their children.
4) Rescuing rejected LGBT children from homelessness and abuse.
5) Attending funerals of deceased LGBT youth in support of the surviving families.The Mama Dragons Story Project attempts to collect portraits and autobiographical essays from mothers with LGBT children for their children.
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636: Rape in Mormon Culture
12 mei 2016 · 2 uur 17 min
In this episode Dr. John Dehlin and Lindsay Hansen Park (Feminist Mormon Housewives, Sunstone, Year of Polygamy, Color of Heaven) host a panel discussion about rape within Mormon culture. The panel features Aubri Parameter, an assault survivor, Kathryn Jones-Porter, a victim's advocate in Salt Lake County, and Donna Kelly, who has worked as a prosecutor for the last twenty-four years, devoting much of her time to working with victims of sex crimes. Lees meer
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635: Mormons Respond to Tyler Glenn's Controversial "Trash" Music Video
7 mei 2016 · 1 uur 8 min
In this episode 5 Mormons (Dr. Jana Riess, Dr. Kristy Money, Samy Galvez, Derrick Clements, and Samantha Louise Shelley) discuss, explore, and interpret Tyler Glenn's new and controversial music video entitled "Trash." Lees meer
Trash Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNqnLdX4TM8Trash Lyrics:
http://genius.com/Tyler-glenn-trash-lyrics -
634: Clay Christensen Threatened with Excommunication for his Podcast Interview
4 mei 2016 · 47 min
In December, 2015 Mormon Stories interviewed Clay Christensen
and his brother-in-law Matt Elggren about Matt's loss of LDS faith
in 2003, and Clay's subsequent loss of LDS faith in October of 2015
after 50 years active LDS membership, and after 7 years as a
high-level LDS Church employee. Lees meerIn April, 2016 Clay was contacted by his stake president
and invited to a disciplinary council to be excommunicated for
apostasy. This is Clay's update since his December, 2015
interview. -
633: Tyler Glenn Pt. 3 - Tyler's Faith Crisis
15 april 2016 · 1 uur 18 min
Tyler Glenn is best known as the lead singer of the multi-platinum alternative pop band Neon Trees. Lees meer
Tyler was raised LDS/Mormon in Temecula, California. After discovering a love for music in high school and serving an LDS mission, Tyler moved to Provo, UT with his buddy Chris to form Neon Trees (named after the trees on the In and Out signs). Neon Trees signed with Mercury Records in 2009 and went on to release three successful alternative pop albums: Habits (2010), Picture Show (2012), and Pop Psychology (2014).
Tyler knew he was gay as a child, but struggled as a teen and adult to reconcile his sexuality with his LDS faith. These struggles took Tyler to some sad/dark places, which were only exacerbated by his fame as a pop star. At age 27 (around the release of Picture Show), Tyler seriously contemplated ending his life.
In spite of these struggles, Tyler remained a full and literal believer in the LDS Church. In 2014 Tyler decided that being a closeted gay man was contributing to his suicidality. Consequently he came out as gay to his family, band, friends -- and to the world in Rolling Stone magazine -- prior to the release of Pop Psychology. From this point forward it was Tyler's full intent to find and marry a gay man, and to raise children in the LDS church as a gay married Mormon.
Then, in November of 2015, the LDS church released its new policy branding same-sex married Mormons as immediate apostates, and prohibiting children of same-sex married couples from being baptized. This policy change sent Tyler into a tailspin, ultimately shattering his plans as a believing, gay Mormon.
In this three part interview, we explore:
Part 1: Tyler's early years as a young Mormon struggling with his sexuality.
Part 2: Tyler's ascent (along with Neon Trees) into stardom...and the sadness/despair that followed.
Part 3: Tyler's faith crisis instigated by the LDS policy change, along with his current beliefs/views regarding the LDS Church.
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632: Tyler Glenn Pt. 2 - Struggling with Fame and Authenticity
15 april 2016 · 1 uur 56 min
Tyler Glenn is best known as the lead singer of the multi-platinum alternative pop band Neon Trees. Lees meer
Tyler was raised LDS/Mormon in Temecula, California. After discovering a love for music in high school and serving an LDS mission, Tyler moved to Provo, UT with his buddy Chris to form Neon Trees (named after the trees on the In and Out signs). Neon Trees signed with Mercury Records in 2009 and went on to release three successful alternative pop albums: Habits (2010), Picture Show (2012), and Pop Psychology (2014).
Tyler knew he was gay as a child, but struggled as a teen and adult to reconcile his sexuality with his LDS faith. These struggles took Tyler to some sad/dark places, which were only exacerbated by his fame as a pop star. At age 27 (around the release of Picture Show), Tyler seriously contemplated ending his life.
In spite of these struggles, Tyler remained a full and literal believer in the LDS Church. In 2014 Tyler decided that being a closeted gay man was contributing to his suicidality. Consequently he came out as gay to his family, band, friends -- and to the world in Rolling Stone magazine -- prior to the release of Pop Psychology. From this point forward it was Tyler's full intent to find and marry a gay man, and to raise children in the LDS church as a gay married Mormon.
Then, in November of 2015, the LDS church released its new policy branding same-sex married Mormons as immediate apostates, and prohibiting children of same-sex married couples from being baptized. This policy change sent Tyler into a tailspin, ultimately shattering his plans as a believing, gay Mormon.
In this three part interview, we explore:
Part 1: Tyler's early years as a young Mormon struggling with his sexuality.
Part 2: Tyler's ascent (along with Neon Trees) into stardom...and the sadness/despair that followed.
Part 3: Tyler's faith crisis instigated by the LDS policy change, along with his current beliefs/views regarding the LDS Church.
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631: Tyler Glenn Pt. 1 - Early Years as a Gay Mormon Teen
14 april 2016 · 1 uur 58 min
Tyler Glenn is best known as the lead singer of the multi-platinum alternative pop band Neon Trees. Lees meer
Tyler was raised LDS/Mormon in Temecula, California. After discovering a love for music in high school and serving an LDS mission, Tyler moved to Provo, UT with his buddy Chris to form Neon Trees (named after the trees on the In and Out signs). Neon Trees signed with Mercury Records in 2009 and went on to release three successful alternative pop albums: Habits (2010), Picture Show (2012), and Pop Psychology (2014).
Tyler knew he was gay as a child, but struggled as a teen and adult to reconcile his sexuality with his LDS faith. These struggles took Tyler to some sad/dark places, which were only exacerbated by his fame as a pop star. At age 27 (around the release of Picture Show), Tyler seriously contemplated ending his life.
In spite of these struggles, Tyler remained a full and literal believer in the LDS Church. In 2014 Tyler decided that being a closeted gay man was contributing to his suicidality. Consequently he came out as gay to his family, band, friends -- and to the world in Rolling Stone magazine -- prior to the release of Pop Psychology. From this point forward it was Tyler's full intent to find and marry a gay man, and to raise children in the LDS church as a gay married Mormon.
Then, in November of 2015, the LDS church released its new policy branding same-sex married Mormons as immediate apostates, and prohibiting children of same-sex married couples from being baptized. This policy change sent Tyler into a tailspin, ultimately shattering his plans as a believing, gay Mormon.
In this three part interview, we explore:
Part 1: Tyler's early years as a young Mormon struggling with his sexuality.
Part 2: Tyler's ascent (along with Neon Trees) into stardom...and the sadness/despair that followed.
Part 3: Tyler's faith crisis instigated by the LDS policy change, along with his current beliefs/views regarding the LDS Church.
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630: Black Mormon Lives Matter
12 april 2016 · 2 uur 38 min
John Dehlin and Lindsay Hansen Park interview Mica McGriggs, Samy Galvez, and Tinesha Zandamela about race relations in the Mormon church, and their experiences growing up as people of color in a predominately white church.
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629: Mormons and Colonization with Edyka Chilome
11 april 2016 · 1 uur 4 min
In this special episode of Mormon Stories podcast Lindsay Hansen Park (Sunstone, Year of Polygamy, Color of Heaven) interviews Edyka Chilome about Mormons and Colonization. Lees meer
Edyka's bio:
Edyka Chilomé, born Erica Granados - De La Rosa, is a queer woman of color writer, artist, social justice educator, and spiritual activist. She is the daughter of Salvadorian and Mexican spiritual, intellectual, and community leaders. Her many years of experience passionately walking and building with women, young people, and communities of color in the U.S. and Latin America have deeply informed her fusion of art, scholarship, and what she defines as her spiritual {art}ivism. Edyka has published numerous articles, essays, and poems including a collection of poetry that explores queer mestizaje in the diaspora entitled She Speaks | Poetry, praised by the founder of Democracy Now en Español as "...a must read for those yearning to discover new ways to open up to deep personal and global transformation." She has been invited to share her spoken word poetry and speak on social justice issues around the country including The Texas Democratic Convention, TEDx, National Public Radio, and the Huffington Post. Edyka currently serves on the steering committee for Human Rights Dallas and is an instructor for Free Minds Dallas at El Centro College, host of the presidential award winning initiative The National Clemente Course for the Humanities.
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628: Black Athletes at BYU with Darron Smith, Ph.D. Pt. 2
1 april 2016 · 1 uur 22 min
When Race, Religion, and Sport Collide tells the story of Brandon Davies’ dismissal from Brigham Young University’s NCAA playoff basketball team to illustrate the thorny intersection of religion, race, and sport at BYU and beyond. Author Darron T. Smith analyzes the athletes dismissed through BYU’s honor code violations and suggests that they are disproportionately African American, which has troubling implications. He ties these dismissals to the complicated history of negative views towards African Americans in the LDS faith. These honor code dismissals elucidate the challenges facing black athletes at predominantly white institutions. Weaving together the history of the black athlete in America and the experience of blackness in Mormon theology, When Race, Religion, and Sport Collide offers a timely and powerful analysis of the challenges facing African American athletes in the NCAA today. Lees meer
Dr. Darron T. Smith is a frequent political and cultural commentator on various issues of U.S. based issues of race, racism, and discrimination in forums ranging from Religion Dispatches, The New York Times and Chicago Tribune op-ed to ESPN's Outside the Lines. His research spans a wide myriad of topics on race including healthcare disparities, Religious studies, Race & Sports, and Race, Adoption and the Black Family. His current research focuses on health care workforce discrimination involving African American physicians and physician assistants. He is the co-author of White Parents, Black Children: Experiencing Transracial Adoption and co-editor of Black and Mormon. His current book, When Race & Religion Collide: Black Athletics at BYU and Beyond was released in 2015.
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627: Black Athletes at BYU with Darron Smith, Ph.D. Pt. 1
1 april 2016 · 1 uur 10 min
When Race, Religion, and Sport Collide tells the story of Brandon Davies’ dismissal from Brigham Young University’s NCAA playoff basketball team to illustrate the thorny intersection of religion, race, and sport at BYU and beyond. Author Darron T. Smith analyzes the athletes dismissed through BYU’s honor code violations and suggests that they are disproportionately African American, which has troubling implications. He ties these dismissals to the complicated history of negative views towards African Americans in the LDS faith. These honor code dismissals elucidate the challenges facing black athletes at predominantly white institutions. Weaving together the history of the black athlete in America and the experience of blackness in Mormon theology, When Race, Religion, and Sport Collide offers a timely and powerful analysis of the challenges facing African American athletes in the NCAA today. Lees meer
Dr. Darron T. Smith is a frequent political and cultural commentator on various issues of U.S. based issues of race, racism, and discrimination in forums ranging from Religion Dispatches, The New York Times and Chicago Tribune op-ed to ESPN's Outside the Lines. His research spans a wide myriad of topics on race including healthcare disparities, Religious studies, Race & Sports, and Race, Adoption and the Black Family. His current research focuses on health care workforce discrimination involving African American physicians and physician assistants. He is the co-author of White Parents, Black Children: Experiencing Transracial Adoption and co-editor of Black and Mormon. His current book, When Race & Religion Collide: Black Athletics at BYU and Beyond was released in 2015.
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626: Surviving Reparative Therapy with Alex Cooper, Author of Saving Alex Part 2
22 maart 2016 · 1 uur 16 min
This is a recording of my interview with Alex Cooper recorded on March 16, 2016 at Velour in Provo, Utah. Alex Cooper, along with Dr. Joanna Brooks, are the co-authors of the new book Saving Alex. Alex was accompanied in this interview by her attorney, Paul Burke. We were also honored to have Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees) perform three musical numbers for us on this special night. Audio/video from this interview can be found below. Lees meer
A description of the book follows:
When Alex Cooper was fifteen years old, life was pretty ordinary in her sleepy suburban town and nice Mormon family. At church and at home, Alex was taught that God had a plan for everyone. But something was gnawing at her that made her feel different. These feelings exploded when she met Yvette, a girl who made Alex feel alive in a new way, and with whom Alex would quickly fall in love.
Alex knew she was holding a secret that could shatter her family, her church community, and her life. Yet when this secret couldn’t be hidden any longer, she told her parents that she was gay, and the nightmare began. She was driven from her home in Southern California to Utah, where, against her will, her parents handed her over to fellow Mormons who promised to save Alex from her homosexuality.
For eight harrowing months, Alex was held captive in an unlicensed “residential treatment program” modeled on the many “therapeutic” boot camps scattered across Utah. Alex was physically and verbally abused, and many days she was forced to stand facing a wall wearing a heavy backpack full of rocks. Her captors used faith to punish and terrorize her. With the help of a dedicated legal team in Salt Lake City, Alex eventually escaped and made legal history in Utah by winning the right to live under the law’s protection as an openly gay teenager.
Alex is not alone; the headlines continue to splash stories about gay conversion therapy and rehabilitation centers that promise to “save” teenagers from their sexuality. Saving Alex is a …
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625: Surviving Reparative Therapy with Alex Cooper, Author of Saving Alex Part 1
22 maart 2016 · 1 uur 2 min
This is a recording of my interview with Alex Cooper recorded on March 16, 2016 at Velour in Provo, Utah. Alex Cooper, along with Dr. Joanna Brooks, are the co-authors of the new book Saving Alex. Alex was accompanied in this interview by her attorney, Paul Burke. We were also honored to have Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees) perform three musical numbers for us on this special night. Audio/video from this interview can be found below. Lees meer
A description of the book follows:
When Alex Cooper was fifteen years old, life was pretty ordinary in her sleepy suburban town and nice Mormon family. At church and at home, Alex was taught that God had a plan for everyone. But something was gnawing at her that made her feel different. These feelings exploded when she met Yvette, a girl who made Alex feel alive in a new way, and with whom Alex would quickly fall in love.
Alex knew she was holding a secret that could shatter her family, her church community, and her life. Yet when this secret couldn’t be hidden any longer, she told her parents that she was gay, and the nightmare began. She was driven from her home in Southern California to Utah, where, against her will, her parents handed her over to fellow Mormons who promised to save Alex from her homosexuality.
For eight harrowing months, Alex was held captive in an unlicensed “residential treatment program” modeled on the many “therapeutic” boot camps scattered across Utah. Alex was physically and verbally abused, and many days she was forced to stand facing a wall wearing a heavy backpack full of rocks. Her captors used faith to punish and terrorize her. With the help of a dedicated legal team in Salt Lake City, Alex eventually escaped and made legal history in Utah by winning the right to live under the law’s protection as an openly gay teenager.
Alex is not alone; the headlines continue to splash stories about gay conversion therapy and rehabilitation centers that promise to “save” teenagers from their sexuality. Saving Alex is a …
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624: Kate Kelly on Life After Excommunication, Safe Sex, and Women's Reproductive Rights
14 maart 2016 · 2 uur 28 min
In this Mormon Stories Live! episode recorded at Club/Cafe at 50 West on March 9, 2016, I interviewed Kate Kelly about the following: Lees meer
Life since her excommunication, including her divorce from Neil Ransom and her new relationship with Jack Waters.
Thoughts on the Ordain Women movement -- past, present and future.
Kate's new position with Planned Parenthood, which includes advocating for:
The basic role/function of Planned Parenthood
Women's Reproductive Rights (e.g., abortion)
Contraception and safe sex
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623: Elizabeth Grimshaw - Facing LDS Excommunication for being Same-Sex Married
22 februari 2016 · 28 min
Elizabeth Grimshaw was raised Mormon. She knew she was lesbian as a teenager, but spent her earl years (teens and 20s) attempting to date men and to marry a man. In her early 30s, after many attempts to be "straight," she came out as a lesbian, stopped attending the LDS church, and began dating women. Elizabeth found a committed partner 10 years ago, and married her partner 8 years ago. They are currently raising a daughter. Lees meer
Even though Elizabeth has not attended an LDS congregation since her early 30s, she was recently approached by her bishop (whom she'd never met) in her driveway, and told that: 1) she needed to pray to God about whether or not to leave her wife and child, and that 2) if she wouldn't divorce her wife and child, that she would face excommunication from the LDS church.
This is Elizabeth's story.
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622: Exploring Utah Medical Marijuana Legislation - The Patient Perspective
20 februari 2016 · 2 uur 10 min
In this episode recorded February 17, 2016 we discuss the recent Utah Medical Marijuana legislation from the patient perspective. This is a sobering, heartfelt, and extremely compelling panel. Lees meer
We also briefly discuss the medical/scientific justifications for medical marijuana, and LDS Church participation in attempting to defeat this legislation.
Panel participants include: Enedina Stanger, Dallas Sainsbury, Aaron Campbell, Brian Stoll, Dr. Legrande Belnap, and activist David Kirkham
Huge thanks to DJ Schanz and Christine Stenquist for organizing this panel, and to Club/Cafe and 50 West for providing the venue and audio/visual services.
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621: Jeremy Runnells Threatened with Excommunication for his "Letter to a CES Director"
20 februari 2016 · 2 uur 6 min
On February 8, 2016, Jeremy Runnells received notice from his stake president, Mark Ivins, that he would face excommunication (a disciplinary council) on February 14, 2016 for publishing his "Letter to a CES Director." This press conference was held in support of Jeremy. The next morning after the press conference, Jeremy's disciplinary council was postponed until late March, 2016. Lees meer
This press conference was held at the Club/Cafe at 50 West in downtown Salt Lake City.
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620: Pathways to Health and Healing for LGBTQ Mormons - A Study of 1612 LGBT Mormons
19 februari 2016 · 1 uur 56 min
This episode is re-broadcast of the Mormons Building Bridges Community Conversation featuring Dr. Bill Bradshaw and Dr. John Parkinson Dehlin as they summarized the major findings from their 2011 survey of LGBTQ Latter-day Saints. The discussion was recorded on February 3, 2016. Lees meer
Background: An on-line survey was conducted in the fall of 2011, under the auspices of Utah State University, which yielded 1612 participants - LGBTQ Latter-day Saints (current and former members of the Church). Responses to the large number questions produced a wealth of data regarding such topics as sexual identity development, religious identity development, interventions engaged in for the purpose of coping with or changing one’s sexual orientation, mental health outcomes, and religiosity and religious trajectories. Seven published papers reporting this work have now appeared in prominent academic journals, with others in preparation.
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February 2016 Announcements!
16 februari 2016 · 4 min
February 2016 Announcements!
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BONUS: Elder Dallin H. Oaks Addresses the Mormon LGBT Suicide Epidemic
12 februari 2016 · 3 min
Speaker: Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lees meer
Title: The Free Exercise of Religion in Our Time
Date: February 9 2016
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Description: Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. Yet in many seen and unseen ways its validity is challenged at the margins every day. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will speak about the importance of maintaining and protecting religious liberty in the international sphere. After his remarks he will field questions in an audience Q&A.
Source: This presentation was recorded by Andrew Evans in accordance with District of Columbia law.
Note: As the final question of the evening, Andrew Evans asked Elder Oaks the following question:
Andrew's Question: "Less than a year ago, right here in Washington, DC, my friend killed himself. He was Mormon and gay. You've gone on record that, 'the Church does not give apologies'. Does religious freedom absolve you from responsibility in the gay Mormon suicide crisis?"
Elder Oaks' Response: "I think that's a question that will be answered on judgment day. I can't answer that beyond what has already been said. I know that those tragic events happen. And it's not unique simply to the question of sexual preference. There are other cases where people have taken their own lives and blamed a church--my church--or a government, or somebody else for their taking their own lives, and I think those things have to be judged by a higher authority than exists on this earth, and I am ready to be accountable to that authority, but I think part of what my responsibility extends to, is trying to teach people to be loving, and civil and sensitive to one another so that people will not feel driven, whatever the policy disagreements, whatever the rules of the church, or the practices of a church, or any other organization,…
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BONUS: Elder Dallin H. Oaks Speaks About Religious Freedom (Including Closing Comment on Mormon LGBT Suicides)
12 februari 2016 · 59 min
Speaker: Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lees meer
Title: The Free Exercise of Religion in Our Time
Date: February 9 2016
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Description: Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. Yet in many seen and unseen ways its validity is challenged at the margins every day. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will speak about the importance of maintaining and protecting religious liberty in the international sphere. After his remarks he will field questions in an audience Q&A.
Source: This presentation was recorded by Andrew Evans in accordance with District of Columbia law.
Note: As the final question of the evening, Andrew Evans asked Elder Oaks the following question:
Andrew's Question: "Less than a year ago, right here in Washington, DC, my friend killed himself. He was Mormon and gay. You've gone on record that, 'the Church does not give apologies'. Does religious freedom absolve you from responsibility in the gay Mormon suicide crisis?"
Elder Oaks' Response: "I think that's a question that will be answered on judgment day. I can't answer that beyond what has already been said. I know that those tragic events happen. And it's not unique simply to the question of sexual preference. There are other cases where people have taken their own lives and blamed a church--my church--or a government, or somebody else for their taking their own lives, and I think those things have to be judged by a higher authority than exists on this earth, and I am ready to be accountable to that authority, but I think part of what my responsibility extends to, is trying to teach people to be loving, and civil and sensitive to one another so that people will not feel driven, whatever the policy disagreements, whatever the rules of the church, or the practices of a church, or any other organization,…
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619: Matt Long, Sex Crimes Prosecutor, Discusses LDS Church Child Abuse Policies and the Recent News Release Pt. 2
2 februari 2016 · 2 uur 14 min
On February 1, 2016 the LDS Church re-released a media statement originally released in 2013 entitled “Effectiveness of Church Approach to Preventing Child Abuse.” In this press release (authored by Kirton & McConkie partner and LDS 1st Quorum of the 70 member Elder Von G. Keetch) the LDS Church claimed that "no religious organization has done more" to prevent child abuse, and touted their child abuse approach as "the gold standard" amongst all churches. Lees meer
Immediately the Mormon Internet exploded with the stories of past and present victims of LDS-related sexual abuse, expressing sadness, frustration, feelings of invalidation, sickness, and (at times) horror over the church's statement/claims. For examples, see here, here, and here.
In this episode of Mormon Stories we interview Matt Long -- a criminal defense and victim's rights attorney who has considerable experience prosecuting (and defending) perpetrators of child abuse in Arizona -- many of which were within the LDS church system.
In part 1 of this episode we discuss the mindset and techniques of child/sex abusers.
In part 2 we discuss the recent LDS Church new release, and Matt's perspective on what the LDS Church could do to improve its approach to child/sex abuse.
More on Matt: Matt uses the skills he developed as a sex crimes prosecutor to protect victims' rights and represent victims in lawsuits against offenders and institutions, such as fraternities, schools, businesses, or churches, that allowed abuse to occur. When he's not arguing in court, Matt argues with the other infants on the infants on thrones podcast at infantsonthrones.com. You can reach Matt at 480-833-1113 or e-mail his paralegal at kristin@azlegal.com with any questions about victim representation.
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618: Matt Long, Sex Crimes Prosecutor, Discusses LDS Church Child Abuse Policies and the Recent News Release Pt. 1
2 februari 2016 · 1 uur 17 min
On February 1, 2016 the LDS Church re-released a media statement originally released in 2013 entitled “Effectiveness of Church Approach to Preventing Child Abuse.” In this press release (authored by Kirton & McConkie partner and LDS 1st Quorum of the 70 member Elder Von G. Keetch) the LDS Church claimed that "no religious organization has done more" to prevent child abuse, and touted their child abuse approach as "the gold standard" amongst all churches. Lees meer
Immediately the Mormon Internet exploded with the stories of past and present victims of LDS-related sexual abuse, expressing sadness, frustration, feelings of invalidation, sickness, and (at times) horror over the church's statement/claims. For examples, see here, here, and here.
In this episode of Mormon Stories we interview Matt Long -- a criminal defense and victim's rights attorney who has considerable experience prosecuting (and defending) perpetrators of child abuse in Arizona -- many of which were within the LDS church system.
In part 1 of this episode we discuss the mindset and techniques of child/sex abusers.
In part 2 we discuss the recent LDS Church new release, and Matt's perspective on what the LDS Church could do to improve its approach to child/sex abuse.
More on Matt: Matt uses the skills he developed as a sex crimes prosecutor to protect victims' rights and represent victims in lawsuits against offenders and institutions, such as fraternities, schools, businesses, or churches, that allowed abuse to occur. When he's not arguing in court, Matt argues with the other infants on the infants on thrones podcast at infantsonthrones.com. You can reach Matt at 480-833-1113 or e-mail his paralegal at kristin@azlegal.com with any questions about victim representation.
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617: Thirteen Years of Silence - Matt Elggren and Clay Christensen's Story of Family, Faith, Doubt, and Hope Pt. 2
22 januari 2016 · 2 uur 1 min
In 2003, Matt Elggren and I met while working at Microsoft. Together, along with others, we discovered troubling things about LDS Church history. Lees meer
For most of the past thirteen years, Matt has not attended church and has more or less quietly supported his believing wife and children. For fear of losing his family, Matt chose silence....as did his extended family. It was basically thirteen years of "don't ask don't tell" with no hope of resolution for Matt.
This changed in October of 2015 when Matt's brother-in-law, Clay Christensen, began a 6-week slide into total disbelief after 51 years of devout membership, which included 7 years as a high-level LDS Church employee. After losing his faith, Clay didn't choose silence.
This is Matt and Clay's story of family, faith, doubt, and hope.
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616: Thirteen Years of Silence - Matt Elggren and Clay Christensen's Story of Family, Faith, Doubt, and Hope Pt. 1
22 januari 2016 · 1 uur 11 min
In 2003, Matt Elggren and I met while working at Microsoft. Together, along with others, we discovered troubling things about LDS Church history. Lees meer
For most of the past thirteen years, Matt has not attended church and has more or less quietly supported his believing wife and children. For fear of losing his family, Matt chose silence....as did his extended family. It was basically thirteen years of "don't ask don't tell" with no hope of resolution for Matt.
This changed in October of 2015 when Matt's brother-in-law, Clay Christensen, began a 6-week slide into total disbelief after 51 years of devout membership, which included 7 years as a high-level LDS Church employee. After losing his faith, Clay didn't choose silence.
This is Matt and Clay's story.
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BONUS: Member of Bundy Militia Explains the Mormon/Spiritual Origins of the Occupation
15 januari 2016 · 16 min
On Home of the Brave podcast, Peabody Award winning producer Scott Carrier interviews Brand Thornton, a believing LDC church member and a member of the Bundy militia, who explains the Mormon/religious/spiritual justifications for the occupation. Brand says, "Absolutely, God told us to do this," and quotes from the Doctrine and Covenants in his justifications. Lees meer
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615: Reviewing 2015 Pt. 4 with Lindsay Hansen Park, Dr. Gina Colvin, Sean Carter, and Dr. Kristy Money
14 januari 2016 · 1 uur 19 min
As parts 3 and 4 in our series reviewing the events of Mormonism in 2015, we assemble another all-star panel including Lindsay Hansen Park, Dr. Gina Colvin, Dr. Kristy Money, and Sean Carter. Some of the topics discussed included: Lees meer
The state of the Mormon Internet (blogs, podcast, social media)
Social group formations in progressive and post-Mormonism
The state of Mormon Feminism
The impact of disciplinary councils and excommunication on modern Mormonism (hint: it isn't good)
The state of Progressive Mormonism
Issues of race and multi-culturalism within modern Mormon culture (LDS and post-Mormon)
The state of Mormon Studies
Retrenchment/leadership crisis/corporatism in the modern LDS Church
We hope you enjoy it!!!!
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614: Reviewing 2015 Pt. 3 with Lindsay Hansen Park, Dr. Gina Colvin, Sean Carter, and Dr. Kristy Money
14 januari 2016 · 1 uur 17 min
As parts 3 and 4 in our series reviewing the events of Mormonism in 2015, we assemble another all-star panel including Lindsay Hansen Park, Dr. Gina Colvin, Dr. Kristy Money, and Sean Carter. Some of the topics discussed included: Lees meer
The state of the Mormon Internet (blogs, podcast, social media)
Social group formations in progressive and post-Mormonism
The state of Mormon Feminism
The impact of disciplinary councils and excommunication on modern Mormonism (hint: it isn't good)
The state of Progressive Mormonism
Issues of race and multi-culturalism within modern Mormon culture (LDS and post-Mormon)
The state of Mormon Studies
Retrenchment/leadership crisis/corporatism in the modern LDS Church
We hope you enjoy it!!!!