I just moved to a new area, and bought a "gay" business. I am really excited about it. I am gay, I am also an active LDS church member. Everyone I have told at the business is telling me that I should not mention being a member of the Church, or having ever been a member of the church. I certainly am not looking to call "the gays" (um, hello!) to repentance, but the staff seems convinced that we will lose patrons and community support. I have been very fortunate in my coming out with the church, and while I am not really excited about a new ward, because I guess I could be x'd at the drop of a hat depending on local leadership, but I came out to my Mission President, and a great friend who was also my Stake President at the time. Two men that I would do anything short of death or ... well, celibacy for. I still believe and don't want to hide being Mormon any more than I want to hide being gay! I don't want to wave a rainbow flag or a book of mormon though. Any advice?
2007-06-17 22:12:15 · 8 answers · asked by blakeallanmasters 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
My being gay is not the issue, and I am gay, have not been excommunicated, and will not be. The issue, is whether or not I should have to hide being Mormon.
2007-06-20 00:34:35 · update #1
Explain to them you don't want to hide your religion any more than your sexuality.
Obviously your not looking to convert people and I assume you are going to keep your religion and your work separate, for the most part at least. Explain this too them, tell them there is no reason for you to hide your religion.
Obviously you're not going to tell every patron who walks through your door but there is no reason you should be made to feel you have to hide it either.
2007-06-17 22:23:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine was once very active in the Mormon church but as soon as he came out as a gay man he was quickly ex communicated. He has never been back. He is dabbling in Buddism at the moment and he remarked that Buddism is more forgiving and accepting of people and he has never been happier spiritually.
2007-06-17 22:40:26 · answer #2 · answered by Andrew T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I met loads of Gay Mormons in Salt Lake City, and most of them had to keep it quiet. It was very incompatible with their religion. I guess these days things are a lot more relaxed than what they used to be. I think if you keep your business life and church life separate and not go around advertising your sexuality then it might be fine. Just continue to be you and I'm sure everything will be okay. Leave things up to God I'm sure God will sort things out one day and everything will be fine in the garden.
2007-06-17 22:32:25 · answer #3 · answered by Dr Paul D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So your Mormon? Then you would know you will be excommunicated for being gay and church members will shun you. So why would you even be asking this question. In the closet business may make money. Come out and go bankrupt.
2007-06-17 22:36:44 · answer #4 · answered by QforU For Da Ben Dan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a friend that goes to the temple and is homosexual - he just hasn't actively practiced that or acted on his attraction to other men for a while now. But he doesn't hide his feelings of same gender attraction, and he doesn't hide his testimony of the gospel. I really look up to him for his openess and honesty.
There are so many people (all of us really) that are doing something we know is contrary to the teachings of our faith - that doesn't mean you have to throw your testimony away for one thing. I can't imagine the challenges you may face over the next few years, but hopefully, you can end up like my friend - someone who found a balance of living the gospel, and not being ashamed of who he is.
best wishes
2007-06-19 03:42:18 · answer #5 · answered by daisyk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when I was a jack mormon, in SLC, UT, I heard tell from agay guy who was like a girlfriend to me that he would pick guys up from the gay bars in utah and take them home and when they remove their cloths, they have garments under them, so he knew they were closet gay mormons.
Mormons do not except gays by the way, they have to stay in the closet.
2007-06-19 16:20:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The church won't ex anyone who remains celebate while not being married legally to someone of the opposite sex.
I have heard that there are many gays in the church, who remain celebate, or even get married to someone of the opposite sex.
2007-06-18 23:21:39 · answer #7 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I also like this question, "What happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmoveable object?"
Sounds like that's what you're facing.
2007-06-19 20:18:14 · answer #8 · answered by Liesel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can be both. many gay people are religious. and those who diagree with it need to deal with and understand that some religions are bigoted
2007-06-17 23:29:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋