I have long
awaited a time when I would be able to say "thats me..those
were my feeings..that WAS my life." to my 4 grown children
and partner. I just completed reading your current
issue regarding the Mormon Church. I hold in high
regard and esteem my fellow "brothers and sisters" who have
fought the good fight,,,and have left the faith. I was
raised in an LDS home in NJ then moved to NYC upon
completion of high school and at age 19 began my two
year missionary service in Texas. I returned from my mission
and was admonished to marry as soon as possible. I knew as I
was kneeling at the SLC temple alter I was gay,
however, the fear of eternal damnation upon my
confessing was an even larger threat. This marriage
blessed me with 4 beautiful children prior to my divorce and
coming out in 1990. My children and loving partner of
the past 15 years stood by my side when I was
excommunicated and supported me when I was the subject of
gossip and shunned by my former Mormon friends. We recently
watched "Latter Days" and with tears in my eyes I
could identify with this story, yet, celebrate my
maturity and advancement as a gay man and ex-Mormon. I
am proud of the person I am, being gay is only a part of me
and no man nor church can dictate to me as to how I am
to live. I thank you for being instrumental in telling
not only my story but stories of many.