Episode 904: Blake Muir, Gay Latter-day Saint, Powerful Story

My friend Blake Muir (age 33, Utah State Grad, Utah State Employee) joins us to share his unique story in creative way—sharing lyrics of songs to frame individual chapters of his story—super powerful and deeply moving. Blake talks about realizing he might be gay in middle school—leading to everything he knew how to do to not be gay. The resulting shame and self-loathing leading to a suicide attempt in high school. Blake talks about finding some hope as the Church was moving to more understanding while preparing for his mission. Blake talks about his mission and then returning home and trying to date women. Blake talks about the complicated road working with Church leaders (some really helpful, some harmful) and ultimately concluding the Church was complicating his relationship with Heavenly Father and seeing his way forward. Blake—who hasn’t 100% closed the door on the Church—talks about learning to “allow God to love me as a queer man” and “didn’t want to lose his queerness”—something he sees as a divine attribute. Blake talks (and thanks) his supportive parents. Thank you Blake for being on the podcast. I was so moved by your story. You are a good man with a wonderful future. Respect. You story will help so many. I encourage everyone to listen/share this episode. It will help all of us better support queer people in our lives. Links: Blake’s Instagram: @muir_blake Blake’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blakw.muir