Episode 925: Michael Young, Gay Latter-day Saint, Early 80s, Convert, Powerful Story

My friend Michael Young (active LDS, lives in Florida, Senior Service Missionary) joins us to share his outstanding story navigate being gay for 7+ decades: Part of the gay New York underworld in the 60s—including visiting Stonewall—but deeply closeted Career in health care Helpful therapist to get him through anger and distrust and overcome childhood trauma Believed in God—and upset with God Powerful spiritual experience in small Catholic chapel—sins forgiven and a great weight lifted Getting married to a woman—told her about being gay—good married for 39 years—but ended Along with his wife, joined the Church in 1983 (living in Ohio) after investigating Church for 18 months Navigating President Kimball’s teachings about homosexuality (stuff we don’t teach anymore) Extensive church service (Bishoprics, Temple, etc) Moving to Florida after his divorce Coming out to his Ward (positive experience) Great ward/stake support for LGBTQ members Wearing a pride pin to Church because “shows God loves all his creations” Powerful person revelation that God made him Gay and God loves him—he is not broken and doesn’t need fixing Why he stays in the Church No one should feel shame for who they are At age 82, Michael is our oldest queer podcast guest. He takes us back to an era where being gay was much more difficult (gay bashing, fear of losing job). Yet, his story is so similar to other queer Latter-day Saints in the personal revelation they are receiving and the complexity of their journey. Michael is bright, articulate, super insightful, and has a powerful story. If you are queer or an ally, please listen and share Michael’s powerful podcast—it will help all of us. You are a good man Michael—one of my new heroes. Thank you for being on the podcast. Thanks for all you have done to bless so many during your life. Links: Michael on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.young.304565