theoutfoundation.bsky.social

John felt frustrated about how queer people were being treated by the church. This led him to feel isolated and alone during his freshman year at BYU.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

“I’ve always thought that if people are expected to be repentful, and go through the steps of repentance, that the church, as an organization, should do the same thing.”
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

There have been conflicts in Robert’s life over him being publicly out as gay. He has never let those obstacles prevent him from being happy, or accepting and loving others for who they are.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

One of the best ways allies can help is to listen to their queer friends and loved ones, then use what they learned to help them and others. That little bit of respect goes a long way.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

BYU can be a stressful and difficult place for queer students. McKay found that having people that care about you, and you can talk to about these struggles helps a lot.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Robert’s grandfather taught him to question, in order to find the truth. That lesson was important to Robert, so he taught his children to question as well.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Although Robert is no longer a practicing member of the LDS faith, he still considers himself a spiritual person.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Joseph's mother told her son that she felt guilty about reconciling with him right before she passed away. Instead of feeling angry, Joseph just felt sad that his mom felt she was wrong in caring about her son.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Joseph worked in the library archives while at BYU. The librarian in charge there helped provide a safe, nurturing space for him and other queer students.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

One of the most painful things for McKay has been that his personal spiritual beliefs were dismissed by those he had once looked up to.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

The biggest lesson Robert took from his mission was that he could do something he hated by taking it one step at a time. Although in his case, one step means two years.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Robert had some interesting experiences during his mission. His first companion flirted with the local branch girls, the second had a severe illness.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Joseph recommends that everyone in a majority, be it gender, racial, etc., should point out hypocrisy when they see it. It’s difficult to be the one rocking the boat, but it shows true neighborly love.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

It’s all too common for queer students to feel alone and isolated at BYU. The rise of allies and public queer groups and people have provided more resources than ever.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

“Queer people really internalize this idea that we don’t deserve happiness, or something good and valuable.”
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

CW // suicide
Adam is still single, but his belief that someday he'll be happy with his future husband helps him keep going each day.
#OUTSpoken #LGBTQ #BYU #LifeatBYU #Queer

It’s common for a lot of closeted queer people to start dating later than their peers. It's never too late to start, though.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

“Even if your personal relationship with God leads you in a certain direction, the institution where you want to receive your degree restricts individual spirituality for people who don’t fit the norm.”
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

BYU can be especially stressful for queer students. McKay was able to handle that stress by making friends with other queer students that care for and support each other.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

It was difficult for Robert to be unable to attend his children's temple wedding ceremonies. However, they still felt the love and support Robert gave to them.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Robert served his mission in Central Britain. He later came out to his mission president, who was also the wedding officiant for Robert's children as Robert wasn’t allowed to attend .
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Many queer students feel alone and isolated at BYU. However, there are a lot of people, both queer and allies, that are willing to help and show solidarity. There are also plenty of resources to help find these people.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

While Adam was a student, he found himself drawn to professors who were willing to listen to and discuss groups they weren’t part of.
#OUTSpoken #LGBTQ #BYU #LifeatBYU #Queer

Adam suggests that queer allies should learn to take a step back and listen. Instead of finding new and different ways to support the community, simply support those groups who already know what needs to be done.
#OUTSpoken #LGBTQ #BYU #LifeatBYU #Queer

McKay would read and listen to stories from other queer people who had grown up in the culture of the LDS church. Learning that others felt the same way he did helped validate his own sexuality.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

McKay came out to himself during his last year of high school, burying those feelings while on his mission. He approached those feelings again after coming home, realizing this isn't just something he could ignore or overcome, it's simply a part of who he is.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Robert took a lot of flak from the army by providing gender affirming care to trans prisoners. But as the final say on medical procedures, he kept providing hormonal treatment to those that needed it.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

“If there’s a guilt you carry....at my age, it’s the people you might have helped had you been out.”
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

While there are still struggles for queer BYU students, the overall acceptance of other students and professors has improved the quality of life there.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer

Joseph and his husband met in DC, then moved to Houston. The two ended up back in Utah after finding out that Joseph’s mother had cancer, and have enjoyed living in Salt Lake since.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer