Gay Rights and the Mormon Church

Intended Actions, Unintended Consequences

By: Gregory A. Prince

Narrated by: Bill Odman

The Mormon Church entered the public square on LGBT issues by joining forces with traditional marriage proponents in Hawaii in 1993. Since then, the church has been a significant player in the ongoing saga of LGBT rights within the United States and at times has carried decisive political clout.

Gregory Prince draws from over 50,000 pages of public records, private documents, and interview transcripts to capture the past half century of the Mormon Church’s attitudes on homosexuality. Initially, that principally involved only its own members, but with its entry into the Hawaiian political arena, the church signaled an intent to shape the outcome of the marriage equality battle. That involvement reached a peak in 2008 during California’s fight over Proposition 8, which many came to call the “Mormon Proposition".

In 2015, when the Supreme Court made marriage equality the law of the land, the Mormon Church turned its attention inward, declaring same-sex couples “apostates” and denying their children access to key Mormon rites of passage, including the blessing (christening) of infants and the baptism of children.

Check out YouTube videos on: Prince's interview with KUER, Prince's Q-Talk with Equality Utah, Prince's interview with the Press, and Prince's event with Benchmark Books.

©2019 University of Utah Press (P)2020 University of Utah Press

Science matters

As a former Mormon and with LGBTQ children, this book opened my mind to the science behind why people are gay. It opened my heart to more openly love and feel compassion for many people who have suffered at the hands of the Mormon church. It was also deeply disappointing to hear how the church leaders, that I had loved so much, have changed the course of society for LGBTQ people and not for the better. I highly recommend this book for any person who is in the difficult intersection of Mormonism and LGBTQ.

A must read for all LDS and any interested in the issue

This book is a must read. Even as someone who has felt they have closely followed this issue, the relationship of the Mormon Church to the LGBT community and the directions it can take can only be understood if framed within the context of history. Prince has but together a consistent narrative that brings to the fore how pervasive and damaging anti-gay rhetoric and action has been to the Mormon LGBT community. More importantly, he leans on their own words to describe their experiences. This is a book that will prompt you to action and, in the end, is ultimately hopeful.

My only complaint came with the narration, which generally was not a problem, however certain words were pronounced in unfamiliar ways that made me feel I was listening to a Siri dictation (for example, for bishopric: “Bish-ahp-ric” instead of “Bish-up-ric.”). Nevertheless, it was not enough of a distraction to prevent me from recommending the audiobook.

Clear, concise reporting of a complex narrative

This book was difficult for me as a gay ex-mormon. I personally experienced the profound rejection, and the emotional, mental & spiritual torture so thoroughly described within it, and reliving those horrible experience was a painful opening of old wounds. Since making a clean break with the Mormon church four decades ago, I have considered that chapter of my life closed and have deliberately not paid any attention to the church since, especially regarding LGBTQ issues. I decided to listen to this book out of compassion for my family members who remain faithful believers, to try to gain an understanding of their changing perspectives over the years - from rejection and estrangement, to a tepid acceptance but a renewed warm familial affection (for which I am so grateful). This book has given me the look in to the church and the Mormon culture's history and changing attitudes that I was looking for. The insight Prince offers has helped me to understand the mindset and struggles my Mormon family has met along their religious journey, but more importantly, has confirmed in my heart and mind that my decision to break away from the LDS Church was the best thing I have ever done for my mental & spiritual wellbeing.

Kudos also to Mr Odman's precise, clear, and appropriately dispassionate reading of this difficult material. He never editorializes in inflection or interpretation, but rather presents the book as it is, and allows Prince's voice to be the prominent one.

Oh my God what have we done?

poor narration with many mispronounced words but riveting stories. This book will change you.

Wonderfully organized and presented

I was amazed at all the other data and emotional stories included. I feel like I have a really good understanding of this topic now.

A MUST READ!

As a former member of the LDS church [now atheist], who is also a homosexual, this book hit me right in the nads. I stood beside myself In memory of my own involvement with Evergreen, Exodus, Courage and North Star; and the horrors it left me in. I was there. I moved myself from Massachusetts to Utah to help me get 'cured'. Everything in here must be seen and heard by all members and ex-members, LGBTQ or not. It speaks of church history and its roots in bigotry and contradictions of the LDS churches own history, beliefs, and teachings. GET THIS BOOK!

So Worth the Read

Such important information for anyone who is LGBTQ or has a loved one who is and has a connection to the LDS Church.