Something to Think About

I grew up around gay men.

Let me clarify-- my parents were responsible for hosting world renowned pianists and organists that were invited to be part of the Ricks College/BYU-I Center Stage Concert Series. These performers were some of my parents' best friends. Sadly, we witnessed a few of these good men as they succumbed to AIDS.

Fast forward 20 years... by virtue of the fact that I am in the arts and music industry, I am also acquainted with many gay and lesbian colleagues. Some LDS, (some ex-LDS), and some not. In fact, I dated a guy I met in music circles at Ricks College when I was 19 years old. He had graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy (a prestigious private arts high school in Michigan) and was offered music scholarships to various conservatories throughout the United States. However, he chose to come to Ricks College (on a full-ride scholarship, no less.) We dated seriously and he asked me to marry him when he got home from his mission. He was called to a state-side mission and I wrote him faithfully... until he unexpectedly got sent home from his mission for having same-gender attraction issues with his zone leader. (Yuck, I know.) Gives new meaning to the cultural term, "Dear John", no? Needless to say, I put the kabosh on things and after he graduated from Ricks, he formally left the Church to pursue both his alternate lifestyle as well as his musical dream in New York City. And he has made quite a name for himself on the stage.

I don't have all the answers. I do believe that there is a distinction between having immoral thoughts and feelings verses engaging in immoral acts. Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated, "Different persons have different physical characteristics and different susceptibilities to the various physical and emotional pressures we may encounter in our childhood and adult environment. We did not choose these personal susceptibilities either, but we do choose and will be held accountable for the... behavior and 'lifestyle' we engraft upon them."

I recently found this post via facebook. It is very interesting.

This man in this blog was recently sustained as a counselor in his local San Francisco Stake. I support the Church's standing whole heartedly-- if a member of the Church is worthy (not acting on gay impulses and/or tendencies), he/she may participate in all of the ordinances and blessings of the restored gospel. Because gender is eternally essential to our identity, God would not/could not create gay spirit children. Perhaps some have inclinations more than others certainly, but our Loving Father would not allow us to "be born this way." It is contrary to the Plan of Salvation.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stated, "Let me make it clear that attractions alone, troublesome as they may be, do not make one unworthy. If you do not act on temptations, you have not transgressed." (Oct. 2007 Ensign) No matter your stand on the issue, the bottom line (on which we can all agree) is that God's richest blessings will eventually be available to all of His children, if they are clean and faithful.

I wonder if this guy is the same one who authors the blog on my sidebar "Which Means Life is Extra Tough"??? Anyhoo, enjoy the read.

I am Mitch Mayne. I am an openly gay, active Latter-Day Saint.: You know who I am: "In the fall of 2009, I was approached by my Stake President to help put together a stake-wide program to LDS members to help them better und..."