Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Los Altos Stake Center where Stuart Matis took his life at 1300 Grant Road in Los Altos

Stuart Matis as a missionary in Italy

California Vigil to Mark 10 Years since Stuart Matis's Suicide
Affirmation Members Invited to February 25 Event

February 2010

LOS ALTOS, CA - In the pre-dawn hours of February 25, 2000, gay Mormon Henry Stuart Matis made his way to the LDS Los Altos Stake Center on Grant Road. Stuart had a gun in his hand and a “Do Not Resuscitate” note to pin onto his gray sweatshirt. Police found his body on the steps of the church building at 7:30 a.m. where the sun dawned on a new morning of mourning, first for family and friends and then for a much larger community as Stuart’s story spread in the days before California’s first referendum on banning gay marriage – a ban supported by Stuart's church and funded by many of his fellow Mormons.

Now, 10 years later, Mormons for Marriage and the Foundation for Reconciliation are sponsoring a memorial and vigil for Matis. Other groups participating include Affirmation, a support and advocacy group for current and former members of the LDS Church who are gay or lesbian. “Perhaps my death … might become the catalyst for much good,” Stuart wrote to his family one decade ago. “I’m sure that you will now be strengthened in your resolve to teach the members and the leaders regarding the true nature of homosexuality.”

“Our goal is to remind people that gay Mormons have special challenges and they and their families need special support,” said Laura Compton of Mormons for Marriage. “One more death is one more too many.”

Cheryl Nunn, executive director of the Foundation for Reconciliation, said, “We want to put an end to the darkness and shine a light of peace and hope for the world to see. That’s why our sunrise service is more than just a recognition that Stuart was found at a particular time and place. We are bringing a new dawn with our thoughts and actions.”

Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons stands with Mormons for Marriage and the Foundation for Reconciliation with celebrating Stuart’s life. “It is important to remind people of the potential harm that can be done to individuals by hurtful comments and statements,” said Micah Bisson, Affirmation’s Assistant Executive Director. “We are saddened that, still to this day, so many choose to end their lives; we strive to bring an end to the hateful statements and practices that are the cause of this tragic waste of life. We urge everyone who can to lend their support and attend this memorial service to honor Stuart’s life.” Affirmation’s online memorial (www.affirmation.org/suicides) lists more than two dozen men and women with LDS ties who have also taken their own lives.

Lisa Fahey of Mormons for Marriage, said, “We hope in remembering Stuart we attempt to heal the wounds of our LGBT brothers and sisters; to inspire all of us to reach out with hope, forgiveness, love and compassion; and to make the world a better place for not only the marginalized among us, but everyone, everywhere.”

Schedule

Memorial Ceremony – Feb. 25, 2010, 6:30 a.m. Cuesta Park, Mountain View (615 Cuesta Drive), meeting near the parking lot at the corner of Grant and Cuesta. Join us for a candlelight ceremony of prayer, song and inspirational thoughts before we walk to the church building.

Walk to the Building – Around 6:50 a.m. we’ll leave the park and head South along Grant Road to the LDS church at 1300 Grant Road, Los Altos. The walk is about 3/4 of a mile. Flowers, candles, pictures, stories, poems, etc. are welcome to be added to a memorial in front of the church building. Signs with messages of hope, love, and support are also welcome. After an inspirational benediction, individuals will have time to linger or leave the memorial at their leisure.

Vigil – Will continue throughout the day until about 8:30 p.m.