Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Local and National Religious Organizations Join with the Gay/Lesbian Mormon Community in Responding to Recent Suicides

March, 2000

Concerned about the climate of misunderstanding and intolerance between the LDS Church and the gay and lesbian community, a group of gay and lesbian Mormons and their families are holding a memorial service to remember two men who recently committed suicide. The Interfaith Service will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2000, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark (Episcopal) in Salt Lake City. The program is entitled, "No More Deaths, No More Silence," and will feature comments by friends of the deceased, music by the Salt Lake Men's Choir and speakers by community leaders. Organizers hope that the Service will launch a collective effort to combat future suicides and to initiate dialogue with LDS Church leaders.

On March 9, 2000, DJ Thompson, a gay Mormon man from Salt Lake City, took his life. His death follows that of another gay Mormon man, Stuart Matis, who shot himself on the steps of an LDS stake center in Santa Clara, California, on February 25, 2000. Both men struggled for years to reconcile their sexuality with their religious beliefs.

These suicides occurred against the backdrop of the passing of Proposition 22 in California, which outlaws marriage of same sex couples. Members of the LDS church, as directed by their leaders, contributed significant amounts of money and time to the "Yes on 22 Campaign." Over 61% of voters favored the legislation. In some LDS Families Proposition 22 forced members to have to choice between supporting gay and lesbian loved ones and obligation to the Church. For some gay and lesbian Mormons, the Church's involvement with Proposition 22 has resulted in their leaving the Church.

Many leaders in faith communities which affirm gay and lesbian members are supporting an education effort and are calling on LDS Officials to reconsider Church policy and anti-gay activities. In a letter to the President of the LDS Church, an Archbishop in The Ecumenical Catholic Church wrote, "Proposition 22 was one of the ugliest chapters in the history of the modern Church. Our job as chief pastors is to spread the gospel. Supporting Proposition 22 did just the opposite. It told people they were not fully loved by God." Although there are many gay and lesbian Mormons throughout the world, their experiences are unknown to the majority of Church members. In his suicide note DJ Thompson expressed the hope that his death would be catalyst for understanding and change. This is the reason for the Interfaith service. Members of all faith communities are invited to attend.