“What would it be like to be ‘normal?’” is something I asked myself a lot growing up.
It’s a question many LGBTQ+ youth in Utah are likely asking, with the news The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-say Saints opposes a ban on conversion therapy, and one candidate for Salt Lake City mayor placing blame for teen suicide on altitude, and suggesting Utah’s suicide predicament is not unique.
My youth was like others in my neighborhood. I was raised in a close Latter-day Saint community. Nearly every neighbor was in my congregation. Obedience was expected in the religion, but with it came acceptance and support within the fold.