The Smarts are in the news again after Ed Smart’s heartfelt coming-out letter. There are no sides to take here. Both Ed and Lois Smart are victims of homophobia. It is a deep homophobia etched into the very genetics of society and our institutions.
Instead of focusing on the Smarts, it is better to focus on the prejudices and misconceptions about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Eliminating homophobia and transphobia is in everyone’s interest.
We can begin by considering the elephant in the room: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a safe place for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families?