Questioning LDS

30/06/2024

I'm using the final day of July to remind people that conversion therapy (also known as "reparative therapy" or "gay cure therapy,") is still legal in the UK today.

This "therapy" aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity by using a wide range of interventions, from psychological treatments to more extreme forms like exorcism, physical violence, and food deprivation.

While some physical conversion therapy practices are already prohibited under existing criminal law (e.g., r**e, assault, forcibly administering drugs) there are many survivors of this practice who have advised that these practices were used on them in attemt to "cure" them.

These individuals were vulnerable and felt there was no choice but to go ahead with "treatment" as the consequences for being LGBTQ+ seemed far worse than agreeing to treatment.

According to the Government's LGBT Survey, 7% of LGBT+ people have been offered conversion therapy, rising to 13% of trans people and 10% of asexual people.

Behind those cold numbers are real people – many of whom still carry with them the long-lasting emotional scars of being made to feel broken. Of being told that who they are is wrong, and that they need to be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured’.

While the UK government is taking steps to outlaw conversion therapy, things are not moving fast enough, and remains crucial to raise awareness and advocate for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

https://www.stonewall.org.uk/about-us/news/seven-survivors-conversion-therapy-describe-its-lasting-damaging-impact

19/06/2024

When you are so deep undercover doing exmormon research that the algorithm thinks you want to shop for "modest underwear" 🤣

13/06/2024

A lot of times when people think about high-control religions or cults they think about Charles Manson or Jim Jones, they don’t often consider some of the more mainstream religions currently active in the world today. There can be a perception that people who are in these religions have made an informed decision about their commitment to the religion and that they can leave with little or no consequences. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

High-control religions, often referred to as cults or authoritarian groups, are faith communities that exert extensive control over their members' lives. These groups are characterised by a rigid structure that demands obedience, discourages questioning, and often requires members to conform to a strict set of beliefs and practices. Recognising if one is in a high-control religious group involves being aware of certain patterns and behaviours that are common in such groups.

I feel that a lot of times when people think about high-control religions or cults they think about Charles Manson or Jim Jones, they don’t often consider some of the more mainstream religions currently active in the world today. There can be a perception that people who are in these religions hav...

06/06/2024

Pride month means a lot to me due to my own history and experience.

The term 'pride' in this context is not about boasting or arrogance; it's about the rightful acknowledgement of one's worth and dignity in the face of adversity.

Unfortunately, we still live in a world where LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination and even violence, simply because of their identity or sexual orientation. Pride month offers numerous benefits including:

Visibility and Representation: Pride Month serves as a platform that shines a light on the vast array of LGBTQ+ identities, offering a rich tapestry of individuals and stories. This inclusive representation plays a vital role in validating and empowering young individuals who might otherwise struggle with feelings of isolation or uniqueness.

Education and Awareness: Pride Month provides essential opportunities for education and discussion. These events and conversations help increase understanding of LGBTQ+ history and the continuous efforts toward achieving equality. They play a crucial role in enlightening not just the LGBTQ+ youth, but also the wider community.

Community and Support: Pride events are essential in fostering a sense of community and belonging among attendees. These events provide a safe and inclusive space where people can forge connections with like-minded individuals who understand and resonate with their shared experiences.

Inspiration and Role Models: Exposure to successful LGBTQ+ individuals and supportive allies serves as a powerful source of inspiration, motivating individuals to embrace their true selves and actively pursue their aspirations without the burden of discrimination looming over their path. Witnessing these role models achieving personal and professional success despite societal challenges can ignite a flame within others, encouraging them to navigate their journeys with confidence and authenticity.

Empowerment and Advocacy: During Pride Month, individuals are encouraged to embrace their voices and stand up not only for themselves but also for those around them. This initiative plays a crucial role in cultivating a community that actively participates in political and social issues, contributing to a more connected and aware society.

Mental Health and Well-being: By promoting acceptance and understanding, Pride Month can positively impact the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Challenging Discrimination: Pride Month serves as a valuable chance to actively combat and diminish the prevailing stigmas, bullying, and discrimination that persist in educational institutions, workplaces, and society at large, fostering environments that prioritize safety and inclusivity for everyone.

Overall, Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and action that can have a profound and lasting impact society.

04/06/2024

Another topic I think it important to highlight this month is the usage of inclusive language.

Things like "Hey guys," or the friendly "What's up, dude?" and even the seemingly harmless "Hey girl," that we often use in our daily exchanges. It's a habit, a cultural shorthand that's as common as a morning cup of coffee. But here's the thing – these terms, as familiar and unassuming as they are, aren't the neutral language they're often assumed to be.

In our vibrant tapestry of identities, it's crucial to recognize that language is a powerful tool. It can include or exclude, embrace or alienate. When we use "guys," "dude," or "girl" to address a mixed group, we're often doing so without ill intent. Yet, intent isn't the same as impact.

Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword; it's a commitment to making everyone feel seen and respected. It's about taking a step back and questioning our linguistic defaults. Are we using terms that truly reflect the diversity of our audience? Are we honoring their identities and preferences?

Let's challenge ourselves to adopt language that doesn't just fall back on the familiar but strives to be genuinely inclusive. Terms like "everyone," "all," or "team" can convey warmth and camaraderie without inadvertently sidelining anyone.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of communication, let's be mindful of the words we choose. They're the signposts of our values, the handshakes we offer in a virtual world. Let's make sure they're handshakes that everyone can grasp.

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03/06/2024

Pride Month traces its origins to a pivotal moment in history—the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. These actions were a response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village. Patrons and local sympathizers fought back in a spontaneous demonstration against the systemic persecution of the LGBTQ+ community.

This act of resistance marked the beginning of a global movement. The following year, on June 28, 1970, the first Pride marches were held to commemorate the anniversary of the first action taken that day. What started as a day of remembrance has since blossomed into a month-long series of events and celebrations, honouring the courage of those who stood at Stonewall and all who continue the fight for equal rights.

Stonewall remains a pivotal moment in LGBTQ history, symbolizing the fight against systemic discrimination and the birth of a global movement for equality. Today, the spirit of Stonewall is still relevant as LGBTQ individuals continue to face challenges, including hate-motivated violence, workplace discrimination, and the lack of legal protections in many regions. Despite significant progress, such as the decriminalization of same-sex relationships in some countries and the increasing visibility of LGBTQ issues, the community still grapples with inequalities.

The legacy of Stonewall lives on, not only as a reminder of the strides taken but also as a call to action to address the ongoing struggles for LGBTQ equality worldwide.

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02/06/2024

Pride Month is not about pride in the traditional sense of self-admiration. Instead, it's a profound declaration of self-affirmation, community, and the long journey toward equality.

In the diverse tapestry of human beliefs and values, religion has historically served as a cornerstone for moral guidance and community belonging for many people. However, religious texts are rich with metaphors, parables, and historical context, making them subject to interpretation. It's not uncommon for the same scripture to be understood in vastly different ways by different people. This interpretative flexibility suggests that homophobic beliefs, often justified by selective readings of these texts, need to be revisited. Engaging with diverse interpretations can illuminate the inclusive potential of religious teachings.

Many people have heard the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin”, and I have even used this phrase myself back when I was a believing member of the LDS church. The problem with this idea is that it actually makes the believer think they are showing love/support to their friends/family, when in fact they are actually saying they can’t love them for who they are.

This line of thinking grants the appearance of generosity without the need for the believer to sacrifice or wrestle with their convictions, and it often ends up benefiting the person saying the words more than it does the person hearing them

❤️🏳️‍🌈
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Pride Month is not about pride in the traditional sense of self-admiration. Instead, it's a profound declaration of self-affirmation, community, and the long journey toward equality.

02/06/2024

As we step into Pride Month, I find myself reflecting on the journey of self-discovery and the power of labels in understanding our identities. Growing up, I grappled with a lack of knowledge and understanding about my own identity. It was a world where the term 'bisexuality' was not mentioned at all.

For many, labels can seem restrictive, but for me, and countless others, they serve as a beacon of clarity in a sea of confusion. Discovering the label 'bisexual' was like finding a piece of myself that I had been searching for without knowing. It gave me a language to express my feelings, a community that shared similar experiences, and most importantly, it gave me the validation that I wasn't alone.

Pride Month is more than just a celebration; it's a reminder of the importance of visibility and education. It's about creating spaces where conversations about identity are not just allowed but encouraged. It's about dismantling the barriers of ignorance and fear that keep many from embracing their true selves.

As a proud bisexual individual, I understand the transformative impact of having the right words to define our experiences. This Pride Month, let's advocate for a world where every person has the opportunity to explore, define, and express their identity without hesitation or fear of judgment. Let's celebrate the labels, not as constraints, but as tools for empowerment and connection.

Here's to a future where understanding and acceptance are the norms, and where every Pride Month, we can look back at how far we've come and forward to how much further we can go together.

27/04/2024

I'm not crying. You're crying 😭❤️🏳️‍🌈

The official music video for "Hell Together" by David Archuleta. Streaming now on all platforms: https://orcd.co/helltogetherStarring: David Archuleta & Oliv...

24/04/2024

When you try alcohol for the first time 😂

After leaving the LDS church I went to university but still upheld the no alcohol rule...but after watching my friends try shots for the first time I already new this was a no go for me when I eventually tried drinking myself 🙈

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/gPEPgQ2K47jdPRHb/

23/04/2024

When you discover the joys of curse words for the first time 😂

16/04/2024

When you homophobe so hard you accidentally comment on a two year old tweet 😂

06/04/2024

Spending time with family this weekend so I'll be posting general conference cliffnotes later next week.

I am however hearing rumblings that Hollands talk is shocking...so I'm not looking forward to hearing that one.

Maybe it's for good reasons and his hospitalisation made him a less of a homophobic 🔔🔚....but I doubt it 🤔

05/04/2024

"A few days after I said I was stepping away from our church, my mom said she was going to step away too. And then said, “If you’re going to hell, we’re all going to
hell with you.”

While we didn’t look at hell as many people do as Latter-day Saints at the time, and even now my transition out of religion has shifted the idea as a whole for me, I understood the sentiment she meant in what she said, and it meant a lot to me.

Thank you for always loving and supporting me, mom. ❤️" -David Archuleta

03/04/2024

The LDS church is doing a survey on concerns members have about church history, and it's currently open for anyone to submit feedback

research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_eI…

You might think as an exmo it doesn't matter, but the reality is that our feedback can help influence the church's honesty. I still hold hope that future generations might receive a more honest narrative so they can at least make informed decisions.

No more disingenuous claims like saying they don't know where the priesthood ban came from *cough*racism*cough*

01/04/2024

Initially didn't realise the date or who posted this....we can still dream though, right?

♥️🏳️‍🌈

Dear LGBTQ+ Community,

We are sorry.

We apologize for the hurt and exclusion we purposefully imposed on you. We have not been understanding or accepting.

Every person, no matter their orientation or gender identity is valued and loved equally--without fear of excommunication.

We are committed to listening, learning and creating the welcoming community
we ostracized you from.

A Sincere April Fools,

The Church

28/03/2024

The TBM response to the new song by David Archuleta shouldn't surprise me...but somehow it still does.

Lots people people defending the church and even personally attacking him for feeling judged by the congregation or wider community.

Yet I would bet many of them are ignorant of the history or worse still believe the teachings. I have written an article outlining some of the history but for a full accounting it's worth viewing on the record here: https://lattergaystories.org/record/

https://www.questioninglds.com/lds-articles/lds-church-preaches-diversity-while-activly-betraying-the-lgbtq-community

The September issue of Liahona has a primary focus on diversity and many of the articles discuss how important unity is but if you take a close look at the Church history and doctrine you can see that historically this has not always been the attitude presented. Not only were past teaching incredibl

28/03/2024

David Archuleta has released a new single called “Hell Together” and it will hit you right in the feels.

The song is inspired by his mormon roots and the love of his mom. After David came out she wrote an article where she said she "did not teach my children their whole lives to serve and love a God who is not accepting of them".

The song beautifully expresses what it’s like at the crossroads of faith and sexuality, and gives a glimps into what its like to walk away from a belief that has been a part of who you are for a long time ♥️

https://youtu.be/bAysF5mJjM0?si=c7XYvdPtCgywVmZ4

Bow your head, don't be bold
You'll survive by doin' what you're told
Said love is earned and we can't choose
But the more you grow, you know the truth

All I want is to make you proud
If I would run, would I let you down?
You said

"If I have to live without you
I don't wanna live forever in someone else's heaven
So let 'em close the gates
Oh, if they don't like the way you're made, then they're not any better
If Paradise is pressurе, oh
We'll go to hell togethеr"

You and me, that's all we need
Blood is thicker than the pages that they read
I'm afraid (I'm afraid) of letting go
Of the version that I used to know

Crying tears in Sunday crowds
Took my hand, and we walked out
You said

"If I have to live without you
I don't wanna live forever
In someone else's heaven
So let 'em close the gates
Oh, if they don't like the way you're made
Then they're not any better
If Paradise is pressure, oh
We'll go to hell together

The official lyric video for "Hell Together" by David Archuleta. https://orcd.co/helltogetherSong Credits:Written by: David Archuleta, Ryan Nealon, Sam Deros...

21/03/2024

This post is so disingenuous! Previous teachings have been very clear in the fact that women do not hold the priesthood.

"God had ordained that man should hold the priesthood. He presides in the home; he blesses the wife and family; he leads in righteousness; he is the patriarch. It is through the exercise of the power of his priesthood and the ordinances there of that he and his wife may be sanctified...although a woman does not recieve, hold, or exercise the power of the priesthood independent of her husband, she certainly shares its eternal blessing".

So many active LDS women go unheard and unappreciated. Even the previous president of the relief society has declared that sometimes women can be "opinionated" and "shrill"..and that when having issues with the brethren not listening we should always question our own behaviour first and mould ourselves to suit the men.

Absolutely terrible take on the situation

03/03/2024

I can't believe it has already been 3 years since I resigned!

In this time I have created this page and tried to keep up with writing new articles as often as I can. I'm so glad to just be able to provide some helpful references for people and hopefully there will be many more to come ❤️

24/02/2024

Throwback to one of the glowing reviews I had on an article.

I do love it when the people write the jokes themselves ;)

https://www.questioninglds.com/lds-articles/elder-holland-makes-veiled-threat-to-university-staff-over-a-pro-gay-speech-made-over-2-years-ago

17/02/2024

I feel like we have all been there 😂

05/02/2024

It's good to see some honest (and calm) dialogue on some very difficult topics

Exclusive Prompt now on Patreon 👉https://www.patreon.com/jubileemediaHey you 🫵 Wanna be in a Jubilee video? https://bit.ly/be-in-a-videoLET’S BE FRIENDSIns...

03/02/2024

This feels so relatable 😂

David Archuleta accidentally made a d*ck joke on TikTok when he thought he thought the stitch was about height...then he made more TikToks having a full on postmormon purity culture/morality crisis because he realised from the comments what he did.

It's worth a watch. So glad he is able to feel comfortable laughing at himself and recognising the deconstruction process that comes with leaving a high control religion ♥️

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGekNXwEx/

08/12/2023

💔

As I was navigating my journey out of the closet I was heavily involved in faith-affirming LGBTQ support groups that exist to support the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and work to carve exceptions for LGBTQ+ individuals in that community.

A turning point for me came when a close friend sobbed in sorrow as he admitted his nightly prayer included a desperate plea that God would bless him to NOT fall in love with another person.

“I see all my friends falling in love…but I’m gay. I’m not allowed to do that. So I plead with God, every night, that He intervenes and prevents me from falling in love with another guy.”

Imagine a culture so hostile that it invites its people to seek divine intervention to NOT love?

We are designed to love and be loved. Your capacity to love is a beautiful aspect of who you are. The journey to self-acceptance is valid, and there are supportive communities that welcome and celebrate simple truths. I can’t imagine a loving God that would want to keep you from something as beautiful as love.

You are not an exception. You are exceptional!

I’ll see you along the journey. ❤️

30/10/2023

Getting into the Halloween spirit 😂

11/10/2023

An anonymously submitted poem:

Murderers and Thieves

Prophets
Leaders
Profiteers and
Abusers
Grifters
"Lifters"
Authority Figures
"Righteous" idols who would rather fly fast
Then learn how to open their eyes to the past
These few but powerful (usually) men
Have started to realize the fun just might end

The Tower of Babel
That great spacious Church
Is starting to empty
By foot or by hearse
What can you do, even up to the end?
When your whole life has been only this to defend

You're stuck now, you're squirming
You've run out of lines
That ChatGPT could write 100 times
You see, you were lied to
Like many before
But you chose to keep lying
For that, you are poor

You are poor in the things your product promotes
You are poor in your heart
In your mind
In your throats
How many Selves have you damned
In this life alone?
How many more will it take
To surrender your throne?

Anonymous Androgynous
Oct 2023

03/10/2023

Combining my love of being creative with exmo interests by defacing one of the worst books ever written to create some blackout poetry.

*******
It is the destiny of men to come to earth and travel a journey of indetermined lenght.

They travel sometimes dangerously, sometimes safely, sometimes sadly, sometimes happily.

Always the road is marked by learning, disappointments, and keen excitements.
Youth with its its exuberance; its likes & dislikes, its fears & hopes & intensities. And through older age with its achievements, culminations, goal-reaching, relaxation, and retirement.

Throughout the entire journey there is opportunity for learning, and growth, and development.

We see some people travel having no road maps to guide them, they just travel. And when the end of life draws nigh they have travelled ❤️✨️

Spencer W Kimball...sort of

19/09/2023

Well this is soul destroying. Instead of tackling the rampant homophobia in the church they would rather put up some fluffy faith promoting stories which will only serve to make LGB people feel worse.

Apparently trans people need not apply for this honor 🙄💔

28/04/2023

If this policy change goes through it is going to cost more lives.

Such a horrendous way to treat people 💔

Over the last few days multiple people have reached out asking about rumors regarding an upcoming policy change regarding transgender and non-binary Latter-day Saints.

I have reached out to multiple sources inside Church headquarters for confirmation or clarification on this news.

Unfortunately, these rumors appear to be substantiated.

Similar to the November 2015 Policy of Exclusion (POX) this forthcoming policy change would apply to transgender and gender incongruent people.

According to sources, an upcoming Handbook change will prohibit “socially and medically transitioned” Latter-day Saints from participating in ordinances, including all temple opportunities. It will also prohibit “socially and medically transitioned” investigators or children of record (those seeking to join the church) from baptism.

The Church’s current policy states, “A social transition includes changing dress or grooming, or changing a name or pronouns, to present oneself as other than his or her birth sex.”

Currently, church leaders advise that those who socially transition will experience some Church membership restrictions for the duration of this transition. These restrictions include an annotation on the membership record of the church member.

Members who have medically transitioned are prohibited from receiving or exercising the priesthood, receiving or using a temple recommend, and receiving some Church callings.

Under these soon-to-be announced changes, the current church policies would be updated to preclude temple participation, callings, priesthood advancement, and baptism for both medically and socially transitioned individuals.

We urge Church leaders, locally and administratively to follow Elder Ballard’s 2017 counsel admonishing members to “do better than we’ve done in the past” when it comes to listening to and understanding the LGBTQ experiences.