Nerdy Gay Mormon

This is the third message to me and again it shows a lack of critical thinking or understanding complexity. You state “facts” which are easily disproved with a simple internet search and you exaggerate things to the point of absurdity in order to make the world seem quaintly black or white.

I did you the favor of responding to your previous two messages with respect and explanation, I responded as though you wanted a sincere response despite the tone of the messages. Since you didn’t comprehend the lessons I was sharing and failed to respond to the points I made, I’m assuming your worldview is too brittle to survive nuance and therefore you push away any idea that challenges your simplistic understanding.

I accept that remaining in a church that actively promotes homophobia & transphobia is a form of passive complicity. From an outside perspective, my presence can be seen as tacit approval of the church's teachings and I am part of a community that creates an unsafe environment for queer individuals.

I'm not silently standing by as harmful policies are enacted, I challenge the homophobic & transphobic teachings and attitudes. Also, unlike your accusation, I don't encourage gay people to remain. Most of my queer friends have left this church and I'm happy for them. As for me being in "church leadership," I'm a secretary, I have no authority other than being able to share my viewpoint in meetings when leaders council together.

I don't think that abandoning spaces entirely to homophobes is beneficial to vulnerable individuals, particularly those who are queer, young & required to attend by their family or who are in the closet. I provide an alternate viewpoint and an affirming voice.

I admit that there is a cost to leaving as it would damage ties with my family and friends, and would also mean abandoning my cultural upbringing. But also, I've paid a high price for being in this church, I've had many mental health issues because of it and am still dealing with the effects.

It's easy to stand on the outside and make judgements, I'm glad it seems simple to you. You're not the one who has to deal with the costs of staying or leaving. I do weigh the personal costs of staying versus the benefits, and whether the difference I can make as an insider is outweighed by the passive complicity.