Recovery to Mormonism
"Confessions of a Mormon Boy" and the Mormon Church’s stance on Homosexuality
Homosexuality: The Mormon Stance
The Church’s stance on homosexuality is extremely misunderstood throughout the world. Mormons believe that marriage is a sacred covenant, which is to be between a man and a woman, which is essential for entering the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom after death and judgment. The Church’s ideas about marriage and family are clearly spelled out in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” a document by the Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley and his counselors, James E. Faust and Thomas S. Monson.
Mormons fully acknowledge and address that some people may feel attraction to the same sex. This is a trial or temptation that one must refrain from, just like any other trial in one’s life. Mormons who participate in gay or lesbian activity are subject to discipline from the Mormon Church, from the loss of a Mormon temple recommend to excommunication. However, those who acknowledge that they have inclinations and have homosexual thoughts are accepted, as long as they refrain from acting on their feelings. They have the same responsibilty to be chaste as heterosexuals do.
Mormons believe that a two-parent home, consisting of a mother and father active in the Church, is the best environment for a child to be raised in. The Mormon Church encourages its members to address homosexuality in a sensitive and loving manner. The Church encourages those struggling to seek counseling. The Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley has emphasized that marriage should not be seen as a means to overcome homosexuality. Because marriage plays such an integral role in the Plan of Salvation and happiness for God’s children, it is not something to delve into before one is ready. One should marry for the right reasons, and shouldn’t hope that homosexual feelings and attractions will just go away because they got married.
This does not mean that those with same-sex attraction will not be able to receive the eternal benefits of marriage. Mormons believe that God has his highest blessings in store for everyone, no matter what their temptations are. If they remain clean and worthy, those who struggle with same-sex attraction will have an opportunity to marry. Temptations do not last beyond the grave, and the barriers those with this temptation experience do not last forever.
The First Presidency addressed homosexuality by saying, “Individuals and their families desiring help with these matters should seek counsel from their bishop, branch president, stake president, or district president. We encourage Church leaders and members to reach out with love and understanding to those struggling with these issues. Many will respond to Christ like love and inspired counsel as they receive an invitation to come back and apply the atoning and healing power of the Savior. (See Isaiah 53:4–5; Mosiah 4:2–3.)”
“Confessions of a Mormon Boy” and Steven Fales
“Confessions of a Mormon Boy” was written by Steven Fales, a former member of the Mormon Church, who struggled with same-sex attraction, ultimately leading him to leave the Church. “Confessions of a Mormon Boy” is a one man-show, documenting the journey of Steven Fales, a Mormon boy who struggled to repress his feelings of same-gender attraction. The show documents Fales’ transformation from a “perfect” Mormon boy to a drug-addicted, high-priced male prostitute in New York. The show opened in 2001 in Salt Lake City, and has received recognition nationwide.
Fales was reared in Utah and was a member of The Mormon Church. He was an eagle scout and served a two-year mission in Portugal, as is expected of all good Mormon boys. After his Mormon mission, he realized that he could no longer repress his feelings and sought aid from church advisors. He went to seven different therapists, in a desperate attempt to overcome his homosexuality. In an attempt to remedy his feelings of same-sex attraction, he married Emily Pearson. Ironically, Emily Pearson is the daughter of Carol Lynn Pearson, who is a prominent figure in the Mormon Community, for having dealt with the “coming out” of her husband. After his marriage to Emily, which resulted in two children, Steven could no longer hide or control his homosexuality. Their marriage resulted in divorce. Soon after, Steven Fales began operation on his project, “Confessions of a Mormon Boy.”
It is important to note that Fales is not an anti-Mormon and the show is not intended to discredit the Mormon Church. In fact, it appears that Fales continues to harbor some respect for the Mormon Church. Producers of the show encouraged Fales to add a scene of him stripping down from temple undergarments (the special underwear that devout Mormons consider sacred) to full nudity, in order to mark his transformation. He refused because he wasn’t willing to mock a tradition he had once held as holy. Critics applaud the show because there is nothing hard or angry in its tone. He pins more blame on himself than the Mormon Church. However, there are moments which cast generalizations about the Mormon Church which are simply generalizations and are not fair representations of the Mormon Church.
Overcoming Homosexuality
Overcoming homosexuality is difficult. For those willing to remain faithful and worthy, despite their homosexual tendencies, as long as they do not act on them, there is a place for them in the Mormon Church. Many may struggle with homosexuality for a lifetime. For them, overcoming the temptation means not giving in to it, even though they are still tempted.
Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley addresses homosexuality in the Mormon Church by saying, “People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations of one kind or another at various times. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times….If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church."