Gary and Ernie were both raised members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They only had one major problem - they were gay. While Ernie tried marrying a woman and having children to "make the gay go away," Gary pursued graduate school, tried to date women, and eventually pursued a life of celibacy. At some point, both of their lives broke down. Join us today for a true love story for the ages - how Gary and Ernie found love together, and how they are thriving today. Gary & Ernie: Go Forward: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54QR_5k6qA8 Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro 00:05:33 Ernie’s Indonesian parents convert to Mormonism as refugees in Holland, missionary sponsors the family’s move to Utah 00:11:00 “Relaxed Mormon” household, teen years 00:20:45 Gary’s Mormon upbringing in Orem, Utah. Athletics, boy scouts, etc. 00:24:00 Discussion of genealogy in Mormonism & Gary’s love of solving the “puzzle” 00:34:30 Gary discusses his building testimony 00:35:55 Dating in HS for Gary & Ernie, ways they buried their homosexuality 00:48:00 Ernie serves mission in New York, MP pays for first year of college 00:52:45 Gary serves tough mission in Norway 00:57:30 Ernie navigates mixed-orientation marriage. Bishop facilitates his wife leaving & hiding from him with no notice. 01:14:00 Discussion of associating LGBTQ+ populations with abuse, perversion & pedophilia 01:21:15 Ernie feels relieved the marriage is over. Makes contacts in gay community 01:27:00 Gary tries to date women, ultimately breaks off an engagement to a woman and becomes suicidal 01:35:00 Ward member who was worried Gary would abuse children 01:36:00 Gary’s experiences with Evergreen (Conversion Therapy) then switching to Affirmation 01:43:30 Gary decides to be celibate after first gay relationship fails. 01:45:00 Gay family home evening in SLC 02:00:00 Ernie’s Mormon belief after divorce 02:10:00 Identity and culture and religious belief, emotional processing 02:21:00 How Gary & Ernie meet 02:28:00 Deconstructing previous beliefs 02:51:00 Being in love 03:16:00 Dealing with believing family now 03:37:00 Psychedelics & natural herbal medicines to alleviate suffering and enhance life 03:57:00 Final thoughts Episode Show Notes https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/thriving-in-love-after-mormonism/ THRIVE Stories Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq5opj6GqOC39EL5Hac-jgH9LEsgoF_4 _________________________ ABOUT US: Mormon Stories Podcast is the longest-running and most successful podcast in Mormonism - hosted by Dr. John Dehlin. At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We also occasionally interview scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1) Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology, 2) Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis, and 3) Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions. Mormon Stories Podcast is a product of the Open Stories Foundation - a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting Mormons in religious transition. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Amazon Smile: Be sure to select “Mormon Stories” website: https://smile.amazon.com app: https://amz.run/5r2M Our Platforms: Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 #MormonStories #THRIVEStories #lds