My friend Matt, in his 30’s and a financial planner, share his story as a gay Latter-day Saints. Matt, who grew up in New Jersey and served a mission in Houston Texas, shares his journey going from shame around his sexual orientation to being at peace this is who his is—and what makes his needed life mission possible. Matt doesn’t look in the mirror and see someone who is broken—but a beloved son of God.

Matt talks about choosing to live the Gospel, focusing on God and not Church culture, temple attendance, accepting other’s paths, behavior versus heart, and how being gay isn’t a trial. A frequent theme of this podcast is eliminating shame around sexual orientation.

Thanks for being on the podcast Matt. I learned so much listening to your story. You are a great man, with a pure heart and an ability to love and help others. Thanks for sharing your story—it will help so many. You can also listen to Matt’s story on this North Star video: https://www.northstarlds.org/voh-profile-matt