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Today In the Den, we’re diving into a deeply personal and courageous journey—one that bridges faith, family, and the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Gary and Millie Watts, parents to six children, were devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when their son Craig came out as gay. They chose to affirm and support their gay son in a time when there was no internet, no church support, and very little understanding.  They became forces for change on many fronts, including a years-long letter writing effort between Gary and top leaders of the LDS (Mormon) Church. Theirs is a beautiful story of love of faith and family. 

Special Guests: Gary and Millie Watts 

Gary Watts was born in 1940 in Logan, Utah, into a committed Mormon family. He attended Utah State University, where he was captain of the basketball team. After serving a two-year church mission in New Zealand, he married Mildred ‘Millie’ Cragun, his sweetheart since middle school. Gary then attended the University of Utah College of Medicine, graduating in 1968.

Millie Watts was born in 1941, also in Logan. Her dad was a well-known and popular family practice physician.

Gary worked for 35 years as a radiologist at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah. He was president of the UVRMC medical staff in 1981-82, and president of the Utah Medical Foundation in 1988-89. Millie was involved in many activities, serving as president of the Provo PTA, president of the Utah County Medical Auxiliary, and president of her church’s primary education program three times. They have six children, two of whom are gay. 

Links from the Show: 

• Find Gary’s book Rainbow Letters here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/rainbow-letters-the-temerity-to-believe-gary-m-watts/18520161?ean=9798449218995&next=t
• Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org 

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