Stephanie: "What was it like being a BYU Student knowing that you were gay...that you hadn't come out, what were those years like?" Matt: (fighting back tears) "The hardest years of my life! Stephanie, it was really tough!" I'm bawling! This captures exactly how gut-wrenching and difficult it is not being able to be 100% authentic for fear of being cast out and/or rejected by peers or the school. Bravo Matt, you're an inspiration and I'm so sorry you were called out so inappropriately. Sending you hugs, love and best wishes!
This was INCREDIBLE! I'm so glad Matthew is sharing his reason behind his incredible valedictorian Speech back in 2019. I'm glad we are having these conversations and most of all showing to our LGBTQIAP Community that we are there for them. I remember when I heard that Holland called out on Matt and I had a hard time believing it until I read his talk and watched it. I couldn't believe that he said what he did two years later and on a speech that helped me when I was about to come out. So I made a video public sharing what Matt's speech meant to me. I didn't expect to hear the support and love from friends. A lot of it helped me feel like I did something right. But I also got a number who didn't agree with me. Those hurt the most. I started second guessing if standing for what I believed in was not the best thing and staying shut would have been best. It made me feel uncomfortable going to my Stake Conference that Sunday. I almost didn't go. But, I told myself to wear my pride pin I always wear on Sundays and my rainbow wristband. Honestly, I was glad I did. I told myself that I got to be brave like Matthew and so many other LGBTQ+ LDS members trying to help others. I was also surprised that I got to help two people who came out to me since the Holland talk. So out of all the hardships, good has come out of this. So for all the LGBTQ+ out there, just like what was said by Matt and Stephanie, you are loved and have a purpose.
Thank you for giving me space to share my experience. I'm so grateful for the community here that is helping me be more true to myself. No sides, only love ❤️🌈
Thank you Stephanie for giving Matt a platform to defend himself. Matt I freaking Adore You!!! You show more Grace than I think most would. I sometimes wonder if this wasn't in God's plan because I think Hollands talk has shed a more positive light on you and the whole LGBTQ Community. I think it has brought the oppressive religious beliefs and the harm it causes into the Frontline. Know you are Loved 😍
“There must be something innately evil about me if Jesus Christ can’t fix me” - this absolutely broke my heart. If Jesus didn’t turn you into a straight man, it’s because you didn’t need fixing. Because you were perfectly made. God bless you both. You’re absolutely amazing people. Stephanie, I can’t believe the LDS church hasn’t come after you yet. You are incredible and the work you do at Encircle is so important.
Stephanie: "What was it like being a BYU Student knowing that you were gay...that you hadn't come out, what were those years like?" Matt: (fighting back tears) "The hardest years of my life! Stephanie, it was really tough!" I'm bawling! This captures exactly how gut-wrenching and difficult it is not being able to be 100% authentic for fear of being cast out and/or rejected by peers or the school. Bravo Matt, you're an inspiration and I'm so sorry you were called out so inappropriately. Sending you hugs, love and best wishes!
This was INCREDIBLE! I'm so glad Matthew is sharing his reason behind his incredible valedictorian Speech back in 2019. I'm glad we are having these conversations and most of all showing to our LGBTQIAP Community that we are there for them. I remember when I heard that Holland called out on Matt and I had a hard time believing it until I read his talk and watched it. I couldn't believe that he said what he did two years later and on a speech that helped me when I was about to come out. So I made a video public sharing what Matt's speech meant to me. I didn't expect to hear the support and love from friends. A lot of it helped me feel like I did something right. But I also got a number who didn't agree with me. Those hurt the most. I started second guessing if standing for what I believed in was not the best thing and staying shut would have been best. It made me feel uncomfortable going to my Stake Conference that Sunday. I almost didn't go. But, I told myself to wear my pride pin I always wear on Sundays and my rainbow wristband. Honestly, I was glad I did. I told myself that I got to be brave like Matthew and so many other LGBTQ+ LDS members trying to help others. I was also surprised that I got to help two people who came out to me since the Holland talk. So out of all the hardships, good has come out of this. So for all the LGBTQ+ out there, just like what was said by Matt and Stephanie, you are loved and have a purpose.
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Watched this episode when it first came out, but listened to it again. Loved hearing the love from both Stephenie and Matt!!!! Thank you!
Thank you Matt, Stephenie, and Encircle!! ❤️🏳️🌈
Thanks for this. I’ve seen this impact my friends and peers at my school, and I feel like I can send them this to help them out :)
Thank you for giving me space to share my experience. I'm so grateful for the community here that is helping me be more true to myself. No sides, only love ❤️🌈
Encircle has done so much good for the community, thank you so much for raising the bar to such a high standard!
Thank you Matt, for sharing your story. You are a beautiful human. As an ally I echo your final words. "I'll be your family". 💞
Thank you Stephanie for giving Matt a platform to defend himself. Matt I freaking Adore You!!! You show more Grace than I think most would. I sometimes wonder if this wasn't in God's plan because I think Hollands talk has shed a more positive light on you and the whole LGBTQ Community. I think it has brought the oppressive religious beliefs and the harm it causes into the Frontline. Know you are Loved 😍
“There must be something innately evil about me if Jesus Christ can’t fix me” - this absolutely broke my heart. If Jesus didn’t turn you into a straight man, it’s because you didn’t need fixing. Because you were perfectly made.
God bless you both. You’re absolutely amazing people. Stephanie, I can’t believe the LDS church hasn’t come after you yet. You are incredible and the work you do at Encircle is so important.
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