When I was 12 I had my first temple worthiness interview. The bishop asked me if I followed the law of chastity. He said, do you know what that is? I told him no. he said, “it means have you touched yourself or let other people touch you?” I could tell the correct answer to…
Was asked only once if I masturbate after being asked if I follow the Law of Chasity. I fell into complete silence and the man interviewing me proceeded to ask if I knew what masturbation was. I sat in that chair trying hard to recall the word from a health class but kept thinking of…
The late Mormon Pres. Spencer W. Kimball asked me explicit sexual questions, in clearing my return to BYU. (’69) I was falsely accused of “Homosexual Activity” on-Campus, although I am Gay. Like: “Have you practiced Sodomy, Fellatio, Oral Sex, etc.?” Thought he was ” Speaking in Tongues. ” LOL!!! +, I’d just been Baptized an…
Today my 12-year-old son had his bishopric interview to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. The bishopric actually REQUIRED that my wife or myself be present at the interview. Baby steps…
I was born into the church. Growing up, I always considered myself a normal kid but felt that the only thing in my life that was not normal was the church. I never did drugs or any illegal activity, like drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence. I…
I can’t remember certain aspects of my early childhood. This is important, because my biological father allegedly molested or abused my sister and I. We were only 2 or 3 years of age. Whatever was going on then made my mother bolt, almost literally. I have family members who share quite a bit more with…
I didn’t have it as bad as many others have recounted as horrors during interviews. However, I had developed clinical depression at the time when it really wasn’t recognized for what it was; I was twelve when I had my first ideation of suicide. I didn’t get diagnosed and prescribed anti-depressants until I was nearly…
I was raised a Mormon. My mother was born in Utah. I had very strict grandmother and I felt pressured to speak about my masturbation habits and my porn watching. It lead me to lose my sarcament privileges which made me feel isolated from the other boys in my ward. The bishop was tough and…
When I was 14 or 15 years old my mother caught me with pornography. It happens. Because of my LDS upbringing I was terrified and I thought my life was over. I expected my dad to come home and beat me till my bones broke everyday for the rest of my life. Most indiscretions were…
I felt like my mind and my body were never my own. I was property of the church. My mind, body, identity, worthiness, and authority were taken from me through coercion, threats, extreme social pressure, and ritualistic abuse. It’s been so damaging to me. I’m still trying to piece myself back together. It’s heartbreaking to…