#15 Britt L. CS: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

When I was being interviewed to enter young women’s at the age of 12, I was brought into a room with the lights turned off to speak with a member of the bishopric. He asked me the usual questions, things about tithing, reading scriptures, etc.  I was so nervous that I would answer the questions…

#13 Name Hidden. CS: 1,2,3,6,7. Other: Inability to date and marry during “normal” LDS timeframe; judgementalism of others, etc

I grew up in the 1970s and ‘80s. I loved the church and never thought I would leave, but now I’m a middle-aged apostate who believes that one immense contributing factor to a loss of testimony is the church’s obsessive, abusive relationship to sexuality and shaming members. As a young woman (teen) I was interviewed…

#12 Name Hidden. CS: 1,2,3,4,6,7

When I was 17 I confessed to French kissing. The bishop told me how disappointed he was in me. How everyone looks up to me and I’ve let down God, him, my family, the young women. I cried and cried and then went home and cried more. A year later I’m 18 and at byu.…

#11 Max C. CS: 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9

At 5 years of age, I was caught playing doctor with the neighbor girl. It was pretty innocent, up to that point I had no idea boys and girls were different. But, we got caught and that’s when the shaming began. I remember that night, my mom told me that “God was ashamed of me.”…

#10 Name Hidden. CS: 1,2,3,4,6,7,8. Other: Mental illness-scrupulosity, including delusions regarding sexuality

I was harmed by the church’s teachings regarding sexuality, including invasive interviews on sexual topics. I was a very well-behaved child. I didn’t do anything beyond occasional masturbation. I honestly believed I had committed a sin “next to murder.” I spent years sure I was going to hell. I discussed things with bishops that they…

#8 Name Hidden. CS: 1,2,6. Other: Continued Parental Embarrassment

I went in to see the bishop for my 14th birthday priesthood interview. He asked me if I was morally clean. I told him no.  Then he asked me specifically if I had any issues with masturbation and I said yes. He asked how long and how frequent and suggested I tell my parents. Being…