As an Iranian gay man who was being indoctrinated with religion ideology since I was born, I can relate to mormons! Religious trauma is real! Being gay makes it even harder to survive such upbringing. I understand it!
Well that ended very sweetly . So much to process for those of us escaping a conformist religious background. And I have to say John is spectacularly handsome
I would really like to hear the lesbein version of this story, because I'm sure they're out there. Women who grew up in the Mormon and realized that they weren't interested in men in that particular way.
Thank you for sharing your story. While I'm not Mormon (I'm Catholic), so much of your religious experiences resonated with me. I'm very happy that things turned out so well for you!
Great story. I almost joined the LDS at 40 yrs old and gay. Decided it wasn't for me, but met some of the nicest people ever. I'm now 42, single and live alone. I hear so many stories of how people met their partners etc. I've went to college, well into my career, and have not had the pleasure to even date anyone, never been in a relationship. Maybe I've approached life wrong as it relates to meeting people. Idk... I do enjoy hearing stories of success though. Brightens my heart.
The LDS part of your experience is unusual. Generally, I hear about people leaving the organization around that age. Everyone I’ve met was born into it and that's how their LDS life came to be. I’ve yet to meet a convert. Were you actively seeking a relationship?
Thanks for sharing your story. I have several friends who share their stories and it is fascinating that no matter what the religion, in many ways we go thru the same stuggles. I was raised catholic. The guilt we/I went thru. Nice to see your story. Be Well.
Thank you so much for sharing your story !! This is very touching and I am sorry that you had to deal with this complex situation, it's very hard, believe me I know... my situation didn't turn out well at all. I'm now 59 and I am still alone and have been for the past 15 years after being with women all of my life... since the age of 16 and it finally reached the point that I could no longer live the lie. Hear the gay lifestyle doesn't exist... not for Bears anyway. I'm so Happy that you were able to have a life that you chose, I myself am still searching for friendship and companionship and if I ever find that maybe I can find love. Living in Central Virginia STINKS !!
Living in rural Central Virginia might make it difficult to find a soul mate that you could share your life with, but it surely can't be impossible. Are you being social even in places that seem to be frequented by heterosexuals because are likely other men there that feel the way you do. Please don't give up GrizzlyBeast because if you don't, I won't give up either. There's always hope!
What an amazing story of working through your religious family's traditions yet somehow always being true to your own self. You even went as far as sharing of your true self with the Bishop of the single's ward. Wow! I am so happy for you that you finally achieved your educational goals and finding your true love with Jeff!
I was raised in the Christian community and I too had experienced these issues. I went to Bible College and got kicked out because someone ratted me to the president and so I was on my own. I am still on my own and now 73. Lots of one night stands but no one wanted all of me. I got so tired of being thrown away. I just stay home and do not go to church due to my being gay .
well we all make the same mistake when first time in love .. we think we have all possession rights onto the other .. men or women it pushed me shift from women to men and viceversa .. i am really astonished the influence of religion on american society how much harm sufference it provoked
If you're in a heterosexual marriage and Mormon, it could be a tough situation. Actually, it'd be a tough situation for most people at that age to want to start over. Financial complications don't help either. If that's your story, I get it.
nice guy especially when young !! at 22 i wanted to migrate in States to make studies. i had a univ professor in NY 3 years older t than me ,that was my lover i was living in europe he crossed the ocean few times for me but never dared to commit himself for more as taking me to the states were years 1968-70 .. i am grateful he did not make up his mind .. i might have got mad in a usa university with all these nice lads and sex 😜😱 and he felt that !
You would have found it more restrictive in an American univ in 1968-69. That is exactly when I crossed overseas to spend 18 months in France. Best time of my entire life. It was not wide open, but certainly more tolerant than America. Have always regretted having to return here, due to my father's illness & premature death.
@@gardengeek3041 hi i moved to north Europe exactly 67-68 it was not free but were plenty of places. where to go parks saunas and bars someone told me it was forbidden but never noticed nor had problems but reading here universities with glory holes in the wc surprises me as the cleaner team might have noticed and closed !! all is not clear
As an Iranian gay man who was being indoctrinated with religion ideology since I was born, I can relate to mormons!
Religious trauma is real! Being gay makes it even harder to survive such upbringing.
I understand it!
That was so sweet. Sometimes it takes a little longer to find the one and when you find it the world seems to Balance out.
Hi John, your story can be a support for others to be their true self! I have a relationship with a Roman Catholic priest for 15 years!
Well that ended very sweetly . So much to process for those of us escaping a conformist religious background. And I have to say John is spectacularly handsome
I would really like to hear the lesbein version of this story, because I'm sure they're out there. Women who grew up in the Mormon and realized that they weren't interested in men in that particular way.
I wonder if their experience is a lot worse than men in general. I’ve been trying really hard to invite women but I haven’t had much luck.
Agreed, I would like to hear more lesbian experiences all together.
Well, one thing is certain: you like the way you look! You partnered with your doppelgänger. (You are both gorgeous, for the record.)
Great story. I too grew up in a Mormon family. i refused to join the church and the folks were NOT happy!
Oh wow, I'm sure at the time, not too many people could actually break away from that tradition.
Yup. Lots of pressure to go into the church.@@lgbtqarchives
Thank you for sharing your story. While I'm not Mormon (I'm Catholic), so much of your religious experiences resonated with me. I'm very happy that things turned out so well for you!
Great story. I almost joined the LDS at 40 yrs old and gay. Decided it wasn't for me, but met some of the nicest people ever. I'm now 42, single and live alone. I hear so many stories of how people met their partners etc. I've went to college, well into my career, and have not had the pleasure to even date anyone, never been in a relationship. Maybe I've approached life wrong as it relates to meeting people. Idk...
I do enjoy hearing stories of success though. Brightens my heart.
The LDS part of your experience is unusual. Generally, I hear about people leaving the organization around that age. Everyone I’ve met was born into it and that's how their LDS life came to be.
I’ve yet to meet a convert.
Were you actively seeking a relationship?
I could be You. 😢❤
Thank you for sharing your experience. Relatable
Thanks for sharing your story. I have several friends who share their stories and it is fascinating that no matter what the religion, in many ways we go thru the same stuggles. I was raised catholic. The guilt we/I went thru. Nice to see your story. Be Well.
Thank you so much for sharing your story !! This is very touching and I am sorry that you had to deal with this complex situation, it's very hard, believe me I know... my situation didn't turn out well at all. I'm now 59 and I am still alone and have been for the past 15 years after being with women all of my life... since the age of 16 and it finally reached the point that I could no longer live the lie. Hear the gay lifestyle doesn't exist... not for Bears anyway. I'm so Happy that you were able to have a life that you chose, I myself am still searching for friendship and companionship and if I ever find that maybe I can find love. Living in Central Virginia STINKS !!
dont give up !
MAN! Find a loving same sex partner , marry and maybe raise kids!!
Living in rural Central Virginia might make it difficult to find a soul mate that you could share your life with, but it surely can't be impossible. Are you being social even in places that seem to be frequented by heterosexuals because are likely other men there that feel the way you do. Please don't give up GrizzlyBeast because if you don't, I won't give up either. There's always hope!
Thank you for sharing this.
What an amazing story of working through your religious family's traditions yet somehow always being true to your own self. You even went as far as sharing of your true self with the Bishop of the single's ward. Wow! I am so happy for you that you finally achieved your educational goals and finding your true love with Jeff!
That last photo is like they're twins! Great channel, a true archive of our stories. Thanks
I didn’t think of it that way, but such a poetic perspective. I like that. Glad you’re here. Thanks for your support ❤️
Very beautiful story. And I am so happy that you found love. 💜
Absolutely delightful ending..........! :)
Am happy for you both.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Joe.
A great story!
𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐝𝐭, a professional therapist, navigated life as a gay individual within a strict Mormon community.
instagram.com/berndtout/
amazing u look like being twins !
That was beautiful ❤
Reminds me of my gay life in Fargo, North Dakota. Not a Gay Bar in hundreds of miles. Monthly Gay Community Dance. 1980
I've experienced the hampster wheel too.
I was raised in the Christian community and I too had experienced these issues. I went to Bible College and got kicked out because someone ratted me to the president and so I was on my own. I am still on my own and now 73. Lots of one night stands but no one wanted all of me. I got so tired of being thrown away. I just stay home and do not go to church due to my being gay .
Beautiful car!
Very neat 👊
Such a sweet story!
He’s cute and nice.
Thank you for this video
I really enjoy gay men who were or are Mormon. Stability is one of their main features, wish I could find one.
Yes, beautiful.
well we all make the same mistake when first time in love .. we think we have all possession rights onto the other .. men or women
it pushed me shift from women to men and viceversa ..
i am really astonished the influence of religion on american society
how much harm sufference it provoked
That photo of you eating eggs I am like yep he is gay. It's funny isn't it. Like just part of your whole body.
65 😢and a little late for me.
If you're in a heterosexual marriage and Mormon, it could be a tough situation. Actually, it'd be a tough situation for most people at that age to want to start over. Financial complications don't help either. If that's your story, I get it.
.
76. Never 2 late for anything. The present time is time. Just started writing. Go for it.
nice guy especially when young !! at 22 i wanted to migrate in States to make studies. i had a univ professor in NY 3 years older t than me ,that was my lover i was living in europe he crossed the ocean few times for me but never dared to commit himself for more as taking me to the states were years 1968-70 ..
i am grateful he did not make up his mind .. i might have got mad in a usa university with all these nice lads and sex 😜😱 and he felt that !
You would have found it more restrictive in an American univ in 1968-69. That is exactly when I crossed overseas to spend 18 months in France.
Best time of my entire life. It was not wide open, but certainly more tolerant than America. Have always regretted having to return here, due to my father's illness & premature death.
@@gardengeek3041 hi
i moved to north Europe exactly 67-68 it was not free but were plenty of places. where to go parks saunas and bars someone told me it was forbidden but never noticed nor had problems
but reading here universities with glory holes in the wc surprises me as the cleaner team might have noticed and closed !!
all is not clear
💋💋❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💞👍👍
Marry me. Jeffrey
He can’t. He’s married and in a wonderful long term relationship. ❤️