A Gay Mormon's Path to Peace - Eli McCann | Ep. 2185

<p>What happens when you spend your life trying to find your way in a religion that never seems to have a space for you? Today, Mormon Stories welcomes Eli McCann, attorney, writer, podcaster, and humor columnist for The Salt Lake Tribune, to hear insights into his upbringing as a gay man in the LDS faith.</p><p><br></p><p>Eli knew from a young age that he was gay, but understood that there would never be a place for him as an openly gay man in Mormonism. He served a mission, held leadership callings, and became deeply involved in the church while largely keeping his sexuality to himself. Eventually, after moving to Palau and serving as a Young Men’s president, Eli reached a point where he could no longer reconcile his life with the church’s teachings about homosexuality.</p><p><br></p><p>He shares what led him to stop attending, come out to his family, and ultimately resign his membership—including the memorable experience of resigning with a Mormon bishop on top of a Book of Mormon. We also discuss the 2015 LGBTQ+ policy, his evolving views on faith, and why he has chosen to remain in Utah despite his complicated relationship with Mormonism.</p><p><br></p><p>Eli is now known for finding humor in the quirks of Mormon culture through his writing for The Salt Lake Tribune. His new book, We’re Thankful for the Moisture: A Gay Guy’s Guide to Mormon Faith, Family, and Fruit Preservation, collects many of those stories and explores the intersections of Mormon culture, family, faith, and life as a gay man in Utah.</p><p><br></p><p>This is a conversation about faith, family, sexuality, and learning to move forward without losing meaningful parts of your past.</p><p><br></p><p>You can purchase Eli’s new book here: https://www.signaturebooks.com/books/p/were-thankful-for-the-moisture</p><p>___________________</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.mormonstories.org/a-former-gay-mormons-path-to-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Show Notes</a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/JNidofLo17I" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a></p><p><br></p><p>At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  </p><p><br></p><p>Our overall mission is to: </p><p>1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members rega