My friend Nathan McLaughlin joins us to share his story as a gay Latter-day Saint and recent returned missionary (returned home in August of 2022).
 
Nathan starts the podcast with his years leading up to his mission, why he decided to stay in the church, organize a rally at BYU-I to support LGBTQ students, and then his decision to serve a mission.   Nathan then talks about his mission which including coming out to individual people at times during his mission.  Nathan then shares his spirit-led decision to come out as gay publicly on Facebook.   I believe Nathan is the first Latter-day Saint missionary to come out publicly while serving.  
 
Here is a link to Nathan’s Facebook post.
https://www.facebook.com/natemaklocklin/posts/187097709829160
 
Nathan talks about reactions from members, missionaries, and investigators to his Facebook post (mostly positive) and how it allowed him to be more authentic and a more effective missionary. 
 
If you are queer and thinking about a mission, Nathan’s podcast will help you.  If you are looking to better understand and support queer Latter-day Saints, Nathan’s podcast will help you.
 
Thank Nathan for being on the podcast and your courage to be you.  Respect.   Our church and world are a better place with you in it.   Thank you for your discipleship.

** Please Check Out My LGBTQ Book At: ** 
Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints 

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773

** Want to develop church-supported LGBTQ activities in your local area?  Please join our FB group below **

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143

Episode 574: Nathan McLaughlin, Gay Latter-day Saint, Recent RM

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