I was born and raised in the church and served a mission in the Baltic States. I was a very dedicated until I was 33, even though I struggled with being a single, queer Mormon. I came out when I turned 30, and stayed in the church. Last year, after the ruling on Marriage Equality, I stopped going. I didn’t give up on the church until November of last year, with the policy. My shelf shattered and I realized, to be happy and healthy I needed to move on. I resigned my membership.
I found a committed, fulfilling, and truly loving relationship with a woman in July 2015. I got engaged a year later. It didn’t work out, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. I have found friends and community all around me: former Mormons, current Mormons, and people that never had a thing to do with the church. I spend a lot of time with my book club, and at Seattle Reign soccer games, volunteering and watching with friends. I am buying a house, and pursuing a career I actually want. I feel like I am finally LIVING and LOVING my life.
Mandi in Seattle
These are stories of health and happiness outside the Mormon church.
Losing my religion wasn’t the end
The Mormon faith has always been a strong influence in my life and upbringing. However at a young age, I chose to become inactive. I was a very confused young adult with a lot of questions. The answer I was given: to pray... which I did but I still felt very unsure...
Freedom and Actual Happiness
After being raised Mormon, going on a mission and marrying a Mormon, I gathered the courage to leave it about two and a half years ago. Though consequently it resulted in a divorce, I have never been happier. I am now free to live, think and feel how I want to. I live...
Losing My Life and Finding It
“Where will you go?” long before these words were uttered from the pulpit, I had them written in my heart, and they were terrifying to me. The youngest child of an extremely devout, conservative LDS family, the Church was my reality. I never missed Sunday School or...
Oh hey, it’s me.
I have nothing but fond experiences growing up in the church. I grew up in a family that loves the church deeply. I was so grateful for it! It wasn't until after I got married in the temple at 19, that certain things didn't feel as right or at home like they had used...
The world is richer and fuller than you can possibly imagine
The world is richer and fuller than you can possibly imagine. Culture, food, and whatever you feel you need to experience it is yours and no one elses. Go out of your comfort zone. Leaving has opened a whole possibility and discovery of beauty you will miss if you...
I will go where the Spirit Leads
I was ushered out of the church 30 some odd years ago when I came out at Ricks (BYU Idaho). I wasn't ex'd, I was just no longer Mormon. I floundered for a very long time, because back then there wasn't a network as there is now. Over the years I have found love and...