Matt Easton | Responding to Jeffery R. Holland
Channel: Latter Gay Stories
Date: 29/08/2021

Join us on Sunday, August 29 at 1:00 PM for a special Latter Gay Stories and Mormon Stories interview with Matt Easton. We get to hear directly from Matt, and he wants to answer your questions, LIVE!

In 2019, Matt Easton, the BYU Political Science Valedictorian shared that he was a “gay son of God” from the graduation pulpit. It was in this commencement address that he affirmed his identity not only as a gay man, but a gay man who was able to reach the top of his class. His commencement speech was an invitation for all to rise above the challenges of life and thrive in your individual uniqueness. 

Matt’s message was met with resounding approval and cheers. Further, his speech gained him national media attention and worldwide appeal. But what was lesser known was that his commencement address was pre-approved by BYU—not a surprise attack from the graduation pulpit.  

Fast forward to Monday, August 23, 2021 when President Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles used a speech to BYU faculty and staff to berate Matt Easton and accuse him of “commandeering” the commencement address. Holland lamented about the minority message of Matt Easton and warned against future commencement addresses that might follow Matt’s outline.

Matt is taking this opportunity to share more of his story and to respond to Elder Holland. 

Once again, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints finds itself on the opposite side of “listening to and understanding” the LGBTQ community.