Bad Mormon: A Memoir

by Heather Gay

It’s really difficult when you’ve lived your whole life trying to fit into an idea of who you are supposed to be even when that idea rejects

the best parts of who you are. It’s ok to walk away from beliefs that no longer serve you. It takes a long time to retrain your brain, but if we can do it, you can do it. And we will help you.”

When they responded the way they did, when they supported me, hugged me, and loved me, I felt held in a way that no man and no institution could ever imitate. Our embrace as our own little family was stronger and more permanent than any Patriarchal Grip. My honesty was a relief to them just as much as it was for me. Why did I wait so long?

People understood the struggle of being true to yourself even when it causes pain to the ones you love most. Accepting who you are when it contradicts your faith and your family feels, in a sense, like coming out. And I’m grateful I didn’t have to go through it alone. Instead, I was lifted up by the thousands of people saying they liked me, they accepted me, they related to me.

fears and failings through all the ups and downs. Comfort those that stand in need of comfort.