Why LGBT Members Are So Much Better Off Mentally IN the Mormon Church!
May 3, 2025
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Stephen Craney, a statistician and permablogger at Times and Seasons, explores the surprising link between LGBTQ+ mental health and the Mormon Church. He shares compelling research that indicates religious involvement can enhance well-being for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation shines a light on personal stories that challenge stereotypes, showcasing the healing power of community and faith. Craney advocates for a nuanced perspective that fosters acceptance while respecting theological beliefs, emphasizing the positive impacts of humor and support in navigating identity within the church.
Research indicates LGBTQ+ members of the LDS church experience significantly better mental health outcomes, including lower rates of suicide ideation compared to non-religious peers.
The podcast highlights the importance of supportive church environments that foster acceptance and resilience for LGBTQ+ individuals, challenging negative perceptions of religious affiliation.
Deep dives
LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Church Membership
Research suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals who are members of the LDS church tend to experience better mental health outcomes compared to their non-religious peers. Studies indicate that LGBTQ+ church members report lower rates of suicide ideation, highlighting a significant 42% reduction among those identifying as LGBTQ+ within the church compared to their non-religious counterparts in Utah. While narratives often portray a bleak association between church membership and mental health for LGBTQ+ individuals, data indicates that religious involvement can provide crucial support and stability, fostering overall happiness. This trend challenges the prevailing perception that church affiliation is detrimental to LGBTQ+ youth, suggesting instead that many find a supportive community within their faith.
The Role of Religious Affiliation
Being religiously affiliated appears to confer benefits beyond mental health, including emotional and physical wellbeing for LGBTQ+ individuals. Studies show a consistent pattern where religious LGBTQ+ persons exhibit higher levels of happiness and health, disproving the notion that only affirming churches yield positive outcomes. Despite expectations, church environments perceived as non-affirming still show supportive elements that contribute positively to members’ lives. This complexity indicates that personal experiences within religious settings can vary widely and that many LGBTQ+ churchgoers derive comfort from their faith community.
Misconceptions About Church and LGBTQ+ Experiences
Critics often portray the church as universally harmful to LGBTQ+ individuals, yet this perspective overlooks nuanced experiences and the potential positive impact of religious engagement. Anecdotal evidence highlights that many LGBTQ+ members report love and acceptance from their church communities, contradicting narratives of widespread rejection. The harmful effects of negative rhetoric can lead to a skewed understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences within the church, as activists may unintentionally contribute to stigma and mental health crises. Acknowledging those who thrive in their religious identity is essential in fostering a more balanced dialogue around faith and LGBTQ+ acceptance.
The Importance of Supportive Relationships
Supportive family and community relationships are critical in mitigating the emotional struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth, particularly in religious contexts. Personal stories reveal that love from family members persists despite differing beliefs, which fosters resilience and belonging, crucial factors for mental health. It is posited that rather than promoting exclusion, building bridges between LGBTQ+ individuals and their faith communities can enhance both individual wellbeing and community strength. This approach emphasizes the necessity for open hearts and minds to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and accepted.
The Positive Impact of Church on LGBTQ Mental Health🙏 This video takes a deep dive into the relationship between religious affiliation and the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, with a particular focus on the Mormon Church. It presents compelling evidence from various studies that indicate a positive correlation between religious involvement and mental health among LGBTQ+ people. The discussion highlights the importance of creating supportive environments within religious communities to enhance the experiences of LGBTQ+ members. Personal stories and expert analyses shed light on the challenges and triumphs faced by gay Mormons, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond simplistic narratives. The video advocates for a balanced approach that respects theological beliefs while fostering acceptance and compassion. It invites viewers to reconsider preconceived notions about religion and sexuality, emphasizing the potential for faith to be a source of strength and resilience for LGBTQ+ individuals.⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️:00:00:00 - True Gay Mormons: Happier Religious LGBTQ People00:02:59 - Religious Activity Benefits for LGBTQ Individuals00:05:50 - Suicide Ideation Reduction in Religious LGBTQ Youth00:08:49 - Debate on Suicide Contagion and Religious Influence00:11:35 - Gay Stories and Humor in Mormon Culture00:14:36 - Positive Church Experiences for LGBTQ Members00:17:29 - Impact of Church on LGBTQ Mental Health Outcomes00:20:26 - Activists' Influence on LGBTQ Church Relationships00:23:14 - Generational Differences in Acceptance of LGBTQ Members00:26:11 - Historical Context of Anti-Gay Behavior in Religion00:29:07 - Transgender Issues and Classical Gay Perspectives00:32:00 - Core Identity as Children of God in LDS BeliefTo Order Jonah's Book, "The Key to the Keystone" visit the following link and use coupon Code: WARDRADIO https://tinyurl.com/Key-to-the-KeystoneFor 10% off Plain and Precious Publishing Books, visit plainandpreciouspublishing.com and use Coupon Code: WARDRADIOFor a copy of Brad's "Dragon Theif" Book, visit: https://a.co/d/7QzqsZN⚡For free trial of Scripture Notes please visit the following link!: https://scripturenotes.com/?via=wardradioJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmsAFGrFuGe0obW6tkEY6w/joinVisit us for this and more at: WardRadio.com#christian #mormon #exmormon #latter-daysaints #latterdaysaints #latterdays #bible #bookofmormon #archaeology #BYU #midnightmormons #jesus #jesuschrist #scriptures #sundayschool #biblestudy #christiancomedy #cardonellis #kwakuel #bradwitbeckTo support the channel:Venmo @WardRadio or visit: https://account.venmo.com/u/MidnightMormonsPaypal: paypal.me/@midnightmedia Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1AQLMTSMBM4DC?ref_=wl_shareCashApp: $WardRadioFollow us at:Instagram: @cardonellis @kwakuel @braderico @boho.birdyFacebook: @WardRadioWorldwideTwitter: WardRadioShowTikTok: WardRadioWorldwide
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