Episode 538: Michael Finch, Age 27, Suicide Survivor, RM, BYU Student, Gay

**Trigger Warning: Podcast talks about Suicide. If you are suicidal please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255** My friend Michael Finch bravely shares his story. Michael talks about realizing at BYU that he is gay before his mission, resulting in feelings of “my life is over”. At that time, Michael ignored this realization, and he served a successful mission in New York City speaking Mandarin Chinese. Michael talks about returning home and trying to move forward with his life including coming out as gay (positive experience). However, suicidal ideation (which has been part of Michael’s story since before his mission) continued until Michael’s suicide attempt in March 2021. Michael bravely shares more about that experience, what he has learned and why he decided to openly share about his suicide attempt to help others. A year after his suicide attempt, Michael made this Instagram post in March 2022 (www.instagram.com/p/CbgRYONvJMEG2Y9pKxDA2u7r272D-WqoTy-EZk0/). If you are feeling suicidal or what to help others, please listen to Michael’s podcast. He helps us understand why someone considers suicide and how best to help them. I learned so much listening to Michael. If you are suicidal, please call 800-273-8255 Thank you, Michael, for being on the podcast and your courage to share your story. Respect. You are a great man with a wonderful future. Richard 'Papa' Ostler ❤️ https://www.listenlearnandlove.org/gay-lesbian-same-sex-podcasts https://listenlearnandlove.org/suicide-podcasts ** 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