Kelly and Kayla Mikesell are a dynamic step-mother/daughter pair. Only recently did Kelly start to investigate the troubling issues with Mormon history that had been eating away at her children. In an effort to learn, love, and empathize with her children, she investigated the church and grew in ways that surprised her and her family.

As Kelly chose love and understanding over dogma and compliance, she was able to open her heart to the members of her family in the LGBTQ community, including her step-daughter Kayla. Teenage years filled with the unimaginable amounts of shame and guilt, Kayla was able to grow into her own independent, confident adult, even winning Miss Salt Lake City and making her platform one of advocacy for the Utah Pride Center.

We are honored to interview two thoughtful, articulate women putting a lot on the line to speak out while Kelly’s husband still currently serves as her bishop!

Warning: This episode contains discussions of self-harm.

Show Notes:

Last Podcast on the Left Mormonism episode
"Ghost of Eternal Polygamy" by Carolyn Pearson
Gift of the Mormon Faith Crisis podcast
Jennifer Fife
Donna Showalter Mormon Stories Podcast Episode
Leah and Cody Young Mormon Stories Podcast Episode
"Listen, Learn and Love" by Richard Ostler
Follow Kayla on Instagram

1438: A Bishop's Family Questions Mormonism - Kelly & Kayla Mikesell