Episode 691: Zach Tucker, Gay Latter-day Saint, Dear Family Friend

Our family friend Zach Tucker (age 26, Russia RM, University of Utah Finance Grad, Current MBA Student at University of Minnesota) joins us to share his story. Zach (who is no longer active in the Church and plans to marry a man) shares his journey to accept his sexual orientation (mostly after his mission) and eventually come out to family and friends (lots of love and support). Zach talks in-depth about coming out to others (a close *girlfriend*) and then his family (via a group video) which led to a dinner around his mother Pam’s table. Zach talks about the love, good questions, and family support he received that night (which continues today). Zach talks about supporting his active LDS mother Pam as she finds joy in the Church and the family's love and support as Zach moves forward in the path he feels is best for him. Zach talks about his family’s unity and love—even with differences. It is a beautiful family love story that follows the principle taught by Elder Quentin Cook in his October 2020 General Conference Talk: “Unity and diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity.” Zach then talks about the group he was the most nervous to come out to—his “sports-loving, jock, republican, straight” friends that he considers as brothers —his boys that he grew up with—boys that he hopes being gay doesn’t change their friendship and brotherhood. Zach talks about the positive experience coming out to his bros and their love, support, humor, and interest in Zach. I was happy to hear these specific examples and wish I could go back in time and say the same for a couple of my high school classmates who came out as gay. Zach talks about being “guided by love” for others in everything he is doing and invites others to do the same. I was so moved listening to Zach and honored to have him on the podcast. You are a good man Zach—loved by so many—and someone who has blessed many lives. Your story will help so many. You have a great life ahead of you. Links: Ministering to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143 Richard Ostler Book: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints: Deseret Book: deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints?variant_id=189035-paperback Amazon: amazon.com/dp/1462135773 Index of Podcasts: listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts