Episode 440: Truman Whitney and Brae Beck, Same-Sex Marriage, Staying Connected to the Church

Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

My friends Truman (Toronto Canada RM, JD from Harvard Law School) and Brae (New Mexico RM, MHR/MBA from Utah State) join us to share their story as gay Latter-day Saints. Brae and Truman talk about growing up knowing they were gay, serving missions, coming out and eventually starting to date men. Truman talks about having his church membership withdrawn by the Church in March 2020. Brae is still a member. They both talk about their plans to continue attending Church and participate as much as possible and their strong belief in Heavenly Parents and Christ. They talk about their wedding on June 12, 2021 in Twin Falls and the support of their active LDS families. Brae and Truman are not asking others to follow their path, but share why they feel this is the right path for them and the happiness in their lives. Elder Cook in his October 2020 talk said: “We can be an oasis of unity and celebrate diversity. Unity and diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity.” I believe this story helps us become more unified as the same human family and better love and support each other. Thank you Truman and Brae for being on the podcast and the courage to share your story. You story will help so many better understand and support LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and how to better bring us together. You can connect with Brae and Truman on IG @braeandtru. Note: ***Brae references a book in the podcast, and wants to note that he strongly disagrees with its premise that homosexuality can be prevented ** ** Please Check Out My Book At: ** Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773