I was born into The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, and I loved it. I remember being baptized at the age of 8 and feeling so warm and safe and protected, little did I know then that this church would make me feel so wrong and unwelcome. In 2017 I realized I was a lesbian. But it took me nearly 2 years to start accepting myself. A few of my friends who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community are in my same ward, and unlike me, they were openly out. I saw the struggles and heartache they went through and I knew I couldn’t put myself through that. November 2019, I had enough. I started speaking out about the unfair treatment of us part of the LGBTQ+ community and finally I was allowed to stop going to church. I never felt more free. I hope one day the church will change and everyone will feel welcomed and not have to choose between their sexuality and their religion like I and many others have to do. This is a plea to change. 🏳️‍🌈