Coming out of the closet is a deeply personal experience that is more often than not a source of anxiety and stress. Some of us choose to tell our loved ones when the time is right, and others have their truth exposed before they are ready.
Though the journeys may be different, it always requires a certain level of bravery to face the world after kicking down that closet door or having it be kicked down for you.
Matt Easton, a Brigham Young University valedictorian, took this bravery to the next level last week when he came out as gay during his graduation speech. “I stand before my family, friends, and graduating class today to say that I am proud to be a gay son of God,” he said.
Related: Moroni Benally on the intersection of queer, Mormon, Navajo and liberal politics
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Giving a speech in front of thousands of your peers can already be a nerve-wracking experience, but compound that with coming out as gay and the fact that his school, BYU, is a Mormon university…and wow!
Brigham Young University was founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university policy states that “Homosexual behavior is inappropriate and violates the Honor Code.”
Fortunately, Easton was met with applause from his fellow graduates and others attending BYU’s College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences graduation ceremony.
Watch below:
Easton later added on Twitter:
During my time at BYU, I have slowly come out to my closest family members and friends. However, this is the first time I have publicly declared it. I felt it was important to share both for myself and for the LGBTQ+ community at BYU.
— Matty Easton (@easton_matty) April 27, 2019
While I don’t speak for everyone—my own experience is all I can vouch for—I hope that people know that we ARE here at BYU, and we’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
— Matty Easton (@easton_matty) April 27, 2019
I’m also especially grateful for the Poli Sci Dept @BYUPoliticalSci. I can’t even begin to name all the professors and faculty who have loved and supported me academically, mentally, and spiritually. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you—you know who you are ??
— Matty Easton (@easton_matty) April 27, 2019
Catholicslutbox
Why do these gen z ppl feel the need to come out during a completely unrelated event? Are they so thirsty for attention? You’re gay, good for you.
Herman75
I don’t have time to reply. I’m busy choreographing my flash mob wedding proposal, which will be uploaded to YouTube this Spring!
DCguy
Does anybody notice that EVERY SINGLE ONE of the troll accounts attacking this kid use the exact same line?
They are attention whores, why do they feel the need to blah blah blah. As far as an “Unrelated event”, that’s interesting because Valedictorian speeches are literally the person telling what got them there or telling personal tales about things they’ve overcome. So please tell the Mormons to send some smarter trolls in here.
Funny, I remember you all saying the same thing when the lesbian girl wanted to take a date to the prom, or when LGBT people wanted to get married.
In other words, stay in the closet, and shut up.
mdk4611
It’s not about being thirsty for attention. It’s about showing a historically homophobic religious sect that you can be gay and a child of God. Outstanding job!!
truthseeker
@mdsk4611
If they’re so homophobic, why did everyone clap? Why did he say the school already supported him in the past?
I think some extremists were hoping that he’d get booed so they can finger wag and say, “see, they’re homophobic!!!1!”
UlfRaynor
LOL, outstanding job?
Whats not being reported here, is that his speech was pre-approved by the BYU administration because Matt meet’s with the conditions of both the university and his religion by being celibate,
hence the acknowledgement of support from faculty and adviser’s.
It’s okay to be a gay Mormon, it is not okay to engage in homosexual relations.
Matt has never engaged in homosexual relations and isn’t sure he’s going too.
DCguy
@truthseeker
The CHURCH is homophobic, many members are not. It”s why their growth has stalled and they’re having to close down wards. But nice try.
BornTo
Talk about an attention whore.
DCguy
And here is the Mormon Troll accounts. Remember, the anti-LGBT bigot accounts ALWAYS want to attack anybody who comes out as “Just looking for attention”.
Funny how you don’t say the same thing when Mormon missionaries go around knocking on people’s doors, or when football players pray before a game.
Evji108
I notice when he came out it only got a smattering of applause.
Morrisson
Narcissistic behaviour from a millennial, not very surprising.
lauraspencer
He’s not a millennial. Millennials are 25 to about 40. He is Gen Z.
DCguy
And ANOTHER Mormon troll account using the EXACT SAME ATTACK. “Anybody coming out is looking for attention.
Thanks for proving just how panicked the LDS church is over this.
Morrisson
@ Dcguy, Please! I am nowhere near stupid enough to believe in a hire power particularly one founded by a convicted fraudster by the name of Joseph Smith. Typical SJW mantra though, don’t know the facts try a personal attack, it’s not 2015 anymore this tactic will no longer work. Please try and evolve. The simple fact is , this is a person announcing nothing; he is celibate, has never been in a same sex relationship or had intercourse and does not plan to. He is intrinsically ashamed of his nature and sexuality. He should not be praised for this empty shell gesture.
Black Pegasus
So annoying.
DCguy
The fact that an audience of BYU students and their families applauded is a true nightmare for the over 80 bigoted dinosaurs who run the Mormon church.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
I
TROLLS: Why do you feel the need to infect a positive story about an outstanding kid with the guts to come out as his true self? How shallow and empty your pathetic useless lives are to continosly attempt to infect this site with negativity. We see you for your pathetic attempts and chose to ignore you. How about attempting to get a life???