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I debated with myself for some time where to post this discussion. 'I'm gay': Mormon Republican lawmaker in Utah comes out (NBC)
I decided that the uniqueness of the Utah situation made it a "local" political story, albeit with national ramifications. 20 years in the closet, 13 years married and with two kids. Yet, in a community dominated by a religion that calls him a "sinner", he was finally able to reconcile who he is with who he is in the community. I applaud it. And, apparently, so does his community.
Republican lawmaker Nathan Ivie says it took him more than 20 years to come to terms with his identity.
But on Wednesday morning the 40-year-old Utah County commissioner sat in front of his computer and publicly shared the secret that has caused him pain and confusion since he was 9 years old: He is gay.
In a video posted to Facebook that has since been viewed more than 11,000 times, Ivie embraces his sexual orientation and recounts the difficult experience of growing up feeling at odds “spiritually and biologically.” Ivie is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but he declined to comment on his faith. The Utah-based faith strictly opposes gay marriage and still considers same-sex relationships to be a serious transgression.
I decided that the uniqueness of the Utah situation made it a "local" political story, albeit with national ramifications. 20 years in the closet, 13 years married and with two kids. Yet, in a community dominated by a religion that calls him a "sinner", he was finally able to reconcile who he is with who he is in the community. I applaud it. And, apparently, so does his community.