This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I'm tired of "compassion" and "empathy" from well-meaning Mormons toward gays ("New Mormon church website has softer tone on gays," Tribune, Dec. 6). I'm tired of people trying to show love for me in my struggles and pains. I don't feel struggles and pains in being gay. I like my life.
I don't want solace. I want to be treated just like my straight friends. When a straight man yearns for love, we don't say, "Let me hold your hand while you endure this temptation that you mustn't act on. It must be very hard for you." No, we rejoice in his hopes for love and companionship.
I'm tired of Mormon "friends" wanting to share my (nonexistent) pains; share my joys. Life is happiness, love. None of that was in the report on the new Mormon gay website. Instead, there was loads of "compassion," "empathy," "understanding" — a lot of pain.
Well, it's a phony, socially constructed pain. If Mormons really loved gays and wanted happiness for them, they would channel them into committed, permanent couple relationships. To deny them the growth from the love and sacrifice of marriage and family can hardly be called "compassion," and not at all love.
Gregory Mitchell
Salt Lake City