There is something rotten in the state of Utah: bigotry hidden in the folds of some organized religions.
When I left the Mormon church about 10 years ago, I didn’t harbor intense feelings of resentment. I was certainly aware of some of the things happening in the church, but it didn’t affect my life too much.
The last few years have felt very different, though. And during this historic Pride month, I’m seeing more pushback than ever. Starting with Dallin Oaks recently blaming the LGBTQ+ community for creating a culture of evil in the world.
Mr. Oaks, you are wrong. Morally and logically. I cannot sit silently by and watch you hurt so many people, especially our youth, with your dangerous words. I denounce your hateful rhetoric and urge you to let love guide you. You can do better and, as a leader, you have a moral obligation to do so.
Feel free to reach out to me so you can learn from the source about both the challenges my community faces and the great work organizations like the Pride Center, Encircle and the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire are engaged in. It’s truly the furthest thing from evil.
Kirsten Caron, Cottonwood Heights
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