As a Latina exJehovah's Witness I have reached out to you in the past John. I wanted to tell you that I finally finished Gerardo's story Part 1and 2. What a phenomenal man. How well I know the magical Yucatan and Campeche. My son is Gerardo's same age and we are the only blood tie left after fading away from the Organization. To tell you that this series was extremely moving to me at so many levels, would be an understatement. Thank you for all your work.
@@mormonstories Thank you for your gracious invitation. I will try to find your email and send you a message. My introduction and warmth towards Mormons spanned many years ago as I had the pleasure of working with a Mormon dentist and caring for hundreds of Mormon patients as his hygienist when living in California. And here I am listening to Mormon stories.
@@natashapeeters988 It finally happened when I moved out of state to a place where no one knew me around 2017, but had been fading since 2015 prior to that. I did not want the DF drama.Thank you for reaching out. How about you?
From an International Ex-mormon this interview is so relevant on many levels. First of all, thank you Geraldo for being so brave and to you all for being so courageous in addressing the systemic neo-colonialism that the Mormon orthodoxy is trying to pull down on everyone's head. It has helped the nation-state in the Pacific (and Latin America) to pacify the "natives" into the Western narrative of lost tribes and noble savages. Generations separated from generations to support a self-serving agenda.
I am a straight female, from a Muslim background and this feels sooooo soo relatable I cannot stop watching. What Zack’s mum did to him, my mum did to me because I was dating a catholic boy. We could not tell them when we lived together or got engaged or got pregnant. It was horrible. Thank u for this
I grew up gay in Southeast Idaho just like Gerardo’s husband. I could relate to parts of this story on a deep level, and I’m so thankful to Gerardo for being willing to tell it. I’m sorry for what you went through, and I hope that things continue to improve for both of you. 💜
Gerardo was my first AP when I got to the mission, I don't remember hating him. I am super ashamed though, now that i have left the church, because i do remember hearing and spreading rumors of him being gay and laughing about it. I can't believe I, and many other missionaries, could have been so judgemental of such an awesome person, especially as missionaries who are supposed to be representatives of Christ and Christlike attributes. Gerardo, if you read this I am sorry for the person that I was back then and how I spoke about you behind your back. You're awesome, and your story is so inspiring!
Thayne, what a loving apology. Your willingness to com forward and speak from you heart, own your mistakes and express compassion is so honorable. Hopefully more lives will be touched not only by Gerardo's story but by your honesty as well. ❤️
As a former Mormon myself, I love your apology. I was against prop 8 as a teen because of the Mormon campaign against gay marriage. I am bisexual which lends another interesting layer but I also want to apologize for my former bigotry. I wish the church would also apologize.
I’ve been watching your shows for a few weeks now, I wish I could figure out how to watch them in order but I’m new to YT. I’ve was born and raised in a Christian home and I definitely am a Christian but my family has had a hard time lately with church institutions, we still believe in our relationships with the Lord. I have enjoyed so much hearing the stories of your guests. My husband was born and raised in Mexico in a missionary Baptist church, very legalistic. He walked in to me listening to this episode today and watched with me. He relates so much to the conservative culture Gerardo grew up in. We were wondering how Gerardo and his husband are doing now, it’s July 2024. We hope both of their families have embraced them and found joy in having a relationship with them.
My heart breaks for you and Zack Gerardo. When I learned my daughter was LGBTQ, the biggest lesson I learned was that if there is a God, he loves us all unconditionally because that is how I feel about my daughter. I hope someday you can feel that from all of your family members.
Never Mormon here. I am so impressed by Gerardo. You are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Many years ago, I was a student rabbi for a gay and lesbian congregation. After consultation with my advisor at the rabbinical college and working with the president of the congregation, I came out to the congregation as straight (I was the first straight student rabbi who had served the congregation.) I got a little taste of what it’s like for my LGBTQ friends to come out. The congregation president said that he had never dreamt that he would help someone to come out as straight. I wish Gerardo and Zack a lifetime of peace and love.
Gerardo, I just want to give you a big hug! You are an amazing young man and you deserve all the best in life. I admire you and send you all the love and respect in my heart. You were blessed by God... the Church has it wrong.. so very wrong. If you or Zack ever need a shoulder or a surrogate Dad... I'd be honored to be there for you.
I’ve never been touched so much by a mormon story before. Gerardo you are an amazing, beautiful person. And Cara, I love where you ended this. Know better, do better 🥰
Such a brave man you are Gerardo! I've recently ended a relationship with a Mormon. I was raised Catholic and couldn't believe the things he told me. He has been traumatized and is finding it impossible to have relationships. It is so sad.
I had a "therapist" at LDS family services tell my mom everything I told him. It was awful and really broke our relationship during my teen years. I had no idea they could do that.
@@charlesmendeley9823 it's not the easy it's portrayed in the media. That was a BS thing made up as a scapegoat to skyrocketing medical costs (as is record breaking profits had nothing to do with it).
Legally they’re not but so much is bypassed in the LDS community. So sad u needed sb to fully trust, pray your relationship with your mama is great now
Gerardo is so special, a deeply intelligent man of honor. He has a deep love for both Zach and for truth. I am so grateful that Gerardo's parents have embraced them. I am grieved that Zach's family is not as accepting, but pray for healing, blessing, enlightenment, and wholeness. Thank you for a stunning, informative, moving, encouraging video.
This is a beautiful and touching - and sometimes hilarious - interview. Gerardo is such a kind, sensitive and intelligent young man, and I'm so sorry that he and so many others are punished for who they are in one aspect of their life. I wish him and Zach all the very best, and hope that the family relations continue to improve. Thanks to the interviewers for treating the people you talk to with such understanding and compassion.
His story resonates with me even though I am not gay. John Dehlin should interview more foreign people to show how the Church teachings affect all cultures, I would offer but my story is not that interesting but I am open to tell me story.
Just finished listening to this for the second time. Gerardo is extraordinary. So intelligent and engaging. His 3-D chess strategies for dealing with the church, his family, and BYU were amazing, sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and always inspiring. All the very best to Gerardo and Zach.
Gerardo it sounds like it will ALL work out with you, Zach, and your parents. Thank heavens. I just had the first hard discussion with our great grandson. He is 9. And what I loved about it the most was he started with, "Well I don't know if I am gay or straight yet..." That is a huge difference between any conversation my husband or I could have had with our parents. I was very proud that the conversation took place, and that he was comfortable enough to make that statement straight out with no fear of being unloved. And that was how I responded, " I will love you no matter who you love. I will always love you." I have 2 gay cousins, and 1 transgender cousin. In my life time we have seen a lot of acceptance and too much rejection. Acceptance is always the best journey.
What a journey! Thank you so much for sharing Gerardo. I really enjoyed the way you and Zack handled the bishop’s interview in order to ensure you’d get your diploma. I loved your parents have come around, and how your mum expressed her love for Zack, and that she recognised the lovely relationship you guys have, and how there are things she’d wishes she’d have in her own marriage. Thanks for sharing!
Gerardo, if you ever read this, I just want to say that you are an amazing human being. Extremely smart, intuitive, strong and a leader. Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you and Zach a life full of love and truth.
Man those big Mormon families are absolutely brutal. And no one wants to break ranks because they see the consequences. Absolutely heartbreaking to hear that story.
This is one of the first stories that genuinely made me cry happy tears. The blessings from his father and mother for his marriage had me straight up bawling. Everyone deserves a loving family who wants their child with the person they love
Gerardo so brave and touching. I almosted wanted to start crying. We love Puerto Vallarta and go constantly. We also live in New York. If you ever find yourself in either location please let us know we would love to meet you and Zach. We wish you and Zach many years of love and happiness. Your parents and Zach's parents will come around. Give them time. It sometimes takes years. When your parents see that you love each other and you are happy they will come around. Don't push it's a shock and they need time. You are both lucky that you have each other. We share much in common. Here for you if you ever need to talk. Thanks for sharing your story.
From tears to cheers to tears, these two episodes have been the most moving I’ve listened to. I just want to reinforce a point to all religions, political parties, and anti-LBGTQI groups - you call this a CHOICE. Who in the world would CHOOSE to live with the pain and suffering these two men are dealing with??? I sure didn’t choose to live this life. I’m 57 years old and have lived my own life of trouble and tribulation, though not in the Mormon church. How much easier my life would have been if I could have settled down with a nice man and raised a family and lived happily ever after. Instead I married a wonderful woman, we fought and continue to fight many battles, but insist on living happily ever after anyway. THAT part is our choice.
Thank you Gerardo for your courage and honesty. I hate that anyone made you feel less than 😢 since you are a kind, intelligent and thoughtful young man.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Gerardo! Eres un hombre bien valiente y to doy mucho respecto por hablar tu verdad! I hope everyone who listened understands how important it is to be an ally, and support our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, or to come out of it's safe and speak your truth! Never be ashamed for who you are! And always accept those who are "different"
So brave to share your beautiful story. I hope the family comes around because their missing out. Happy to hear about your parents ❤❤❤ I believe Jesus was an advanced being on the other side, that came to earth as a man to teach us to love one another and not judge ❤️
@@estellagutierrez4615 I am talking about how the church does the family proclamation and funded prop 8 to stop gay marriages from happening. The church is openly speaking out against gay people yet members have the mantra "you can leave the church but you can't leave it alone." That is my point. I agree faith and trust are hard.
Talk about a classic poker face--laced with hearty rounds of sincere laughter! If everything else goes south, Gerardo is a perfect candidate for the CIA, FBI, or any other three letter organizations.
Beautiful story and so brave of you to share Gerardo. I’m happy things are better for you and Zach now, and I hope they will continue to improve. Thank you for being so vulnerable and willing to help those of us raised with homophobic ideology to understand that this is not a lifestyle or choice, and how backwards those teachings really are. Thank you John and Cara for being such advocates, and sharing your wisdom and expertise as well. You really are saving lives ❤
Gerardo! Bravo por compartir! So grateful you shared your life w us. You had me laughing and crying. You're an amazing person! Thank you thank you thank you! You and Zach deserve the best!
I watched both parts 1 and 2 of Gerardo's story in full. Amazing story. I enjoy learning about faiths and cultures different than mine (I am Roman Catholic, USA born citizen). I learned so much in this video. So many twists and turns. Glad you are living a happy life, Gerardo. Thanks to John and Mormon Stories for bringing this to us.
Seeing how much Gerardo loves Zach and how hurt he his for his husband's pain. It's heartbreaking. I wish my own parents could see this. Being Queer isn't just about lust or carnal attraction it really is about love, opportunities for love. Every single nuance straight people experience with their partners exists in same-sex partnerships. It isn't superficial, it isn't artificial. It's fulfilling. It's real. It's worth every sacrifice any straight person would make. It's worth everything.
How can love in any form be bad? I stayed through the entire thing and learned so much from your life story. I am so sad that you had to hide your love like that.
Gerardo you are a fantastic person! Continue to be yourself. It's amazing what those INTEGRIST religions can do to people's minds! God bless you and Zack. Be happy !
Great interview! I watched it all: educational, very touching and overall it exposes a faulse believe system that can't not longer stand on its own narrative and supposedly Christ centered teachings. 🙏👏👏
Jesus said, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Jn 13:34-35 I love you, Gerardo. Just remember, we are all made in the image and likeness of God and we know God doesn't make mistakes! Paz y bien mi hermano!
Thank you for this story . Thank you Geraldo for your bravery and openness in telling your story. I'd like to comment on the secretiveness and lying to your family & friends just to survive and keep those connections of community. I am a former JW. I am not gay. Although growing up in that organization, for me, I found myself doing similar things, hiding who I was. Putting on different faces for different people. Having crushes on boys and having boy friends in school , always having to hide, look over my shoulder to be sure no one saw .. just simple holding hands... Heck, I wasn't even allowed to have a girlfriend who wasn't JW. God forbid if a girl from school called me at home. The next day at school my friend would ask, " so what did you do? I guess you're grounded" I wasn't grounded. I never got grounded how could I ? There wasn't anything that could be taken away because I had nothing to take. When you grow up in a prison like that you become a good liar. You are always a step ahead, with different scenarios and more lies to cover up. You learn quick how to have a poker face . It took me several years after I left the organization, to learn how to just be " me" and that I didn't have to put on different faces for different people, I didn't have to lie about normal stupid things. Or pretend I was something I wasn't.
Definitely one of my favorites ❤. Incredible story, amazing young men. My heart aches for Zach, his mom is missing out. I thought my TBM dad's reaction would be similar. Fortunately, he accepts my daughter and her fiance with love and acceptance.
Out of all the stories I have watched so far this has to be the most emotional and riveting one yet. My preference for Latino men drew me to watch this very intriguing story. For having been in a relationship with a Latino man and knowing the Latin culture, being a Latino gay man is already a tough thing to be and the LDS Church's view on homosexuality only makes for a major life and death situation. Just hearing Gerardo speak and his in-depth knowledge of the of the Book of Mormon (which I have ready), impressed me. Zach is a very lucky man to have found Gerado, I share many of the same thoughts of Gerado when it comes to the LDS Church and Zach's family. I wish Gerado and Zach many years of happiness and hopefully Zach's family will come to terms with life over religion and not wait until the time of death to realize they were wrong.
Thank you for being so strong Gerardo. I will never understand why any LGBT person or their family would continue support the corporation in any way, after all the harm it's caused and continues to cause to the LGBT community.
Thank you for sharing your story Gerardo. You’re a wonderful and inspiring young man. You’ve worked very hard for your goals and deserve to be happy. Que Nuestro a padre Celestial te siga bendiciendo a ti y a Zach. Te mando un gran abrazo. Yo estaría muy orgullosa de ti si fuese tu madre. Como mexicana me siento orgullosa de ti igual. ❤️
We love you, Gerardo. Don’t let the bigotry get to you. I'm not condemning all bigots because some of us were former bigots. It still amazes me how my atheism has changed me, hopefully for the better. I hate that my sister** thinks she is not a bigot, even though she calls gays “perverted” and “degenerates,” etc. She feels that since she never treats gay people bad, she is not a bigot. I wish I could get my Mormon family members to watch this show, although I don't have much confidence in most Mormons changing. It is interesting pointing out some of the horrible heterosexual “biblical marriages” in the Bible. **In fairness to the better Mormons, my sister is an ex-Mormon, but she still believes in god and reincarnation, etc.
Your story shows how love can overcome everything, despite all odds. I'm so happy that Gerardo's family has come around. I'll pray that Zach's family softens their heart. The shunning is real. I know, because my LDS family continues to shun me and my children, all because my kids are from a biracial family (American and Argentine). Discrimination and racism are most definitely taught in Mormonism and it's rampant. It teaches them to hate and that anyone who's different from them isn't accepted. We finally moved to Mexico to be able to live our lives in peace... I just have one question. Where is the love? Is this what Christianity looks like?
Ok I'm Mexican-American. And what is fascinating is how LDS religion tailor it's message very differently to the U.S. and Mexico. Geraldo in his first video interview said how the Mexican are the " Lamanites" and is a source of pride for Mexican LDS members ? But here in the U.S. that message is very different ? When missionaries approached me. Again as a Mexican myself. They never once told me I was a "Laminate" ? Never even hinted anything about Native-Americans, Meso-Americans culture ? Or how the BoM is talking about us ? Even though you see Aztec type pyramids painting on LDS walls and books everywhere ? In the U.S. LDS leadership is heavy focus towards African-Americans. Not Hispanics or Native-Americans ? Even on BYUTV and BYUTV made programming it is very white and black oriented. Or maybe Mormons will talk about the Polynesian and Asian community. When I talk to LDS members on facebook and other social media. And when I bring up the whole "dark skin" in 2Nephi Active-Mormons always focus of African-Americans ? I keep telling them I'm not talking about Black people ? I'm talking about Native-Americans. But they are so hard wired to focus on Africans Americans not Native-American racism ? I would go far as to say U.S. LDS members are passive aggressive towards Hispanics and Native-Americans? Like they are almost embarrassed to be seen with them, or talk about them ? Even though Mexico has the largest LDS membership outside of the U.S. ? LOL I find it very odd and hilarious.
