Both gay and straight members of the Church and those raised Mormon shared their thoughts with BuzzFeed on what the change means to them and their community. “What remains to be seen is whether this will finally filter down to the actual members,” one said.
Jesse (left), gay
"To be honest, I don't think it represents a huge shift in "Salt Lake's" position. What remains to be seen is whether this will finally filter down to the actual members. Although the LDS Church tries to perpetuate an understanding, supportive stance, in many localities this just doesn't resonate ... My husband and I were married in June — we've never been happier in our lives. Our families haven't always been — and some still aren't — supportive of our happiness. It's great to see an apostle in the LDS Church telling members to respect our choices."
Josh, straight
"I appreciate the Church taking a heads-on approach to the issue instead of avoiding how prevalent it is in our society now ... Some will criticize the Church for saying sexuality is not a choice, but that's been the consistent message of the Church since the beginning so I am proud of then embracing their message openly."
Kimberly, straight
"I know I did not choose my sexuality, so I can't imagine why anyone thinks that LGBTQ people choose theirs. Mine is an inherent, integral part of my being. I firmly believe that LGBTQ people are no different. Although I was born and raised in the Mormon Church and have continued to actively participate into adulthood, I have always rejected the Church's teachings about homosexuality. And I now reject its use of the term 'same-sex attraction' and its characterization of LGBTQ people as 'suffering from same-sex attraction.' Those are homophobic phrases that reduce LGBTQ people's complex personalities and relationships to the fact of sexual attraction and the act of having sex."
Paxton, straight
"I think that many people are overreacting to the statement made by the Church. For years the Church has been of the opinion that it's not a sin to simply be homosexual. I disagree with people who believe the Church is merely pandering to the gay community in order to make up for their decision on Proposition 8. The Church is only restating the same stance they've had for years in order to clear up any confusion."