Darvish Intelligence: Why Do Gay Mexican Ex-Mormons Criticize the LDS Church?

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Why Do Gay Mexican Ex-Mormons Criticize the LDS Church?

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

In today’s landscape, hostility toward the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has grown, especially among some gay Mexican ex-Mormons. I find it perplexing as someone who has traversed vastly different ideologies and faiths—from Islam and veganism to socialism. The LDS Church has stood the test of time, offering spiritual grounding and community for millions worldwide. So why, then, is there such vocal criticism from some individuals who have left the faith, especially from this specific group? Understanding their objections involves examining cultural, religious, and political factors and dispelling some common misconceptions about the Church.

Cultural Background and LGBTQ+ Experience in Mormonism

The criticism from gay Mexican ex-Mormons often revolves around the Church's teachings on traditional family values. The Church holds a strong stance on the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, aligning with biblical teachings and Christian principles. This belief has been at odds with the views of some in the LGBTQ+ community, who perceive it as exclusionary. But it’s essential to recognize that the LDS Church, like other Christian denominations, upholds these values not to marginalize individuals but to adhere to scriptural teachings that emphasize marriage and family as divinely ordained institutions (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, 1995).

The LDS Church teaches that all are welcome and that all people have inherent worth and potential as children of God. However, the Church also makes clear distinctions between acceptance and doctrinal compromise. For many gay Mexican ex-Mormons, this can be a sticking point. Some view the Church’s policies on marriage and family as an affront to their identity and experience, especially if they faced rejection or misunderstanding within their families or communities.

Political and Cultural Crossroads

In understanding the tension here, it’s important to look at the intersection of cultural expectations. Mexican culture is often deeply intertwined with both Catholic and Christian values, emphasizing traditional family structures. Many Mexican Latter-day Saints convert to the LDS faith for its similar reverence for family, faith, and community, finding in it a moral compass that aligns with their cultural values.

However, the combination of being gay, Mexican, and ex-Mormon places these individuals at a unique crossroads. As ex-Mormons, they often find themselves alienated from a community that previously offered spiritual and social support. Culturally, they may feel caught between loyalty to family values rooted in their heritage and the progressive ideologies that often characterize the LGBTQ+ advocacy landscape in the United States.

Media Influence and Misunderstanding

Critics of the Church often amplify certain narratives to reinforce stereotypes. LGBTQ+ media, for instance, has perpetuated a one-sided view of the LDS Church as "anti-LGBTQ," ignoring the complexities and efforts made by the Church to foster understanding and compassion. This bias feeds into the grievances of ex-Mormon individuals, particularly those who may have struggled with their sexuality within a faith context. Consequently, they project their frustrations onto the Church rather than acknowledging the broader dialogue about faith, tradition, and personal beliefs.

Activism and the Political Left

The political climate in the United States has also played a role in this animosity. As a former Democrat and socialist, I saw firsthand how the left-leaning political landscape often encourages people to sever ties with religious institutions that don’t conform to progressive ideologies. This is particularly true for minority communities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, where intersectional identity politics often promote rejection of traditional religious teachings.

For gay Mexican ex-Mormons, progressive political ideologies frequently paint the LDS Church as an “oppressive” institution that doesn’t support equality. But this is a misunderstanding of the Church’s teachings. The LDS Church advocates for compassion and respect toward all individuals while maintaining doctrinal integrity (Oaks, 2019). Many ex-Mormons, however, overlook this nuance, conflating adherence to doctrine with a lack of inclusivity.

The Importance of Personal Responsibility and Respect for Faith

As someone who has crossed multiple ideological divides, I believe it is crucial to hold space for respectful disagreement while recognizing the freedom of religious institutions to maintain doctrinal beliefs. The Church does not impose its teachings on anyone, and people are free to leave. However, it is inconsistent for former members to hold the Church accountable to standards it does not endorse or to expect it to change doctrines to align with shifting societal values.

Concluding Thoughts

Ultimately, the criticisms leveled by some gay Mexican ex-Mormons against the LDS Church are deeply rooted in a combination of cultural, social, and political factors. This intersectionality creates a unique context in which they feel compelled to vocalize their discontent. However, understanding the Church’s doctrines in their true spirit—as compassionate and inclusive within a traditional Christian framework—can reveal a more balanced perspective. As a Christian conservative member of the LDS Church, I have found strength and guidance in its teachings, which respect individuality while fostering a community grounded in love, service, and faith in Christ.

The LDS Church, like any religious institution, is not without its critics, yet it remains steadfast in offering guidance, support, and purpose to those who seek it. Those who oppose it may find peace not by criticizing, but by respecting the values of a faith that serves millions worldwide with integrity and compassion.