theoutfoundation.bsky.social
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theoutfoundation.bsky.social
theoutfoundation.bsky.social
@theoutfoundation.bsky.social
A nonprofit organization empowering the LGBTQ+ alumni and current students of BYU to achieve their professional and intellectual potential. https://linktr.ee/theoutfoundation
Robert served his mission in Central Britain. He later came out to his mission president, who was also the wedding officiant for Robert's children as Robert wasn’t allowed to attend .
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
December 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Many queer students feel alone and isolated at BYU. However, there are a lot of people, both queer and allies, that are willing to help and show solidarity. There are also plenty of resources to help find these people.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
November 24, 2025 at 11:58 PM
While Adam was a student, he found himself drawn to professors who were willing to listen to and discuss groups they weren’t part of.
#OUTSpoken #LGBTQ #BYU #LifeatBYU #Queer
November 20, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Adam suggests that queer allies should learn to take a step back and listen. Instead of finding new and different ways to support the community, simply support those groups who already know what needs to be done.
#OUTSpoken #LGBTQ #BYU #LifeatBYU #Queer
November 18, 2025 at 12:01 AM
McKay would read and listen to stories from other queer people who had grown up in the culture of the LDS church. Learning that others felt the same way he did helped validate his own sexuality.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
November 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM
McKay came out to himself during his last year of high school, burying those feelings while on his mission. He approached those feelings again after coming home, realizing this isn't just something he could ignore or overcome, it's simply a part of who he is.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
November 10, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Robert took a lot of flak from the army by providing gender affirming care to trans prisoners. But as the final say on medical procedures, he kept providing hormonal treatment to those that needed it.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
November 7, 2025 at 8:40 PM
“If there’s a guilt you carry....at my age, it’s the people you might have helped had you been out.”
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
November 3, 2025 at 11:58 PM
While there are still struggles for queer BYU students, the overall acceptance of other students and professors has improved the quality of life there.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 30, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Joseph and his husband met in DC, then moved to Houston. The two ended up back in Utah after finding out that Joseph’s mother had cancer, and have enjoyed living in Salt Lake since.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 27, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Adam felt lost and intimidated without the inherent structure of school. Once he started looking for the good, he found the freedom to truly express himself.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #community #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 23, 2025 at 11:37 PM
It’s easy to get lost in the noise of everyday life, trying to navigate the world according to what everyone else wants. As Adam points out, the path to truly being happy is figuring out who you are, and who you want to be.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #community #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 20, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Mckay's dream of going to BYU was very different from what he found there. He expected to fit right in, since he hadn't even been out to himself yet.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 16, 2025 at 11:01 PM
McKay had always expected that he would be going to BYU. He saw it as a sign of success, and following his family’s legacy.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 13, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Being queer has always been a struggle. For Robert, that meant losing his friends due to the social stigma and illegality of being gay in the 80’s.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 9, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Robert’s wife asked him if he was gay after finding out he had been talking to other gay members of the church.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 8, 2025 at 4:51 PM
A lot of queer people get asked uncomfortable questions when they mention they’re from Utah. Since it was a sensitive subject for Joseph, he told people he was from Wyoming instead.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
October 3, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Even in Utah, you can find strong queer communities. Joseph was able to find those with similar stories in Salt Lake City.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
September 29, 2025 at 11:04 PM
It can be difficult to trust people as a queer person raised in an LDS household. Robert had to learn that there are people that are worth trusting, and who want you to be your best self.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
September 25, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Robert came out as gay later in his life. He faced severe depression, but a personal epiphany helped him realize it was okay for him to be gay.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
September 22, 2025 at 11:06 PM
The environment of the University of Utah was much more freeing than BYU had been to a queer student like Joseph, even with the other challenges he faced.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
September 18, 2025 at 10:56 PM
After Joseph was expelled, he applied to several of different schools. The only place that was able to convert his religious class credits was the University of Utah.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
September 15, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Adam had some major issues when he was working for BYU during his tenure there. He was emotionally abused, and had his own faith weaponized against him.
#OUTSpoken #LGBTQ #BYU #LifeatBYU #Queer
September 11, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Adam’s most cherished moments at BYU come from his time as a member of the sketch comedy groups he and his friends performed in.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
September 8, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Robert was on guard for most of his life, as he felt that his being gay was not acceptable by either the military or the church.
#OUTSpoken #lgbtq #byu #lifeatbyu #queer
September 4, 2025 at 10:57 PM