Sound Familiar?

An LDS Ad Campaign to Counter Mormon Stereotypes

According to news sources, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has begun a television campaign to reach out to the American people, many of whom have reportedly never met a Mormon. The campaign aims at breaking down stereotypes of Mormons as stiff right-wing religious fanatics by providing snapshots of the lives of real Mormons to show that they’re not so different from everyone else after all.

Sound familiar, folks?

I won’t go so far as to say that the Mormons stole my idea, but in an effort to address the same problem, they certainly came up with the same solution. I started this blog as a space where real live Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning individuals could share insights into their lives. I believe that this is the best way to counter the stereotypes that so often spark judgments about us that don’t really address us as people.

The I'm a Mormon Campaign currently contains over twenty videos of normal people—couples, artists, athletes—comfortable with talking about who they are and what they do on a daily basis that makes them unique and worthy of acceptance. “It’s time to reintroduce ourselves,” say leaders of the campaign. I never thought I’d say this, but there is one area where the Mormons and I agree. People can’t really understand and appreciate you if all they have to know you by is an overblown cliché.

I’ve been calling out to all of you help drive this effort forward, one story at a time. If you have any interest in changing the minds of those around you, please participate in this project by emailing your LGBTQ in the Life story to gay.in.the.life@gmail.com. Here you have a chance to show the world the real you.

C’mon. Introduce yourself.

If you would like to participate in the Gay in the Life Project, email your story to gay.in.the.life@gmail.com, along with your fist name or pen name, age, location, and/or any other information that you’d like posted to introduce yourself. Include a title that begins, "A Gay (Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Questioning) in the Life of..." All contact information will remain private and confidential.