Episode 684: Edward Leavitt, Gay Latter-day Saint, HIV Positive

My friend Edward Leavitt (mid-30’s, lives and works in Saint George Utah, RM, Recently Out) joins us to bravely share his story. Edward talks about growing up in Southern Utah and his journey to figure out his sexual orientation after not being able to make things work with a woman following his mission. Edwards talks about dark days filled with shame, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and hating himself. Edward talks about his relationship with his Heavenly Father and Jesus and how that allowed him to accept himself and conclude that his is loved and his life is worth living and “choosing to stay.” Edwards also talks about helping things along the way that have him hope and support. Edward bravely talks about finding out he is HIV positive and how that news led him to come out to his family (via a text he reads on the podcast) and his families support (including a text Edwards reads from his Dad on the podcast). It is a powerful family love story of coming together to love and support each other. Edward talks about how his family relationships are central to his happiness and hope for his future. Edward also talks about HIV and reducing the stigma around it and how we can have people in our lives that are HIV positive. I learned much about HIV listening to Edward. Edward concludes with his relationship with his Heavenly Father and Jesus—and how he is glad he is gay—and is hope for the future and peace for today. Thank you, Edward, for being on the podcast. You are brave. Your story gives perspective, hope and insights for others. You are a good man. Links: Church Suicide Prevention Video on “Why I Stay”: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2018-01-0150-suicide-prevention-choose-to-stay Ministering to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143 Richard Ostler Book: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints: Deseret Book: deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints?variant_id=189035-paperback Amazon: amazon.com/dp/1462135773 Index of Podcasts: listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts