Dan Reynolds - “Believer” and the Plight of LGBTQ Mormons | The Daily Show

Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds describes what compelled him to examine anti-LGBTQ discrimination in the Mormon community with his documentary “Believer.”
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[@mmlas8683]

Pretty cool he’s using his privileges to combat hate in his community, it’s not common that you see this. Bravo.

[@mmlas8683]

Dom_90 Income inequality is huge in America, i agree.

[@fukutada6433]

M Making Dude, as a Mormon myself you have NO IDEA how "taboo" these topics are in Mormon culture and how no one wants to have nor thinks about these kinds of conversations. I can't keep living reality saying to myself "oh a gay/lesbian/trans Mormon don't/can't exist cuz DUH they know better" but that clearly isn't the case in the 21st century. I mean, there IS a mini documentary called Transmormon (look it up) but I thought that was just a one-off. It gives insight on a Mormon struggling with their gender identity and how the family responds knowing full well their faith puts them all in an awkward and difficult position to say the least. As of right now, the Church STILL has no official position or opinion on the "legal worthiness" of LGBT members other than keeping them out of Mormon temples, which is the highest form of worship for us. That's one of the things that needs to change.

[@savokgrim4131]

Lol

[@fukutada6433]

Non-whites and every color/ethnicity have ALWAYS been accepted since the Church's founding in 1830. Its just that the stereotype is there are no blacks or minorities because YOU DON'T SEE ANY. (I'm a Mexican Mormon btw)

[@savokgrim4131]

fukutada No. That wasn't the stereotype. It was church policy. They limited the membership of blacks, and made it almost impossible for them to attain priesthood. It wasn't until 1978 they reversed this. They addressed this again recently (2015?). The fact that there weren't many minorities probably stems more from your church's past racist practices (which more than likely kept others from joining), than from some misperception or misunderstanding of your church. I mean, why would blacks want to join a religion with a doctrine that denied them salvation? Accepting the faults and transgressions of your church's past, some of which are still evident today, is the first step towards progress. People make mistakes, it should have no bearing on your faith. But don't defend those mistakes. Note: This isn't exclusive to mormons.

[@pennclick]

Holy shit, always loved Dan and Imagine Dragons but my respect for him just increased tenfold

[@Josh_the_Grey]

Zant Same.

[@knobwobble]

Same here. Somebody I've never really heard from, and here he is surprising me by being an even more wonderful person

[@EvadoCouto]

Zant SAME

[@03Ryen]

Yeah. Makes me love the band even more. These days, being a proud Christan is... Well.. hard to be proud of. And to stand for LGBTQ at the same time... Wow. I mean.. I feel guilty just thinking if there something bad about this guy cause he's amazing. He can't be perfect. He must have uneven butt cheeks or something.

[@carelesswhisper6561]

I know right! He’s a talented musician and an awesome human being

[@1peeptom]

Trevor is a hetro & raised in a self-confessed deeply, religious setup. Yet the genuine empathy & compassion he IS brimming with is so utterly reassuring, encouraging & earnest!

[@tkosaa3509]

rochni chand you need to read trevors book. His mom was a tough african mama but still willing to accept him even if he was gay. She was open minded. Parental approval influences childrens decisions and their confidence level.

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@MJ-jn4qh]

*This man changed my life.*

[@austinleodecker268]

David chappel Go To Fucking Hell!!!! And, Leave all of us, alone!

[@starglittered]

david chappel immature

[@starglittered]

Moonlight Wolf sorry i just unintentionally disliked your comment I meant to like it 😂 i was just going to say he’s changed mine as well

[@kudduhappy7968]

Mine too

[@parmanandwills1055]

Mine too

[@elenaryan341]

I live in Utah and this is completely true. I had a friend who was abused and systematically shamed by both her family and friends just because she was openly gay

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@johnypanta6208]

I hope she is ok

[@andrecromer4224]

@@lamb2621 No.

[@psychoticjedi4853]

I'm a gay Mormon, and I've chosen to stay in the church. It definitely is not easy, like he says, there are people in my faith with the "I love you, but" attitude. I love that he founded Love Loud, a lot of my friends were able to go to that. Being a gay mormon is, in my experience, the ultimate conundrum. It's hard. It's very hard. But I love my God and I love my church, I believe it to be true. My goal in being out and proud is to educate those of my faith as to what it is like being gay and Mormon, and that it is possible! It breaks my heart that so many LGBT youth here in Utah are taking their lives, so I try to reach everyone that I can to let them know that I love and accept them. That's all that we are looking for, really, is love and acceptance from our leaders and fellow members.

[@holzmann-]

You can indeed be a gay Mormon. But you can't be a gay Christian.

[@nicolasb.6937]

Soy mormón, No hablo inglés, pero traduje su comentario y en verdad eres un ejemplo en la Iglesia, a pesar de tus luchas y desafíos sabes la verdad y la paz que ofrece el evangelio... Algún día Dios te recompensará tu esfuerzo, yo noy soy gay pero siento un amor por ellos mis hermanos, y nunca deseo que sientan solos a pesar de sus desiciones, realmente valen mucho para nuestros Padre celestial Y Jesucristo..."el valor de las almas es grande a la vista de Dios".. Esperemos vernos en la otra vida, hermano.

[@albeitarson6006]

Simply LW97. UTTP, what do you mean? Mormons are Christians.

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@RockedNet]

I graduated from BYU and I can honestly say that the shaming & guilt in the LDS community (and more so at that school) is 100% real. It's unfortunate and shouldn't exist, but it does. Things need to change. Thank you Dan Reynolds for speaking out on this.

[@evilsexykitty88]

please somebody find ja rule Mormons are very against sex before marriage. And even after getting married they don't believe in the fun of sex or using it unless it's for strictly reproducing. They also where special white garmets under there clothes in representation.

[@Angelina-sn1pz]

As a convert to the Mormon church, I disagree. While there many be moments of shaming (which is experienced by every religion/community/human being), it is not accepted, encouraged or common. As someone who went to BYU, I knew several gay individuals who love the church and don’t feel shamed by others at church or school. Everyone’s situation is different, but I just don’t think it’s correct for people to say that their is a lot of shaming in the church, when I as an outsider and now an insider have seen very little of it in my peers who are considered different or “unorthodox” in the Mormon world.

[@RockedNet]

I converted also. Coming into the Church I was left out of a lot and scoffed at because I didn't know what certain things were. At BYU I was treated as lower class BECAUSE I was a convert (even being told I didn't count as a member). That being said, I agree that it's not the entire school or the Church. It definitely doesn't happen for everyone and not everyone contributes to it. But it does exist. And people are hurting badly in the Church because of it. I've had many friends not only leave the Church because what was said by people, but how they were treated. It's not a coincidence that Church attendance is dropping so radically over the past few years. I'm not leaving the Church and I want it to grow, but I also want things to change for it to be a comfortable environment for everyone. Right now, it isn't.

[@Angelina-sn1pz]

Rocked I’m sorry you had that experience. I totally understand it’s different for everyone. Did you convert in Utah? I do know that a huge part of the shaming is just (sadly) Utah culture. I converted in Oregon and every convert I knew had such an incredible experience being accepted and loved. I do know that many people in Utah have had harsher experiences because so many people there are living in a “Mormon bubble” where they accept every member to look, dress, act, talk and be the same. Other places and members around the world where culture is more common among its members are much more accepted and loved for who they are, no matter how different. I think the way we are raised and the culture around which we are raised makes a huge impact in how we easily we are able to accept and love people. It would be hard to do that if you just grew up with Mormons and nothing else, ya know?

[@RockedNet]

I actually converted in St. Louis, MO. The Church is not huge here so it's a wildly different experience for me then those growing up out west. My experience is not the norm and I get that, but I've seen the hurt caused by the shaming of people who suffer or even have questions. I think in Happy Valley and all around the area it would be very different to feel like an outcast because you don't fit perfect to the look of a perma-smile Mormon. I think that's even why I was given a hard time at BYU because I wasn't the rich, tall, dark, handsome blonde man that is the mascot of LDS males (or at least in Provo). I've known many converts that have grown to be the example of what LDS members should be. I wish that would happen more often. But I also wish the terrible lecturing and condescending in Sacrament meetings and Sunday school would stop. Especially from the older members and local Church leaders. I think that's where the real damage is done.

[@trixysmama6525]

I live in Utah a few miles from the temple and I can honestly say that he speaks 100% truth. Growing up non Mormon in a school if you aren't Mormon a lot of kids wouldn't sit with you or hang out with you but also I've met some of the most amazing selfless people that believe in the religion. I think it's like all religions there are awful bigoted people as well as amazing people. I like what you're doing man. Keep it up

[@elenaryan341]

Rilie Parrish I too live in Utah as a non Mormon and this is completely true

[@michaelmadness7892]

I believe you find the same kind of treatment of gays in Christianity in the South. The thought of gay people being sinful comes from the book that prescribes the death penalty for homosexuals. Dangerous book. Also who would worship a god who commands women be burned alive and slavery is o.k.? Lev. 21:9 "If a priest's daughter defiles herself by becoming a prostitute, she also defiles her father's holiness, and she must be burned to death. Gen. 38:24 About three months later Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.” Judah said, “Bring her out and have her burned to death!” Slavery kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnjal3uugdCMgZY

[@trixysmama6525]

Michael Madness I agree that you find in any religion extremists. I grew up in a Christian household and my pastor is covered in tattoos and my family didn't even think twice when I got into a relationship with a woman but there were people who called me names and ostracized me in the name of God. Including my old pastor who was convinced that devil resided in me. I think over all there is good and bad in every belief system.

[@megpaul8076]

I have heard this SO many times from non-LDS & LDS, alike. It has honestly been the main deterrent from my husband and I to move our family there. It's a beautiful place with generally good people, IME, but being non-LDS has me genuinely worried for my kids being outcasts in school (ironic as that is, per the teachings of the Bible). Of course, I also hear that it's better, the closer you are to the metro area but not everyone can afford to live there.

[@zizit7178]

Awesomeness! Thanks for sharing...

[@shaileekulkarni8288]

Massive respect man :)

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@swapnil4555]

Why are people with "Reynolds" in their name so awesome?!!

[@Azarath_Metrion_Zinthos]

I only know 2 famous Reynolds ...are there more? I mean sure there maybe regular nice people with Reynolds as their last name lol.

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@markthomas6794]

I'm from Utah, same hometown as Dan Reynolds. I've experienced all of this first hand, experienced crushing religious guilt myself. It's extremely powerful as a dividing force in families, it's how churches attempt to modify behavior and it's fundamentally damaging. If you're from Utah you've probably been to a funeral for an LGBTQ person who died by suicide. Many years ago two friends and I played songs for a double funeral for another friend's siblings who committed suicide together after his brother came out and was rejected.

[@blue_jai2790]

Mark Thomas : Aww this almost made me cry. One thing though: Dan is from Las Vegas, Nevada

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@Matt00740]

We LGBTQ people should protect allies like this Golden Boy at any cost.

[@nobodyimportant0011]

Yes.

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@andrecromer4224]

@@lamb2621 No.

[@rhapsodicsky4843]

Gosh. I love Dan Reynolds. What a beautiful, passionate, kind hearted soul. He’s making a difference in this world, when so many in his community look the other way. Proud to be a fan of his music and of the message of love & acceptance.

[@hoochfroosch6281]

If you are truly a believer, then let God to decide which person are good or bad, right or wrong. Our "job" is just to be kind to others (treat anyone like we want to be treated)

[@garibaldistudios5406]

We know what is right and wrong though, and we are suppose to point out each others sins (in gentleness) and then help each other overcome them

[@sawas2421]

Hooch Froosch I

[@vaishnavisingh9244]

@Timothy Slater I think if it is your faith, then keep it to yourself. As he clearly says that children, even teenagers who already feel they are wrong in loving someone should not be exposed to rebuking, they are not in clear headspace for that. It's terrifying already, please don't just preach to them.

[@charliebrenton2253]

You can hate on Imagine Dragons but you've got to respect Dan. Hes a fantastic guy. He's just a guy who loves equality and acceptance. We need more people like him in mainstream music.

[@RedRoadWoman7]

Great interview. Made me think.

[@risapaige7579]

So cool that Minka Kelly now dates Dan and she was with Trevor. Love that these two respected each other even before. Learning more about Dan makes me want to listen to his music and learn more about him. Seems like a great person.

[@BillyJohnson2006]

I’m not a Mormon, but am apart of both the Christian and LGBT community, I’m so happy you’re using your voice for such a good thing. You’re music is good too! Haha

[@WouldYouKindlyNot]

That's awesome friend! I'm a Christian man and fully support my LGBT+ friends. I'm not a big fan of Mormonism because it basically goes against Christian doctrine (them believing John Smith was a prophet), but I'm happy that Dan is really trying to help these people who are in need. I suffer from some mental health issues as well, but probably nothing on the level some LGBT people experience

[@BillyJohnson2006]

We can't compare each other's lives. IDK what you go through, but whatever it is, it is something that isnt any less important. Take care of yourself! :)

[@WouldYouKindlyNot]

Billy Johnson you too friend!

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

If the Christian community is shaming you for being gay I see no reason why you'd continue to be a part of it. Trust me, life without religion is entirely tenable.

[@Oliver-cool-guy]

HitchensImmortal, not everyone is you, maybe they don’t want to leave their entire religion,

[@dallenbaldwin3484]

As a member of the LDS Church, I want to apologize for the way non-members, members of the LGBTQ community, etc. are treated in overwhelmingly mormon communities. I've felt like an outsider at times because of my opinions but continue to worship and live the best I can. I've always felt that differing beliefs and opinions shouldn't affect the way we treat people; even if I've not been perfect at it. Christ is the example. He sat with the publicans and sinners. He never cast them out and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the garden and on the cross for them as well as everyone else, even if they didn't follow or agree with him. I hope that the people of the church can better figure out how to love and worship the way Christ did.

[@brandongarner643]

Fellow Mormon here Bro! I hope so too. We gotta have empathy and maintain an atmosphere where the Holy Ghost can reside to really be able to connect with people with love and understanding. For me, I never knew anyone who was openly LGBTQ until college and it’s tough to adjust to listening and loving someone who is going through something that is so different than what I experience sexually, but it can be done when we have openness and love.

[@mickaelherzock323]

While what you say seems genuine and loving, there's still a message behind it that peeves me. And that is "Jesus sat with publicans and sinners". What does that mean? That you think of yourself as good, and those that are not falling in the steps of your beliefs, sinners. Which, somehow, makes you superior to them. But since you are a nice person, you still reach your hand out to them. I might be wrong, but this is how it sounds, and not only from you, but from every deeply religious person that preaches to accept LGBTQ people. I'm sure you're a good person and all, but please, take a moment to reflect on that. It's not when people will accept LGBTQ people despite the fact that they are what they are that the world will move forward, but when people will finally get in their thick skull that there's absolutely nothing wrong or bad or sinful about it.

[@craigschmidt2542]

I'm old enough and experienced enough to come to my own conclusions independent of the conclusions that others have come to and independent of religion. My conclusion is that homosexuality is wrong/bad/sinful. I recognize that you may also be old enough and experienced enough and may have come to a conclusion that is the polar opposite of mine. I'm sure homosexuality isn't the only thing we'd disagree on. The secret is to find a way to coexist as peaceably and happy as possible.

[@johnathanpowell6128]

Mickaël Herzock You are close, but not exactly. To me, as a Mormon, when I hear about Jesus sitting with sinners, I try not to place myself with Jesus, but with the sinners. A key aspect of Mormonism is recognizing that each of us has faults, and that we should strive each day to overcome them. The lesson to be taken from the story of Jesus is not "We should love people who are less than us", it is "We are all sinners compared to Christ, and he accepts us all anyway. Who are we to judge?". Unfortunately, it is a fine line, and Mormons, being imperfect like everyone else, sometimes step over it, and for that, I, like the original commenter, would like to apologize.

[@mickaelherzock323]

Thing is, it's not something that can be in any shape or form accepted. We can disagree on political views, on whether or not Harry Potter is great, on fashion, on veganism... Because there's always discussions to be open and we can both grow a little from them. But when you're are stamping the very existence of someone as something that you find wrong, then coexistence is not as easy. If I said "I've reached the conclusion that black people are inferior to white people", how would a black person ever be able to accept this? It's not a matter of opinion when it's a one-way street. It's not a matter of opinion when one deeply believes their existence is worthier than someone else's. Because being homosexual might not be everything that a person is, but it still is who they are. It's not like you're saying "I believe women should have long hair". Short haired girls would tell you to fuck off, but it wouldn't mean you can't get along on other things. Sexuality is much more important than that.

[@billynair]

My cousin came out gay a few years ago. Her dad was a stake president, they are full on, FOX and Friends straight down the line Far Right Republican, but, they had the moral forsite to know that they love their child, and they honestly love her, they call her every holiday and stick with her through her trials. It is hard for them, but I am sure harder for my cousin, but I am so happy that they can love her even when FOX tells her they shouldnt

[@abduladan1216]

As a gay person from a devout muslim family that was born in a country that executes gays/lesbians.. I can firsthand say that now living & studying in America, it’s not as difficult it’s made out to be. Sure, it’s not wholly perfect for LGBT people, but i can’t imagine an era that’s ever been better. I love it here.

[@abduladan1216]

Zhiyu Wang You’re absolutely right. I was just trying to comment on my own situation. I may have come across as condescending, which i didn’t intend to.

[@craigschmidt2542]

You weren't condescending and I found your positivity to be refreshing.

[@AmandaBee]

Ah man it's so surreal to see Dan on this show, in my subscriptions, since I've been keeping up with him and everything leading up to Believer. I've been an Imagine Dragons fan for quite a while now but Dan has unexpectedly become a huge role model to me over the last year or so. It makes me so proud.

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@topgurl9313]

Using his position to help less fortunate individuals, a great man.

[@chandaraevanderhart]

Very articulate... very well put. Well done, this was a powerful and touching interview and something that will resonate with many.

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@St33ldancer]

I'm Mormon myself, and this is dang well said. However, I'm also not from Utah, so perhaps I have a more balanced perspective in this kind of thing.

[@oblivious93massacre]

I grew up in the South, in an area made up mostly of Baptists. People there feel very strongly about their religious convictions, to the point that they no longer think for themselves. I got lucky. My dad’s family consisted of Jehovah’s Witnesses and my mom’s family was Catholic. Okay, okay, I know - how is that lucky? Well, my parents decided to let me attend different churches of my choice in order for me to decide which faith I believed in. I tried to go into each church with an open mind and I forced myself to stick with each church long enough to really understand what they were trying to teach. Oddly enough, it seems most religions teach the same principles, but each one chooses to put emphasis on certain principles. Baptist, Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, Buddhist, Lutheran. Those are all the religions I checked out before I realized they all really teach one thing. Be good. Just be good. Be nice. Be compassionate. Live your life with only good intentions and good things will come your way. I don’t know why so many people get hung up on judging others for not following the path of their religion when the very act of doing so goes against their faith’s overall message.

[@Rayxster]

Like you needed another reason to love Dan and Imagine Dragons. He keeps bringing me to tears of joy

[@rueben44]

You have to admire people that take on a issue that is not their problem. That takes real strength and courage. Also he is so right about that "but".

[@JustViolet626]

Gay Mormon here and holy cow I cannot stress how validating this is. Legitimately, thank God for Dan Reynolds.

[@julietbalcony9008]

My respect for you Dan Reynolds has just exploded to a higher degree! I am straight and have many friends (and family) in the LGBTQ community and as a Christian it breaks my heart to witness the pain put on young people about "who they love". Thank you for giving a voice to this!

[@garyargyle4523]

It's such a fascinating dichotomy in Utah and Provo, because if you're out (of the church), you have one of the most fantastic support systems. There are so many ex-mormons here who genuinely understand what you are going through, and the ironic part is that they were taught well skills of empathy, love and inclusiveness (albeit selectively, but mormons are not shy about reaching out to those in need) by their mormon upbringing. They keep those things when they leave the church. Most of the discussions in church are centered around how to help others and be a better person. It's the 20% of the discussions that were centered around shaming sexuality (at least once a month we'd go over how masturbating would ruin your ability to love someone, including yourself, although we did have one delightful lesson from elder Tassainer that went something like, "Look, your going to do it, it's going to happen... Just try not to do it, like, ALL the time. Try to pace yourself." If you're out there, Tassainer, know that that was the highlight of my mormon upbringing!), suppressing honest inquiry (the mormons set the precedent for the "fake news" fallacy by baselessly dismissing anything-- in an ad hominem-like fashion-- that didn't agree with them. They just call it "anti-mormon literature" instead) and such that made me crazy and into the argumentative heretic you see before you. There is a lot to hope for, for mormons. The last time I went to church, there was a long line to get in to see the bishop following a particularly salty talk railing against homosexuality in sacrament meeting. In 25 years, I had never seen that. I had never seen a line of more than 5 or 6 (there were about 15-20), much less a line to criticize a central tenant of the theology. In my life, the church never provided me with anything emotionally or socially substantive... but I realize that for many, it brought beauty in their life. I relish anything that promotes love and community, so I don't wish its demise, but damn they need to get their shit together. Thank you all for indulging my rant.

[@wookiewarrior8948]

Much respect for Dan Reynolds

[@hehet_yeosang]

Always loved imagine dragons, I didn’t even know who the guys were in the band for a while. Now I love imagine dragons even more! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@Cologram]

@@lamb2621 quit wasting your time. I’ve seen you reply to so many people with the same thing. You’re not changing anyone’s mind so just stop because you’re wrong

[@KingOTanks]

So my best friend went to a concert of his, and he spoke about battling anxiety and depression, and to be who you are. He truly has a great message, paired with great music that spreads that message

[@adalibkarinanunez]

I am a committed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to here as the Mormon Church). I loved this conversation and think Dan Reynolds' work on this issue is inspiring and beautiful! The Church did in fact express support for LOVELOUD. It's important for the conversation between Orthodox religious groups and LGBTQ+ groups to keep happening. Even though there are likely to remain points of disagreement between the two, there are also important values and truths we have to share with one another and we must keep working together and leverage all of our collective strengths to make the world a brighter and more hospitable place for all of God's children to live in!

[@kristybaisch3964]

Wow... Fantastic interview of a fantastic person

[@FINEDIAMOND]

He's so intelligent and down-to-Earth and a truly beautiful soul. I adore him!

[@Psistari]

Kick ass Dan! I grew up the same way and cannot support the LDS church and their views on LGBTQ. Much respect to everything your shared here! Peace

[@Selene13zz]

Coming from an LDS background and having a trans-kid, I know how much this struggle is real in the LDS/Mormon community. I'm so grateful that Dan Reynolds and his band are standing up and helping these kids feel real and loved. The culture does need to change if these kids are going to be saved.

[@dihe1392]

Being mormon is a choice!

[@brucedavis8993]

What about being the child of a Mormon? I was a member of the church and one of the reasons I chose to leave was because of what saw my LGBQ friends going through. I really love my Mormon friends and I hope one day one of their prophets receive a revelation to stop discriminating against LGBTQ people just like they did in the past when African Americans where finally allowed to receive the priesthood. I have faith that this church can and will do this eventually, by believing in a living God who is willing to communicate with church leaders historically within the church it has been proven that God is capable of changing his mind on issues. Or my personal belief that the LDS church is capable of catching up with the times. If you are a member of the LDS and have not heard of Mormon Transhumanism you should check it out.

[@sdfkjgh]

Bruce Davis: I believe that Satan has a hold of you I believe that the Lord God has sent me here And I believe that in 1978 God changed his mind about black people (black people)

[@brucedavis8993]

sdfkjgh I believe the church will change its stance on the LGBTQ community and all the ideas discriminating against the LGBTQ community will still be documented in the church records just like the churches racist history that is no longer practice.

[@tiawilliams5690]

You completely misunderstood what he said. It’s not like choosing between Skippy and Jif. Choosing not to be Mormon can have life-altering consequences that are just as bad or worse than staying.

[@dihe1392]

Tia Williams but it's still a choice to be mormon..i'm atheist but i used to be catholic..it was my choice to stop believing

[@Dannyboi2]

Unconditional Love is nothing new but very few practices.

[@timv82]

I was raised Mormon and am gay, I fought depression all my life, almost committed suicide and learned to absolutely hate myself. Thankfully those days are behind me (I have nothing to do with the Mormon community anymore either). I deeply appreciate what Dan is trying to do here, I wish there were more like him. Seriously touched by this. We have progressed so much in my lifetime.

[@shauniebnaturalista6672]

Matthew Sheppard changed my heart years ago. ALL lives matter and are beautiful.

[@SolitaireMasta]

In the Zion Curtain (Utah and Idaho) the Mormon culture is repulsive. I grew up Mormon in Washington and California as an lgbt youth and my family showed me love and acceptance. They saw my attraction to other women as a challenge from God and not something I chose. My mother even looked for and found resources from the church for lgbt members and those looking to understand them. This isn't a Mormonism thing, it's a subculture thing.

[@LemurWhoSpoke]

Conditional love = hate

[@jackhappens]

Free Market Capitalist I think it'd be more accurate to say conditional love is not real love. I only love you if... I only love you when...

[@LemurWhoSpoke]

jackhappens Is that real love, then? I don't know about you, but the ones I truly love I love unconditionally. I love them for who they are, with all their flaws and despite their mistakes. Telling someone that they will only be loved if they change to be what you want demonstrates only hatred of who and what they are. The same goes for entire groups of people. If a religion only accepts people who adhere to their faith, damning everyone else outside of it, then that religion does not preach love. It preaches hate. A religion can try to hide behind tolerance or even kindness to outsiders, but if it or its god ultimately retaliate with damnation, that is still hate. This applies to the religious intolerance of atheists, minorities, and female equality, as well as LGBTQ.

[@jackhappens]

Alex Dunkel No, it's not... I literally said it wasn't.

[@LemurWhoSpoke]

jackhappens The first reply got me in a particular mindset, causing me to misread / misinterpret what you were getting at. In a way, I was responding more to the first comment than to you. Sorry.

[@jackhappens]

Alex Dunkel It's cool, and I was clarifying for that person because he seemed to be baiting you.

[@janelleledonne6884]

Can’t wait to see this documentary!

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@carelesswhisper6561]

Religious guilt is prob the reason why I started doubting religion.

[@FightforDeath34]

same and i am hetero, has nothing to do with sexuality but there are many other reasons for religious guilt

[@PixelGamerUS]

Same

[@rocklesson86]

This interview is so good.

[@gretatoth8759]

I was just wondering 3 days ago how he hadn't been on the show yet! Two of my favourite people at the same desk *fangirling*

[@phantomWuss]

as an lds and a huge fan of the band i'm so, so proud that they use their fame as a platform to talk about topics as important as this. one of the great commandment is to love each other regardless of our differences. we need to support each other - not shut them out or turn them away. if we could all just act with a little more love as human beings, no matter the differences, the world would be a much healthier, and kinder place. thankyou dan, for speaking up. i'm really looking forward to watching the doco!

[@lenovomann4291]

Hi Dan! Thank you very much for using your fame and influence to stand up for the LGBTQ community! I appreciate your great effort to do so! May God bless you and your family. Please continue to do your work and to further your influence to bless this community!

[@krishurlburt7375]

Alot of people suffer nowadays, only due to cruel pointless actions made by ignorant people. When I was attending public school in Texas, I thought about committing suicide on a daily bases. Because for years I was harassed verbally and physically for being Buddhist. In Texas theirs a Anti-Bulling law, but the principles would never charge them with assault or even punish them. So it never ended. One day I beat the hell out of one for hitting me in the face, and the only thing that did was stop the physical assaults. And this was recent, I'm not some 60 year old man telling a story. I graduated two years ago.

[@erintreez]

Kris Hurlburt I'm so sorry to hear about your experiences. As an educator, it breaks my heart to hear of children experiencing physical/psychological bullying or harassment at school. My colleagues and myself feel and were taught that school is to be a safe place for all students, regardless of race, gender, creed, ability, whether the student sports blue hair, tattoos, loves anime or death metal.....all kids have a right to be in class without intimidation, ridicule, discrimination, etc. We strive for a culture of empathy and inclusion. Adults are there to guide and protect kids, not be punitive or indifferent. I honestly don't know how districts across the country compare regarding this issue. (There are stats and studies, but I don't think they are nearly as telling as the scandals or phone videos that pop up...) I'd like to believe that more districts are improving, time will tell. I hope that your environment now, whether work or school, is better; and, that your experience can help you be the person that speaks out against injustice or ignorance when it appears. Wishing you success in your endeavors 🍀 Cali teacher 😎

[@msbookgal]

Great interview and insightful interview. Keep doing what your doing, Dan.

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

Not a huge fan of Imagine Dragons, but this guy's awesome!👍 Doing good work, helping people. Whether you're religious or not, whatever religion you believe in, be good, help people selflessly, and try to make the world a happier place.❤

[@BCuniverse-ce4ih]

i agree with you im a southern protestant so im not a huge fan of the LGBTQ I may not agree with the LGBTQ but I dont hate them because in the bible were suppose to love everyone.

[@sarahermosilla523]

I am mormon, but I am from Chile.. I have plenty of friends in Utah and honestly I cannot understand why is this "shame" culture growing so hard in church there... At least here, people are way more open and less judgy than what I hear from Utah, I've never seen anyone mormon ashaming someone for being gay, or for not following Church rules or whatever. I thinks this whole Guilt thing is specifically in Utah which is kind of interesting and alarming at the same time. I dont know, just my appreciation..

[@Iskelderon]

Dan, thank you for your efforts to bring religious groups into the modern age. Jesus' teachings are based on love, compassion and striving to become a better version of yourself. I'm straight and old-fashioned in many ways, but why do we need to create artificial problems out of bigotry and fear of being different when there's mountains of real problems to solve without us adding more?

[@bytebeatspro]

Happy to see this side of Dan! Now we know how his songs were created and it truly stands for.

[@beatricengone1114]

- imagine dragons - Waves

[@LagrimaArdiente]

If I weren't in public right now, I'd be crying.

[@2godless]

I can’t wait to see the documentary, and to examine the stats. Great, man!

[@dehi4322]

Dan is an amazing man. I have so much respect for him. He is true to his faith and stands up to what he believes in.

[@blue_jai2790]

Oh my goodness I agree with everything he just said. All of this is so true. When I have kids, if one is gay, I won’t care. I’ll still love them because that’s who they are. My god my respect and love for Dan has increased by like a million

[@Azulmine]

I grew up Mormon and when I left the church it felt like chopping off a limb. I wish I’d had some kind of support like this growing up. It might have made things easier

[@oscaratlas]

We need more brave and inspiring people like Dan Reynolds! 🏳️‍🌈

[@lizmoss]

i agree with everyone he’s saying except that the faith doctrines need to change. you can’t change what scripture says. but people can change how they treat people in the lgbt community.

[@danreynolds2117]

I want to Specially appreciate you for being a big fan Thanks for your nice comment on my post, it means a lot to me. I want you to send me a direct message via hangouts using my personal email or you can as well add me up on WhatsApp through my mobile number that will be indicated below. Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don't reply unnecessary messages Hangouts mail: [e-mail] WhatsApp number: [phone]

[@lovely-mk4rt]

Terrific, insightful man. Thank you for this conversation and your music 🕊

[@ronniecaron6827]

I didn't know who Dan was, until just a few minuets ago. WOW! I've never heard his music, but if it's as insperational as he is,I know I'll love it . I'm sharing this vid with everyone I know His Documentary sounds like a MUST SEE.

[@noarafaeli]

I love this man and what he is talking about. Everyone in the world should watch this interview and the documentary. I wish everyone who had a voice could spread the message he is spreading because it is so freaking important!

[@Kit-se3zs]

Wow he's one of the good ones. My teen has always loved his band, I'll share this with her and she'll love him even more. Now I have the utmost respect for him as a person. This is what kindness and decency is. I live in Mormon country and this is what the Mormon church could and should be. But the elders have a tough time letting go of the dark and discriminatory ways of the past (which is one the whole world is having to emerge from obviously, not just Mormons). I always wondered to myself what his relationship with the LDS church was like, if he was practicing, did he like being Mormon, now I know. Good to hear a prominent Mormon speaking up for them and I wanna see that doc!

[@iant4339]

What an amazing guy. Thank you for all you do, Dan.

[@amber8892]

As a Mormon who is bisexual and suffered lifelong depression and yet still loves the gospel; I find him inspirational. Thank you man, thank you so much.

[@dragonairbender1796]

Amberlee Davies why do you love the gospel but not believe it

[@garagay9845]

Isn't the best to watch your favorite talk show host and your favorite artist together

[@chesh1rek1tten]

As a queer person who'd lived in Utah for a few years, this is so important and great. This man is so amazing. This is how you're an alley

[@kudduhappy7968]

He is the best....He tells everything which was true....I m so proud of you DAN....👌

[@airwaydude014]

There are many artists and musicians that whose music I don't listen to but I absolutely adore their character and personality. Dan Reynolds is one such artist.❤️💛💚💙💜♥️

[@blablablair1]

What a lovely soul. People in positions of influence are especially needed as allies and advocates for change.

[@IliyaMoroumetz]

Thank you, Dan. Such a nuanced conversation about a subject that has no easy answers.

[@melissalong8491]

Great interview, loved it!

[@happygirl264]

Thank God for people like Dan Reynolds!

[@LincolnWiseDidMyMom]

I was born LDS, and raised in Utah for the first 17 years of my life, I've felt doubt at about 12, and the harsh rejection of my community when I left the church. In doing so I experienced kinda the same thing. Mormons don't just do this to the LGBT community, it's literally anybody that goes against their beliefs. I was kicked out of my home at 18 because I had consentual sex with my girlfriend. The rejection I faced in that moment lead to 2 suicide attempts in the following 6 months. Religious pressure leading to depression in Utah is a real issue. A very serious issue that is so important to me, and nobody seems to want to talk about. So thank you for opening this conversation up. 💚

[@livefromutku]

this made me cry, omg.. your the best Dan!

[@jenfnp]

A well spoken and compassionate young man. I hope his parents are proud of him.

[@XkkenX1]

I respect him as well and also respect Trevor very much, but you laughed when Donny and Marie were mentioned, but you do realize the Osmond family knows about this first hand. Marie's son took his own life because he was gay. So yeah, Donny and Marie, had teen images that people scoff at, but they too have had to deal with many issues.

[@albeitarson6006]

As a Mormon I know the doctrine won't change unless God says so. However no where in the scriptures does it say to treat a LGBT member any differently than a heterosexual. After all, one of the two greatest commandments is to love your neighbor.

[@nikkim7012]

Thank you. This was a fantastic video to end my horrible day with.

[@ingrid_mxx]

I'm glad I was raised in a family who didn't put any pressure on being religious, I have 4 other siblings, dad's orthodox and mom's reformat (it's a religion) but they rarely took us to church, mostly on easter or so but that also if we asked to go. I think parents should be like that, cause yeah you give a religion to your child but at one point in his/her life you're not gonna be there anymore, and the child if they want, they won't go after religion like the parent. I think it's important to let the child be a child and teach them about all the different religions when they're at the right age to truly understand it, and it should be their will to choose if they want it or not in their life

[@chimis2220]

Whoa! I started to agree with this guy, but a few flaws in the logic: to say that members of the church don't love their children who are gay isn't always true. I'm sure it may be true for some households, but that can be said about a lot of things for a lot of faith. Like, what if a Jew declared he wanted to be Christian? Some parents might accept it, others may not, and to say that the church's leaders have this policy of leave the sin or get out? No, that's not the case. And I think it's important to realize--knowing many people who have children that struggle with addictions--that just because your child makes a decisions that you know/believe is wrong, doesn't equivocate loving them less. That was a different example, but same concept: just because someone you know is gay doesn't mean that as a person of faith you can't interact and be around and love them. I've had gay friends before, and what I found was that when I respect them they respected my belief on marriage and relationships and we were cool to agree to disagree. And that applies to any situation when people feel differently about situations. I agree there should always be a level of understanding, but there can be love for the person without tolerance for what we believe is wrong. I had a grandpa who was an alcoholic. My mother had to deal with the many car accidents and fights and messes he got into while he was drunk. But why did she come pick him up out of jail and work hard to keep him away from alcohol? Because she loved him. And that's all these people are trying to do: live their faith and love their kids, and it's a hard balance, but it's doable.

[@KariAaraas100]

That man is so specttacular. I feel proud to have met him

[@veganpotterthevegan]

As someone that lives in Utah, he's jaded if he thinks homophobia isn't a major problem in this state. Maybe most people aren't going to berate you for being gay but most will think you're being a terrible person for being gay. The religion is the problem, not just the "few" that don't like gay people. The religion (most do) teaches hate, the people follow.

[@unknowjondoe]

Veganpotter Thevegan then why do Mormons outside of Utah accept gays? I am Mormon and the gospel doesn't teach it but the members polute the gospel to justify their bigotry.

[@laylahernandez8724]

His documentary is called Believer and imagine dragons have a song named Believer too. 🤔

[@mrrd4444]

Wonderful. Wonderful. Happy Pride, and thank you for everything you've done.

[@mnmdisney]

Love him!! Seen him in concert!!! VERY SPIRITUAL AND CONCIOUSLY AWARE 🤗😍🙏🤗🤗🤗💜💜💜💜💜

[@Eduardo-bp5ho]

Dan is incredible, such a nice person

[@jc789852]

wow i just cried watching this thinking about my own mom /: people who's parents just accept them from the moment they come out are so lucky, and they need to cherish that

[@melissastipes613]

SO MANY, TOO MANY people are saying. “It doesn’t effect me” “it’s not our/my program” “Let’s worry about us and ours, not things the OTHERS” This mentality seems to be an a nonstop runaway train in our country now. It’s always been there but most people are not even trying to hide their fangs and venom anymore. I don’t remember ANY of Jesus’s teachings that said love you neighbor if.. be kind and care for each other but.. only if they look, think, believe and love like you.

[@itsnotworthit7178]

This is so beautiful, what he's doing is amazing Nothing but respect

[@lamb2621]

Leviticus 18:22

[@rparl]

It's the attitude, not the altitude. Good work, Dan.

[@falsesextape]

Disappointnent how i listen to them for 4 years and heard about this

[@mybraineatseverything7404]

"We love you, just the way you are...when you're perfect." -Alanis Morissette