Mormon girl, 12, has mic cut as she comes out as gay to congregation

Savannah is 12 years old and is entering 8th grade in August, 2017. She loves drawing, reading, dancing (she is a Scottish highland dancer), all things Avengers and wants to be an animator for Disney some day. She also happens to be gay.
This testimony took place in a Mormon congregation on May 7, 2017.
To hear Savannah talk about what happened that day, she's at about the 21 minute mark in this podcast: iliketolookforr...

[@RobinSealark]

This breaks my heart. Grateful she had courage to be herself and be a voice for change, hope she never loses it.

[@GuardaOsservaValuta]

You will probably be burning to the homophobic hell that you are nothing else.

[@Wendygirljp]

nich - why do you believe something which has been shown to be untrue yet? The bible does not even talk about homosexuality. Sheesh! Some people just think because words look like something, that it must be that way. Look at how the definition of "grass" has changed over the years.

[@GuardaOsservaValuta]

Did you say homosexuals go to hell, is not that right?

[@GuardaOsservaValuta]

And who would these apostles be?

[@mikearthut781]

the great fairyland in the middle earth. with frodo.

[@TimothyKillian]

Her last words before being silenced: "I want to love myself and not to feel shame for being me." And then they shame her.

[@bryancsharp332]

Poor kid. Totally ignorant as to how her religion treats gays. They have nothing against gays whatsoever. Soon she'll figure out it's not as good anymore as Islam takes over her country.

[@businessgoose6057]

bryan csharp lol! thats the craziest..... do u know how many Muslims live here? .... like 1%! lol!! www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/01/06/a-new-estimate-of-the-u-s-muslim-population/

[@Tuhljin]

Testimony meeting isn't recorded, it isn't rehearsed, and it isn't to run contrary to doctrine. 3 strikes, you're out. She wasn't giving a testimony. She was giving a rehearsed polemic that her bigot anti-Mormon mother coached her into giving and gloated about online afterward.

[@josipperic2924]

She is 12 years old.She should not think about that things because she can be manipulated very easy,like we see she is!

[@donaldb.holsinger5917]

Testimonies are commonly rehearsed, even if in the privacy of one's own being. This has always been true. Testimonies can be sung and can be read (e.g., poetry or scripture). There is no three-strike rule. But one thing for certain we are learning in Public Affairs is that if we show the least degree of intolerance to God's children who are gay, we will lose members. This is not optional. The First Presidency and Twelve have been trying to get members to show greater love and inclusion of our LGBT friends but there is somehow the feeling still that there is "doctrine" involved that forces us to reject our gay members. This most stop.

[@sartanko]

Being that young and raised in religious opression and STILL being able to accept who she is, and then admit it to the congregation? Daaaamn she's strong.

[@rckburris]

"Religious oppression"?

[@paulneugbiyobo4156]

The fool says in their heart there is no God and they are corrupt...people devise their own path based on what is happening around them. Read the book of life there in lies all the secrets. Do not take my word for it find out the truth by searching for it read the bible may the holy spirit guide you as you read the bible

[@Lt.BunnyGirl]

@@paulneugbiyobo4156 a good example of religious oppression.

[@lexispeaks5585]

I know, I'm damn impressed.

[@tinman3586]

Well...it's not like every major media and academic outlet in the country doesn't support and encourage this kind of behavior.

[@whitney8656]

My Dad said he has friends in this ward, and he told me that they cut her mic off cuz people were judging her in the audience. Bullshit...they cut her off for the reason we all think it was..

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

They waited a long time to do it. I don’t know what she and her family was expecting. If you belong to a religion that teaches X and you get up to the pulpit and contradict that, then they’re not going to just let you keep going. Though, it would make sense to not have her continue with something like this publicly. Church gossip can be very damaging, and the LDS are quite renowned for it.

[@rickhuntling7338]

They cut her off because she gave an honest testimony of herself.The LDS corporation want's the world to believe Mormonism produces nothing but perfect children. This couldn't be further from the truth. But when did the truth matter to them?

[@cayea4076]

They only want to hear your testimony, if it agrees with theirs.

[@jesuschristfollower6251]

There is a such thing as truth and there is a such thing as God's truth not man's truth not the wicked lost worlds Truth where the devil has deceived all the nations into believing a lie oh, of course anything goes in this world anything you want you can do it's alright it's okay but the fact of the matter is there's one truth and when you stand before Jesus Christ and clearly there are many verses in the Bible that says homosexuality is wrong and people who live this way will not inherit the kingdom of God, 1st Corinthians 6:9, if God made people gay tell me why two gay people can have a child oh yeah that's right it's actually blasphemy to lie on God and say he made you a way that's totally contradictory to his word because the Bible says his word stands forever

[@kirillzakharov7336]

@@jesuschristfollower6251 same thing all over again.

[@orangeknight0833]

this is my sister and it is nice to see the 2 year mark on this remarkable event, she has spoken for HRC, at love loud, and on ellen, all in all she is the coolest and bravest sister o could ever have

[@parkerplace2910]

Thank you for making your comment. I am LDS, gay and still living in the closet. Your sweet little sister is brave and she is lucky to have you as her sibling. Heavenly Father loves you both so very much. Things are different on the other side of the veil than what we've been taught. The church just hasn't yet caught up to it, but your family has. Bless all of you! Love to you all.

[@sarasarah3404]

She should be very proud of herself

[@orangeknight0833]

thank you

[@heatherkester3760]

Kayden. You are one sweet brother. Thank you for loving and accepting Savannah the way you do. I'm so proud to be Mama to you both. 💗💗💗💗

[@heatherkester3760]

@@parkerplace2910 Huge hugs to you from this Mama Dragon, all my love and hopes that you will one day feel safe and loved out of the closet. 💗

[@marisa9317]

everyone saying she’s “too young to know” that’s not true. I’ve known about my sexual orientation since I was 12. (I’m a lesbian) if you’re attracted to the same sex than you’re attracted to the same sex. If you don’t like the other gender(s) than that’s that.

[@danglezbenderz]

Rollercoaster diva idk how they think it's too young to know. When you're 12 you are definitely crushing on the sex/es you're attracted to.

[@zekova]

Rollercoaster diva Exactly. You start feeling attraction towards other people at around 12, so how is that too young to know you’re experiencing attraction to people of the same gender??

[@aaronbenjamin4581]

Yea - I distinctly remember 'liking' a girl when I was around 11. It was probably even earlier than that - that's just as far back as the memory goes. It's not even about knowing how sex works, it's just how you feel.

[@crunchevo8974]

yeah i knew when i was like 8 or 9 but i didn't really decide to think about it until i was about 16.

[@gordonilaoa1275]

And don't they baptize them at a younger age? ... And make it out that they are mature enough to have the agency to choose whether they want to get baptized or not? Like they even had a choice

[@jerehoover6544]

as an Ex Mormon I can happily say, great job Savannah, I’d like to bare my testimony I dont know that the mormon church is true, I know it has cultish values and they teachings are false. I dont think heavenly father will be mad at me if I drink a little bit of coffee, I want to bare my testimony, I dont think the church is true, I know there is a god out there but I don’t believe the mormon god is it, I say these word in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

[@Nepthu]

They would have cut off your mic too. This isn't about being a lesbian; this is about agreeing with the church. Only those who agree are allowed to speak at the meeting.

[@juliosantana4368]

Thats a testimony...GTFO..Lol

[@SavedbyGrace7773]

Amen brother. " No one comes to the Father except through me." -Jesus.

[@hollyamber965]

What kind of people completely shut down a 12 year old for sharing her story? Utterly disgusting.

[@valuecalc]

Holly, her comments were simply inappropriate for church.

[@dallinsinger2636]

@@valuecalc Then it's clear who does and doesn't deserve happiness in the church's eyes.

[@valuecalc]

@@dallinsinger2636, no. That's not what the clergy is saying.

[@valuecalc]

@harry, what racism?

[@valuecalc]

@harry, man doesn't decide who enters the heavenly realm. The Lord does.

[@xarzu]

this proves to me that most people are not even listening during these things.

[@jakeclark7671]

You are completely right …

[@jakeclark7671]

So many loud kids interrupting this brilliant person.

[@cayea4076]

All Mormon Sunday services are loud with kids.

[@lambofgarrett1817]

This is how aethists are born. Welcome to the club kid.

[@alisong799]

YAAASSS the true dark side lmao

[@m.jministry356]

Welcome to the depressing club

[@awesomemcnuggietittsschalk4313]

@Happy Healthy Heathen Earth and good people thats what I believe in. Havin a bad day help them out best you can. They usually pay it forward if the cycle is right. It will be right again soon!

[@awesomemcnuggietittsschalk4313]

@Baphomet the Sabbatic Goat I still believe in God but wonder sometimes I am confused

[@KP-oj9le]

That little girl is the most mature person in the room. What a beautiful soul she has.

[@moestein6972]

It is absolutely appalling to see so many Christians make such hateful comments.

[@2326038]

Gee, I don't know Moe. I don't think many of those comments are made by Christians.

[@joka_jinx]

Beware : A LOT of homophobic mormons in this comment section To anyone in the LGBT community,have a wonderful day💕 ignore the venomous hate from groups like this and continue fighting for equality 🙏

[@sazeegaming5001]

We not homophobic

[@justamediocreyoutubechanne4172]

I thought I read homophobic morons XD

[@jasoneades9781]

I’m not Mormon or scared of homosexuals. I’m a true Christian saved by Gods Grace. And we are pleading with you come to the Living Christ, repent of your sins and trust alone in Christ!

[@jasoneades9781]

@In a Twinkling Seek to repent from harmful sexual behavior

[@GSquid92]

You’re going to hell by Gods grace

[@charissa5150]

That took A LOT of courage . Let Savanna be an example to us all!!

[@kokachichuable]

How many of us adults dare to speak the truth? Many of us are plainly hypocrites and only speaking what others wants us to speak so as to sing the same tune and be accepted. But this young girl dared to be different. I may not agree with her notion of gays or lesbians, but I am against ostracism of people whom we think are different from us.

[@nathan9032]

Nice cult yall got going on there

[@regalshot.2423]

As an exMormon I can confirm church is fucking creeepy.

[@MikeOria]

What a brave young woman. The good news is you don't need to join a cult to worship Jesus. You're a hero. There are several others in that congregation who feel the way you do, but have been shamed into keeping quiet, or being retrained by their bishop.

[@theubtubbros]

It's honestly a shame LDS calls themselves a Christian religion.

[@ieradossantos]

If you silence children that dare to speak and stand up for who they are, you are a waste of a community/society

[@elfinshell4758]

I hope you got out of there and found yourself a loving partner and a beautiful family of your own, Savannah. You deserve it, and I’m absolutely sure that god loves you exactly the way you are. And I’m so glad you read the rest of your testimony. No one has the right to silence you. You’re a beautiful, eloquent young lady, and I have a lot of respect for you. 💛

[@cayea4076]

Next time Girl, stay up there and yell your testimony. They can cut your mic, but they cant silence your voice!

[@JosBastarrachea]

My wife used to be part of the church during his first marriage. When she asked for help because she was trapped into an abusive relationship she was requested to be prudent and let god to calm her husband. The members of the church did nothing to that abusive man. They even supported him. I don't understand how blind you shuold be to not accept the violence beneath the dogma. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@msjunebug123]

Wow! I feel broken hearted that this girl was told to sit down. How devastating for her. In this world we live in, it’s so important to love one another. LOVE ONE ANOTHER UNCONDITIONALLY. This girl will have nothing to do with the church going forward. 💔

[@Natya.]

I just listened to her podcast. This person is an exceptional kid and deserves to be loved by exceptional people. She is so innocent but so strong, she just blows my mind. When you listen to her talk in the podcast about her testimony experience, it is clear that she speaks straight from her heart and that someone's raised her to be a leader. You're something else Savannah. I hope you continue to get the respect and support you deserve but if sometimes you don't, just remember that God and the world are much, much bigger than Utah.

[@bodoorgeest]

@geomdx, gay people or their supporters are not against hetero's whatsoever. They just want equal rights. Hetero's don't need support, the world is one big hetero-paradise.

[@bodoorgeest]

@geomdx, nobody is standing above the law, and the law says it is forbidden to discriminate. If people would decide not to serve christians all hell would brake loose..and righteously so.

[@fred7108]

They say grateful more in 3 hours than I have in my entire life.

[@sweetboo1022]

LOL, I'm grateful for atheism.

[@NoCoArts]

Atheist in the making

[@jakerusk]

We can only hope

[@The_Orphanizer]

We'll take her!

[@OrionKane]

The Orphanizer hopefully nobody called the Orphanizer takes her

[@The_Orphanizer]

You know what I meant! And so does the FBI agent now reading this.

[@KeeHart]

Her parents should have stood up the minute her mic was cut and told them to let her continue but of course not,they waffle on about family being everything but only if that family follows the cult..hope things have gone better for Savannah since then and she is a very happy girl now

[@cultfiction3865]

You gotta be kidding. You guys are remarkably tolerant for a religion. I’m a JW and if she is said that in one of our Kingdom Halls not only would she have had her mic cut but she would have been escorted out of the Kingdom Hall and faced a disciplinary judicial meeting in which she would have faced expulsion from the religion until she repented. It’s clear that Mormons are relatively tolerant compared to JWs. But there is no room for tolerance really because Gods feelings on LGBTQ are very clear in the bible and there is nothing ambiguous about them

[@KeeHart]

@@cultfiction3865 God also says not to judge,did you miss that part?..do you genuinely believe this kid chose to be sexually attracted to her own sex?why would she anyone chose it when there's small minded, ignorant people like you still in our society,you're born the way to are,get over it.

[@cultfiction3865]

@@KeeHart that’s passage of scripture talks about removing the beam from your own eye before extracting the straw from your brothers eye. In other words it’s condemning hypocritical judgment of others. It’s not condemning judgment of others in of itself. It’s not me that missed that part of the bible it’s you that missed it’s true context.

[@cultfiction3865]

I’m getting enraged at KZbin. Every time I write a reply in this thread it deletes it even though I’ve not said anything wrong in any sense at all. I’ve tried to reply about 5 times and every reply has been erased immediately. Have you ever heard of the first amendment KZbin? Even my dad was saying a few days ago that KZbin is wrong to interfere with free expression regardless of their opinion on it. KZbin should be ashamed of themselves. A tool of Satan for suppressing Gods truth

[@Jac-Jay]

@@cultfiction3865 genuine question for you..what's it to you if this girl is gay,bi,etc,what effect does it have on your life?unless of course you're struggling with your own sexuality and are completely jealous of her courage to come out,no other reason for it.

[@clarissabby1511]

I can’t believe all the people in these comments telling her she’s wrong

[@kyiskyyyyyy]

Clarissabby 15 ikr it’s so annoying

[@ethanlee571]

What a brave girl. I hope that she is still as confident, brave, and self-loving as she was then.

[@TasmanianSon]

As a straight Christian guy, I send you love and support. Your speech was incredible. I do not believe God judges people based on their height, or weight, skin colour, eye colour or their sexuality. He created each of us with these individual characteristics. He is far more interested in our character. Are we loving, merciful, humble, gracious, kind and caring? Your sexuality is a precious, intimate part of who God created you to be. Stay strong and please seek friends who will love and respect you for the precious person God created you to be.

[@alisong799]

We need more people like you. Keep spreading your love.

[@GSquid92]

If a man lies with a male as with a woman (vice versa) they have committed an abomination the two of them shall be put to death their blood is upon them Leviticus 20:13 You are rejecting Gods teachings

[@CrodolookslikeFrody]

Where do you think the people who say that this little girl is going to burn in hell are going to go?

[@blushblossom]

Wth are these comments? Guys stop being arrogant and learn to love like this girl said in her testimony. As an LDS person, it honestly breaks my heart to see the bishopric stop her testimony like she’s expressing herself and they should help her and accept her, not tell her to get away. As Christians and LDS people we should learn to help people and support them. We still do not know what God’s plan is eternally and why he chose marriage in the temple to only be between a man and a woman, but I have a feeling it will all work out I’m sure that in the end that these good people who don’t have a choice for their sexuality will definitely not go to hell.

[@davidhoffmann4114]

Notice the comments from the most sanctimonious are filled with hate and venom?

[@dontreadthisplease2416]

That girl has guts and will probably be successful in life. Damn I never could have done that at that age.

[@NewNameNoah]

Don't Read This Please, me either. She’s got guts. (And, FYI, she’s doing great.)

[@lauriegraff2856]

NewNameNoah so happy to hear that she is doing well. The way TSCC treated her and so many of these responses are absolutely appalling.

[@lindaraterink6451]

There are many that can't do it at any age. She should be very proud of herself.

[@veronicaw.takenaka4180]

K, so I get that people are already attacking people for saying she’s too young, but I figured out when I was 9 and my parents accepted me, which is amazing, and honestly, it just clicked. There is no way to become gay, you always just are. I’m glad she has a platform to share her story and her hardships with us, I would try and be proud of that. So stop saying she’s too young, because everyone has their own time.

[@Eli_skels]

im 12 i know i am and have even come out to some of my freinds and so far they accept me :)

[@liviray3532]

I know her now. I met her this year and we are going to our schools next dance together. She is so beautiful and loving and I love everything about her.

[@tennisfreak8842]

send her my phone number 818-961-4600

[@madisonrae1272]

tennis freak I know you’re probably trying to be nice but you should take this down when you get the chance. Just because lots of people can track you with that number🙂

[@totalhufflepuff203]

How'd the dance go?

[@liviray3532]

@@totalhufflepuff203 It was great!! I had lots of fun with her

[@totalhufflepuff203]

@@liviray3532 Sweet.

[@mnicholson66]

Savannah is a very brave girl for speaking the truth. Everyone should applaud her for that.

[@jonathanmosebach2921]

SHE SPEWED FILTH TO THE CONGREGATION!

[@christianwelker7751]

Jonathan Mosebach What part of that was filth, she didn’t say anything wrong or inappropriate. The fact that you’d call that filth shows just how hateful you are, I’m glad that even though I was born into Mormonism. I never let the wool be pulled over my eyes, and that I never turned out to be a hateful bigot like yourself.

[@pidgeymon2353]

@@jonathanmosebach2921 simply for saying she likes girls? If my brother said he liked women, you'd be completely okay with it, but if my sister said she likes women, you'd be all on her ass.

[@ZachsCooking]

let the girl tell her story

[@betsytrog813]

LOL. This is great. They don't even know what to do or say. You go girl.

[@petereverett3143]

That took an immense amount of courage! She deserves to be heard and she deserves to be free to love whom she loves. I hope she will one day be free of religion and it's bigotry, she seems to be a beautiful, eloquent and strong young woman and I wish her the best of luck.

[@jasoneades9781]

She deserves Hell like the rest of us. We are completely dead in our sins, without excuse. God is the author of marriage and we don’t have the right to be justified in deciding that it’s something different. She needs the true Gospel; the message of Peace from God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message that through repentance and faith towards God is the only way we can be made new and find peace with God. In the state she may be in. Claiming the distortion in the truth she would be headed to Hell. And if we love her we would tell her this, not to shame her but to save her!

[@DRT279]

She’s a side show for her mom. It doesn’t take courage to read a talk her mom wrote. She’s a pawn for her mom. Sad.

[@holaamigos5228]

She was very sincere and respectful. Her parents and friends must be proud of her.

[@jasoneades9781]

No matter how sincere someone is. If it’s a lie then she would only be sincerely Wrong!

[@thelissamead8460]

What a beautiful, compassionate, loving, young lady. Hold your head high savanna you are a perfect example of what unconditional love is and I know you were meant to do amazing things with your life. I’m a ex Mormon and I have a 11 year old daughter who recently told me she was interested in girls. She was crying and I asked why and she said because it’s against what the church says is right. I looked her straight in the eye and said my love for you is unconditional as is the love Jesus Christ has for you and I would love your partner as if she were my own daughter. I was fuming and enraged after I talked to her and tucked her into bed, no one and I mean no one has the right to tell anyone what they are doing is wrong nor do they have the right to judge. Only the lord and savior has that right because he knows the entire story of our lives not just bits and pieces. It was then I felt a calm peace within me, let it be, it will be dealt with. I disagree with the church doctrine but I will never speak negatively about the Lds church nor towards its members but I do know that when the time comes for the second coming of our lord and savior a lot of Mormons are going to have a very rude awakening and a huge dose of reality when they realize just how wrong they were about the teachings of Christ. I’ll let the lord deal with that group and I have faith that they will be judged accordingly.

[@Den.Yanine]

I love you SO much

[@fearlessbryan]

Christ teaches against homosexuality because it is counter to the pure love of Christ and His plan of happiness for eternal families, but I’m grateful that you’re resisting negativity towards the Church. Much love to you.

[@aerotrooper]

@@fearlessbryan How is the love of gay people counter to the love of Christ? It’s not, the love is the same. Same dinners at the kitchen table, same prayers, same getting up in the morning and going to work. Gods love is all over gay peoples lives. Don’t you know that? Your comment was the epitome of ignorance. Time to get to know some gay people and stop pretending you’re not a bigot spreading hate.

[@GSquid92]

You are rejecting the words of God Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as with a woman,they have committed an abomination; the two of them shall be put to death; their bloodguilt is upon them.

[@LSMG2004]

I'm glad they showed her full speech at the end

[@teejay3272]

Savannah is a stud. And she just told a bunch of cultists that they're wrong. Hope she loses religion next.

[@LPanimal6]

I don't take these churches seriously...

[@marianavega9551]

More like: Don't take ANY church seriously

[@kaitlynamira3916]

Jesus that’s a brave child. I’m disgusted by the church elders for cutting off this brave young woman’s voice. She is exactly who she should be, and she should be so incredibly proud of herself.

[@stupiddumbnut9660]

Same

[@Jesus_Christ_Ur_Savior]

@@davidarndt4699 this comment took me forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever to read

[@haydenhodges34]

@@davidarndt4699 And you say the young Lady has the problem?

[@haydenhodges34]

@@davidarndt4699 Sweet, Fancy Moses!

[@jwscheuerman]

@@davidarndt4699 what a loon you are

[@ferretrunner09]

They let her go further than I thought they would,

[@coll4455]

Where ever she is I hope she’s doing okay! I’m so proud of her

[@silasguzman7119]

what an incredibly brave girl. i have so much respect for her. standing in front of your ward, coming out, and stating that you are going to love yourself and be happy as you. the real you.

[@os_boy8745]

holy shit, this little girl has more courage in her little finger than I do in my entire body. I would never have been able to do what she did. I am in awe.

[@Mbeepyd]

She will probably grow up, get out of bullshit religion and live true to herself

[@IZZYCASTILLO00]

I am a Mormon and I am 12 and lesbian I think it is wrong to cut off the microphone for just that reason, she is saying what she felt In her heart.

[@IZZYCASTILLO00]

Well yes I am very young but no one can stop there heart from liking someone especially with very strong feelings. I don't think there us a problem with figuring out your sexuality at such a young age even 12.

[@aaronbenjamin4581]

Just going to chime in - sounds like you developed later in life. I remember liking girls by 11, even if I didn't fully understand what 'liking' them meant.

[@IZZYCASTILLO00]

I mean it's just the fact that I don't just want to be friends with her i want to hold her hand and actually be with her and it's very strong let me tell you😁

[@aaronbenjamin4581]

@MEH There's quite a few layers of complexity between sexual orientation, the kind of attraction it creates, to the final conclusion: intention of sexual intercourse (including the knowledge to act it out). I certainly think children may have a difficult time understanding this complexity fully, as well as how to verbalize it and how to act upon it. What is generally not complex is knowing *how* they feel towards one gender or another, which happens at a fairly young age. Perhaps you thought I was implying earlier that children should go ahead and make decisions on who they're having sex with. I'm definitely not. I also wouldn't conflate the attraction between a role model (cool older boys) and a girl you want to hold hands with. The differences are so vast that even a child can typically make this distinction. It was no mystery to me that I liked girls at the age of 11. I just had no idea what to do with this information yet.

[@aaronbenjamin4581]

It could be the child wanted to do this on their own - in which case I would never do it for them. The kid should be left to occupy their time with whatever they want to pursue (within reason) - to their own benefit and loss. After all, that's how they learn. That said, if it wasn't the child's idea to get on the podium, but rather came from parental pressure, I'd find it bordering on morally reprehensible. That's probably the best point to agree on.

[@JustYourAverageBasicBitch]

Savannah I hope you’re thriving and happy ❤️

[@chrislittle9801]

Lol ... that took them a while as if they weren’t even listening to her to begin with

[@alisong799]

They ways seem so bored and zoned out... Probably never listen

[@lillym5908]

This is disgusting. I'm sure this girl went home that day and felt unaccepted, unloved and unwanted. I'm sure she questioned her worth and her religion. The guy who told her to sit down is disgusting. If she's reading this, I want her to know she can't let others opinions impact her and she has every right to continue being herself, even if she has to fight for it.

[@mercia8370]

Yeah, be yourself in another religion.

[@lillym5908]

' Mercia Well yes, I'm an atheist and I don't think a ton of good comes out of religion, but I still think that people can be gay and Mormon if that's what makes them happy

[@mercia8370]

@@lillym5908 Agreed I think she should be happy I just dont think she should be protesting one of the basic and oldest principles of christianity. I'm an x member of the mormon church and didnt like some of their principles, so I don't go anymore. Easy peasy.

[@josukulelechannel8736]

Guys, quit hating on her! I’m looking at the comments, and I’m seeing nothing but utter disrespect and rudeness. We’re all people, despite race, color, creed, religion, and sexuality. She is not too young to know who she is. In fact, some 65+ LGBTQ people have always said they knew when they were two or three years old. Please, people, I’m not going to ask you again. Stop hating on this kid. She’s simply being who she is!

[@rokzombie575]

She's being who she is. And pushing her beliefs on us.

[@AlisonClaires]

@@rokzombie575 says the Mormon replying to multiple comments on here with his unasked for religious opinions

[@tateburnett4532]

oh my god i have so much respect for her. i’m not mormon anymore but i bet this was hard as fuck. so much respect.

[@jasoneades9781]

Come to Jesus the True and living Christ not the false Jesus the Mormons teach.

[@gusgibsaints]

@@jasoneades9781 That's right! Only your Church is right.....isn't that what every single believer in religion says?

[@jasoneades9781]

@@gusgibsaints it isn't about a certain church. It is about what the Word of God says. And the Bible refutes Mormonism in one single verse. Galatians 1:8

[@gusgibsaints]

@@jasoneades9781 The Bible sanctions Rape, Murder and Slavery....it is Evil fiction and you're promoting it?

[@rae8457]

I can't imagine having such courage at her age.

[@aprilgarrett4317]

I actually know her, she goes to my school, she is an awesome person and I hope to always be friends with her.

[@faulty4350]

April Hall she has the right to feel how she wants and I have no doubt she is a great person. I understand this message she tried to share was a very big decision for her it wasn’t appropriate to share during sacrament meeting

[@aprilgarrett4317]

@@faulty4350 yes but i didn't ask for your opinion on this I was just saying she is an incredible person and I love her (as a friend...) I just want to support her.

[@faulty4350]

DaGAMER JR sacrament is a word used in the Bible. Ever read it?

[@codeincomplete]

@@faulty4350 It is absolutely amazing that so many Christian churches pick words from the bible and them make up a whole backstory including a ceremony (which often evolves over the initial decades of its introduction). Just because someone had a dream about what sacraments were like doesn't make that imagination real.

[@christinemerritt974]

April Hall April: That’s so cool that you know her. Please give her a hug for me.

[@ollielearner6994]

This girl is probably the best mannered, and most understanding 12 year old i will ever see or meet. She’s lovely. And so brave. How dare they shut her off. How dare they. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not against any religion. But seriously... man, that’s not cool.

[@susiepittman601]

No one "chooses " their sexual orientation!

[@nashym17]

the unbelievable amount of confidence is incredible i could never have the courage to do this so i respect her for this. also i must add that it is pathetic to shut the mic off, it’s a testimony, it’s what she believes, she shouldn’t be denied of that.

[@8littlechickens]

I can't believe some of the comments I'm seeing. That girl had the bravery to go up there, stand in front of the entire congregation, and pour her heart out to them, taking a leap of faith that these people who she thought she knew, who she probably grew up seeing and learning from and trusting, would at least love and respect her enough to listen to her confession of society-enforced self-hatred and her plea for love and acceptance. Instead they silenced her, shamed her, and further reinforced the idea that she would never be loved, not even in the place she had been taught she could always find love. Do you have any idea the damage that kind of rejection can do to anyone's mind, let alone the mind of someone so young? And to all of you saying that Savannah is "too young to know" or that she "needs to repent for her way of life" or that her "choices are wrong": stop. Listen to what she is saying. And think. Did you decide one day that you were going to be attracted to people of the opposite gender? No. And she didn't decide she was going to be attracted to people of the same gender, either. Being gay is no more a choice than being straight is. Those who are saying she's too young to know that she's gay obviously have no recollection of being a 12-year-old. Practically everyone was talking about their crushes at that age! And what she is saying up there is not inappropriate. She is sharing information about a part of herself that is as benign and intrinsic as the color of her eyes or hair or skin. She is not "talking about sex" any more than a straight 12-year-old admitting to having a crush would be. By spreading the idea that she is sinning simply by existing in a way she has no control over, you are demoralizing and crushing the spirits of everyone like her, and reinforcing the toxic notion that some people are inherently better than others. Please, open your eyes and take a closer look at the harm your comments are doing to people like her.

[@gatecrashercanadamb]

of course she is brave but also how does she at 12 years old think she is gay???

[@8littlechickens]

@@gatecrashercanadamb Again, pretty much everyone has had at least a crush or two by that age. If her crushes have been girls, I'd say that's definitely enough evidence for her to know she's not straight.

[@cxarhomell5867]

​@@8littlechickensThen, she needs to repent for what she did. It's against the church to do things like that.

[@8littlechickens]

@@cxarhomell5867 Do things like what? There was no point where she said she'd done anything, all she said was that she's gay. And as I stated before, people can't just choose who they're attracted to. Repenting is for when you make a wrong choice, and being gay isn't something people choose, it's just part of who they are.

[@shellycrossley3372]

Thank you for beautifully explaining this as well as you did. Love love love this ❣️

[@jvsobolova6348]

This wonderful and loving young woman had the courage to stand and bare her testimony. Times have changed. When I was outed I was blamed for the assault that was perpetrated on me, being in a relationship with another girl, and harboring SSA. I was barely allowed to even sit in the building after they were done with me. This boss girl breaks out the testimony to come out. I hope she knows that her bravery brought a bit of the heart the church stole from me back. Stay strong hun. You have a great future ahead of you.

[@mayganphynix8267]

she also opened up the possibility of conversation of other young people with their parents and hopefully made other people in the congregation feel less alone, if there where others. ❤

[@kaylacovers970]

Wow. The bravery. Don’t change who you you are for anyone 💙.

[@NDeGeorge1]

Let whoever hasn’t sinned cast the first stone at this brave young woman. God bless you and your journey through life, you have a loving beautiful soul that Christ is proud of. Don’t let hateful people come between you and our Lord

[@brian94954]

Judge with a righteous judgement. This girl would be better off to pluck her own eye out than continue in her sin. God hates the wicked, God hates deviants. She should turn from it and sin NO MORE in her ways. All of what you say is a lie and comes from the father of lies. Mormonism is also the devil's work, so she is a reprobate speaking an abomination to the lost. So sad.

[@lindaraterink6451]

It always amazes me how uninterested mormons seem when they attend church. They always seem to be doing other things. Are they even listening? In most other churches that would be seen as very disrespectful.

[@stacyramirez5459]

As a former LDS member.... because it's so boring and they repeat the same thing over and over. There isn't anything to be joyful about in sacrament meeting. I think they are too scared to get out.

[@kkittycatkat1990]

Well I'm a mormon (non active) and I can kind of answer this for you. With every recorded Mormon sacrament meeting what do you hear? Kids. The woman are encouraged to have children and they certainly try to follow this. So, the women are busy trying to keep the kids quiet (usually several per family, my cousin has 9) The kids definitely aren't paying attention therefore the parents can't give their full attention because of trying to keep all their kids in line and behaving. Also, church was 3 hours long. Sacrament is an hour but always goes over an hour, then Sunday school and then relief society. So it is a long day and it is pretty hard to feign interest for that long, lol. Recently church has been cut down to 2 hours. Also, it is so boring. Honestly it really is and unless you have an engaging speaker to listen to it is a monotonous routine. Actually "Fast Sunday" (nothing fast about it, lol) which is once a month is one of the better sessions because people go up and bear their testimonys. Every now and again you get someone up there (like this girl) who shakes things up. So those are the reasons it appears as if noone is paying attention & its because most of them aren't for various reasons. 😊

[@MOTOFIENDXXX-jr3qv]

Bored. Mormons don't like to get "too deep" in the Bible, especially the "wars, certain people paying hookers, God murdering and torturing people".... They stick to the basics, like saying 2+2=4 OVER AND OVER AND OVER... I go only once in awhile and mainly just read on my own. Learn WAY MORE by doing that.

[@kixkawaii705]

She for sure did one of the bravest things in the world and I’m glad she’s happy. I know she’s happy. She deserves every bit of joy and more

[@caitlinsilver3651]

I’m honestly appalled at the comments. God spoke of LOVING in the Bible more than anyone spoke of being gay. God is showing his heart to this girl. She did not attack the church or their beliefs; she spoke of wanting to uphold God’s plan for all of us. He wants us to be happy, loving, respectful, and kind. She exemplified all of this as she told her truth. And no, she is not too young to know that she is attracted to girls. I was only 12 when I figured that out for myself. Savannah clearly knows God much better than most of the people in these comments.

[@paulgregersen3570]

God doesn't approve of a preplanned ambush to force any church to consider behaviors that he himself declares is wrong in the Bible to be sprung onto a captive audience who came their to hear his word. God originated this teaching not anybody in the church. There are many places in the Bible that condemn the practice. People are tempted to do many such things but never give into such desires. It's the Democrat party trying to destroy religion and America by creating devisions and problems and not God trying use a sinfully life to divide people against God's commandment of his approved marriage. The girl needs to call God himself out if she disagrees with him not try to shame those who follow his word. The people who obey God in the church have no choice but to obey scripture or be destroyed in the next life. Lots of things feel right by self justification but open the doors for resentment and hate and are used to elect Democrats.

[@generalgrandsireshockdell7268]

You have just called God a liar! I heard what God said on the matter , and I have now heard you.... WHO DO YOU THINK I BELIEVE ! The moment we start saying God ,you got it wrong ...and we know better than you , is just the beginning of how quickly it is to fall away. You took man's position over God. You will have your reward. You may have gotten the world's approval , but he'll have the last word.

[@paulgregersen3570]

@@generalgrandsireshockdell7268 Quoting a prophet of God and quoting scripture is not playing God it is simply repeating him. He says these things in the Bible not me.

[@caitlinsilver3651]

GENERAL GRAND SIRE SHOCKDELL I’m not worried about what God is going to think of me for being kind and not shaming a group of people for something that doesn’t affect me in the slightest. You’re interpreting a book that has been written and rewritten and translated dozens of times. Is it really what he said? You can’t be too sure now can you? I’m not here to say that people should be gay instead of straight, I’m just saying I don’t think God cares. Plus a big reason homosexuality was shamed/“wrong” around the time the Bible was written was that it was unsanitary. It’s been argued that maybe that’s what these dudes got all upset about people doing it. But sex has changed and so has God. I personally am grateful to be a Christian for the simple fact that Jesus is God’s soft side. Guess who he hung out with ? The poor, some prostitutes, and other lowlifes of the time. He saw their hearts. Try it some time.

[@paulgregersen3570]

@@caitlinsilver3651 Well the entire history of the world has experienced is guaranteed failure by not conforming to what God the Creator established as truth. Instead they want to twist God into what they command and demand from him. Jesus said, if you love me you will keep my commandments. Sorry I can get a thousand roosters and never have eggs if baby offspring. I can water plastic flowers forever and never get fruit or growth. I can plant seeds in a cave and nothing will ever grow. God's sets up how things work. Adam and Eve was how it works to multiply the earth and not Adam and Steve. Regardless of how a million feel about it it cannot ever work.

[@GunstarHer0X]

Savannah, I don't know you but I'm proud of you. From the few moments I spent listening to you speak, it's clear that you're a smart, thoughtful, articulate kid, and just a generally good person. Gay or straight, Mormon or otherwise, that's really all that matters in the end. That was a great speech and took courage to deliver. You should be proud of it, and of yourself. You did an excellent job here. Most of the world supports you, even if some out-of-touch old guys don't.

[@jonbaker476]

Yeah I agree that she does seem like a great, articulate, and intelligent young lady. Too bad her parents are dipshits and put her up to it just to piss off the members. It's no different than if two mormon missionaries went into a baptist church and started telling everyone why they're right and what the rest of the congregation needs to change. You shouldn't do that unless you're invited to do it. That kind of stuff should be taken care of outside, where it's respectful and still gets the job done.

[@silasguzman7119]

+Jon Baker h- her parents didnt put her up to it...she chose to...

[@jenniferwolford7205]

Are you kidding me?!?! They shut her up?!?! What. The. FUCK!!!!!!! This girl is my hero!!!!! If only I could've been that self aware and courageous when I was 12. All I want to do is give her a hug and tell her how proud of her I am and how amazing she is and incredible her life will be if she just lives her truth. Fuck anyone who would try to silence her or tell her she is not loved just as she is!

[@GSquid92]

Witch

[@parkerdinhwilliams15]

What an incredibly brave girl.

[@jasoneades9781]

Brave? To follow sin?

[@IssisMillyEspBaz2312]

That kid has more guts than anyone criticizing her from a fake or no pic account !!

[@MOTOFIENDXXX-jr3qv]

Read The Bible- you'll see where that comes from.

[@ritamariekelley4077]

I can't say enough about this beautiful speech. Savannah, your wisdom, maturity and intelligence came through so powerfully. I was inspired by your story. You have already made this world a better place. My 13 year-old granddaughter just came out, just in time for PRIDE month! I wish you all the best.

[@2326038]

@Fascisté français canadien It's people like yourself who have driven young mormon gays to suicide. If you don't understand they're born that way but you believe it's a choice, then I believe you're full of bullshit!!!

[@blossom7582]

What a beautiful, kind child - and a ridiculous, pathetic, scared old man

[@blossom7582]

Sorry I'll correct myself, What a beautiful, kind child - and a ridiculous, pathetic, scared Cult member sticking up for his Cult.

[@blossom7582]

For believing the Cult teachings of the LDS church - and Savannah used the PERFECT platform

[@blossom7582]

I read it, and I prayed about it with a very sincere heart, and I got my answer, I testify that the book of mormon is not true, church is not true and Jospeh Smith was not a prophet of God. And I'm not a fool here to mock people. But you have obviously come to an 'anti-mormon' youtube channel looking to cause trouble. You should check out his temple videos while you're here!

[@blossom7582]

Gee what gave away the fact that I think Mormonism is a crock of shit? Maybe being on this youtube channel is a good place to start!

[@blossom7582]

Watch a few more of his videos then - you'll get there!

[@pottedplant1472]

omg let her speak! These cowards are too scared of what a little kid has to say lmao props to this girl for speaking her mind in such a hostile place that takes courage.

[@faulty4350]

Orangeish Sodaish so very hostile. I can’t believe they asked her to sit down

[@msjunebug123]

I’m so sorry Savannah.💔

[@cjbaker520]

I have been on here for a bit and honestly, I don't think my heart can take it anymore. I am gay and I used to be Mormon. While being in the Mormon church, I would suppress my feelings and doubts and would be as good of a Mormon as I could be. I went to church, prayed, read the scriptures, paid tithing, participated in temple ordinances, got my YW medallion, served my fellow members, went to BYU, dated men and preached to my nonlds friends. I realized that a lot of what I was doing was not worshipping and loving God. I was sacrificing my time, money and self to an organization. Something I want to touch on specifically is that I was gay and Mormon. I would talk to my bishop to get help and watch the videos on mormonandgay.org and go to counseling for being gay. I am glad that they believed that being gay was a trial and not a sin but it was still wrong of them to believe that. It was not my choice to be gay. I was born this way. It didn't matter how many guys I kissed, I still preferred to be with a woman. I've kissed a woman and that simple peck on the lips was better than every kiss I received from my past ex boyfriends. It is not a trial I have to overcome, it is who I am. There is no amount of scripture study and prayer that will change it. I've tried to change. It doesn't work. I can't change the minds of every Christian here, but I would like to ask that we all speak kindly to each other. So many people here are spouting out opinions and not facts. We are hating on each other rather than trying to understand each other. We are arguing rather than debating. I don't care if you are gay, straight, bi, religious, questioning, atheist, black, brown, white, woman or man or neither. If it isn't truthful (opinions are okay if not FORCED upon someone), necessary (If you have actual evidence, please include it to the discussion, if you are just spouting bs because you don't have an arguement then keep it to yourself) or kind (no telling people to fuck off or go to hell) then keep it to yourself. Thank you and goodbye. You all give me a headache.

[@bingo1232]

I feel for her.... she's trying to put "new wine in old bottles"; maybe she'll start her own religion (You go girl!!); peace just ain't gonna happen for her in the LDS Church; she may not want to be a rebel but she's dealing with a brick wall. God Bless You Savannah!!!!!!

[@bingo1232]

@emanu ebius Dude -- with all due respect -- EVERYBODY has (already) inherited God's kingdom. You may disagree, but we are all sons and daughters (friends) of God.... since before the world began.... now (for sure)… and into the future were all (ALL) will revel in a glorious and peaceful eternity. My granny said it best... "God make 'em, and God joins 'em". Ciao!!!!!!!

[@madilavon6825]

I am a member of the church and I am just disgusted at what the stake president did. I can tell this girl is so amazing. Her testimony is different and it’s real. Savannah, thank you for sharing. I know God will want you to be happy.

[@msjunebug123]

Same. It’s not right. 💔😢

[@Frenchman27801]

I agree. It certainly could have been handled differently. That had to be quite embarrassing for that young lady. She was just saying what was in her heart

[@titan4542]

I praise Savannah for having that amount of courage to come out as being a lesbian and in front of a crowd no less . Why would you cut her off?? She did said nothing wrong. I hope that the people who did that to her have a change of heart.

[@frosthammer917]

Titan they are mormon. They are a fairly hardcore sect of Christians and one of their beliefs is that being gay is a very big sin.

[@titan4542]

Forodes Frosthammer well then I hope that the girl finds a community that can accept her for who she is

[@teriheinlen8942]

Savannah is a brave and strong young woman for coming out the way she did. No one on this Earth has the right to tell her that she is wrong. No one has the right to judge her. No one. “He who is without sin, cast the first stone”

[@douglaszachary8318]

Dear Teri Heinlen, I saw this video and your comment, and wanted to respond. I am not a member of the LDS church, but I am a Christian. She is certainly brave and strong, and I admire those traits, however she is misinformed. You said, "No one on this Earth has the right to tell her that she is wrong." That is partially correct. However, God, who is not of this earth, does have the authority to evaluate her profession of belief and behavior. He does have the legitimate right to judge this issue and He "is without sin", so we as humans, should mindfully consider His perspective on the issue. After all, He "is" the standard of right and wrong. God does clearly consider homosexuality as wrong, because it violates His standard and intention for humanity. As a Christian, I do have the right to agree with the standard God has set for humanity. Your comment, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone”, is taken a little out of context. I realize most people who use this phrase in this manner, have had little formal training in exegetical methodology and hermeneutics, and they use the phrase out of context to justify something that people are criticizing. The way you use it is the same way Hitler could have used this phrase to redirect judgment for some of his actions. One ironic point concerning your usage of this phrase is that by applying the phrase to her situation, you have labeled her beliefs and actions, as "sin". You have essentially said, don't judge her "sin", because you all have sin. Both ideas are true. We all have sin, and this girl's belief and behavior is also sin. The major, and very significant difference is that, I agree with God that the sin I have in my life is wrong and I seek to know my sins, declare them as wrong, ask forgiveness, and sin no more (stop sinning). This is very different from what this girl is doing. She is trying to justify and accept her sin as good. God disapproves of this approach (Isa. 5:20) I suppose you didn't intend to label her beliefs and behavior as sin, but apparently you didn't think too deeply about what you are implying. I suspect much of what you are saying is more of an emotional response without much deep thought or reflection about the implications. I do sympathize with the emotional aspect that you and the girl are facing in this issue, however, emotions are not a reliable guide to determine beliefs and behaviors. People making emotionally based decisions is a terrible detriment to our society, and people suffer greatly from it. People need to use more objective means of making decisions. I found it interesting that you quoted John 8:7, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone”. In this story, Jesus confronts the ones wanting to judge the adulterous woman , by pointing out their sin (note: If she was caught in the act, where is the man ?). Of course, the woman was apparently involved in the sin of adultery. If you are applying his paradigm to the girl in the video, should you also remind the girl what Jesus said to the adulterous woman ? Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” For consistency you should also tell the girl in the video what Jesus said, "go, and from now on sin no more.” (john 8:10-11) It is interesting that you pick and choose verses and phrases that suit your purpose, but conveniently ignore the essential meaning. In summary, Much of your statement is an assertion, unsupported by objectivity. God does have the right to judge the girl's beliefs and behaviors, and people do have the right to agree with God's perspective and vocally express that perspective. You have given no evidence to the contrary. You have used Scriptural text out of context. You did imply the girl is sinning (though you probably did not understand what you were implying). If you are going to use this text should you be consistent and tell her not to sin ? Your perspective stands in contrast with the perspective of God. If "no one has the right to judge her", then why are you judging her ? DZ REPLY

[@user-hn1zb9rk4h]

Doug, You Are Not An Authority On Who God Is Or What The Limitless Capacities Of God Are. God Is Not Defined By The Mortal Limitations Of Men.

[@user-hn1zb9rk4h]

DO NOT REPLY go back into your cave brown bear (that means shove yer turd back up your own ass instead of trying to stick it up other people's butts)

[@robsimmons10]

@@douglaszachary8318 You took a perfectly good Jungian analysis, wrapped it nicely in a cocoon of christian psycho-babble, creating something less intelligible than Hitler's Dresden speech...and I don't even speak German. One cannot be objective AND christian simultaneously; though you pretend. To blend a pathology and rational thought, at once, is a delusion. It is abundantly clear, you, like most christians, use your faith as a weapon to achieve a superior argumentative position. If you truly believed in all that bluster you wrote in your diatribe, a simple statement of fact or feeling would have been sufficient to express it. Hamlet's mother summarized it most eloquently; "The lady (you) doth protest too much, methinks." You're obviously an educated man. How is it that you believe in a jewish sky zombie who thinks he's his own father, requires his followers to symbolically eat his flesh and telepathically accept him as their master, all because a talking snake convinced a rib woman to eat some fruit from a dangerous magical tree?

[@freshmozzarello]

Man, mad respect for her. Mad disrespect for the church

[@singIeservingfriend]

Heartbreaking! Those arseholes should be ashamed. Such a brave girl, I hope she has a wonderful life

[@ratbastard6293]

Pumas Dav1d so fucking what get over yourself

[@GSquid92]

Pedo

[@Mechonomist]

Wow. That took more guts than I have now, much less than when I was 12.

[@tpd134]

And the LDS church wonders why members are running away by the thousands....

[@allmakescombined]

The problem is that it would cause you embarrassment instead of pride in your own child for speaking their mind. That embarrassment is your problem And if their reputation with the church is tarnished in any way, that is the church's problem... People are leaving LDS in droves because they aren't too stupid to figure this out.

[@tpd134]

allmakescombined I left the church a long time ago. but it doesn't look like it has changed. I am proud this young girl had the courage to stand up and speak her thoughts despite the possible outcome. One of the biggest problems I had was silencing the dissenting opinion. The only parent who should be embarrassed here is the parent of the first counselor for raising such a giant ignoramus.

[@acronen]

I'd rather be an embarrassed parent with a healthy child learning her independence, than a tyrant ruling over her with absolute authority and harming her self image with such useless bullshit as you suggest. Talks like hers are best spoken to be heard. Her voice is allowed to be heard, regardless of age or content. To censor her, or only allow her voice to be heard in such a tiny box of "in private" is cowardice. Bishops office is not acceptable for this, because then it can just be controlled and disregarded. The LDS are about control of the community, not about the health of the community. And if she just killed her parents spiritual life, what does that say about the community the LDS church fosters? And honestly, if as a parent this would embarrass you, you need to reassess your own moral grounding and stop being a dick.

[@colorcountrykid]

Great response!

[@tpd134]

C Purcell One final thought..... I cannot tell you how glad I am you are not her parent.

[@elainasmith3605]

That was messed up that he didn't let her finish her testimony! What she did was brave and for them to do that was messed up

[@kokachichuable]

I do admire her bravery. Such young person at such a tender impressionable age is so brave to stand up and stand out be be different. However, I am not sure if God has made us to be a gay or a lesbian. I am also not sure if God makes some babies to be deformed. If yes, God indeed allows this to happen, then yes, this young girl is right to say what she had said. The Bishopric should allow her to share her testimony and then come forward to make some corrections if needed and then counsel this young woman. There is something to learn about each other's testimony and the 1st counsellor should not have stop this young woman from sharing.

[@laurenbassett2927]

I grew up Mormon and this is one of the reasons I’ve been struggling with the church for the past few years. My personal beliefs have conflicted with lds beliefs for a while. I whole-heartedly agree with everything that girl said in her talk. She is loved by God no matter what and she deserves happiness and a family just as much as anybody else. If God really is real then I choose to believe that he loves us all unconditionally and wants us to be happy.

[@eleanorhanssler6951]

idk if this helps, but i’m a queer ex mormon. i left the church because i realized that if jesus really does exist, he would welcome that girl with love. he would never endorse a church that tells her she can’t get married and have a family with the woman she loves. you can believe god is real and believe that the mormon church is untrue. ❤

[@RB-zh1eq]

This is the reason I started looking into the religion I held so dear. This is the reason I no longer accept the church. This is the reason I told my beautiful believing wife that I no longer believe. This young girl changed my life. Savannah, you are a hero. This is the reason I started digging into church history and found that it is built on lies, deception, fraud, and straight up bullshit. This church needs to come clean, and apologize for years of racism, misogyny, homophobic bullshit, and tearing lives and families apart. The truth is worth standing up for.

[@richardverrall534]

Let's leave aside views on sexuality for a moment and stick with the basic facts about Mormonism. Are you really saying that before you heard this brave girl's statement you never thought to question this fraudulent religion, that it took her "testimony" to prompt you to investigate it, and that you discovered only then that it was "straight up bullshit"? Are you really saying that otherwise you would have carried on believing this LDS crap?

[@5kydragon347]

@ Richard Verrall, sometimes things just don’t click until a certain thing happens. When you’re raised in something, it makes it more difficult. But they got out, does it matter what prompted them to do so? I think it matters that they are now living their life how they want.

[@antoniomv9444]

To the people who says "She´s too young to decide". When did you decided to be "straight", or when did you decided to follow your beliefs? Most of you have been indoctrinated since birth, to discriminate other humans for the qualities they were born with. I hope Savannah finds good people on her life and continues her journey to learn such an incredible career as animation, maybe in that career she will find more joy than in this cult, wish her the best.

[@sleep_deprived2440]

this ^^^ as a lgbt+ youth in the church, its awful the way the people around you teach about hate towards the lgbt+ community. I hope one day she gets out of there. i wish her the best

[@alexs3187]

Too young to decide on a sex change maybe, but not too young to decide on sexual orientation.

[@Thundersnowy]

I respect Savannah, I'm proud of her for being so brave and having a desire to pave the road for others. The guy forced to speak right after she was told to sit down, who's voice was trembling as he spoke and made sure to say we are all loved the way we are. He was in a tough position, kudos to him. Well handled. But the lack of love in this church isn't new. I wish I had videos of what was done to me behind closed doors by bishops and stake presidents. Oh how I wish. So many countless victims in the loveless church. I get so sick of hearing 'but they do so much good!' No they don't. There good people trapped in their system do so much good and The Church takes credit. Good programs doesn't a good church make. Either you represent truth as you claim, or you are a liar, if you lead people to believe lies, your sheep's clothing does not matter! It is good for a man to run a mile daily for his health (in most instances) if he does it because he's told that will get him to the highest heaven if he does it, it no longer becomes a good thing that the Church gets him to run a mile a day EVEN IF it's good for his heart!! Get it? Please say you get it! I'm so sick of hearing 'But the Church does so much good!' after being sat down next to my pedophile stepfather and told, I shouldn't rip families apart, after I finally got the courage to tell my Bishop what was happening at home. He agreed to 'pray about it.' I am Savannah. There are many of us out there with no recording. Mike's my hero. Don't stop busting down the doors, exposing their lies and hidden covenants they extort from the unsuspecting and uninformed, so a little girl like me, ironically 12 the first Time they hushed me, will finally have a voice. That NO, THE CHURCH DOESN'T DO SO MUCH GOOD! ' I have other horrific stories too. Hidden. They tell you not to tell to save the church's image. Who does that sound like? Whatever tactics Mike uses, the means justifies the end. Give us a voice. Stop the lies. 'What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.' Luke 12:3

[@Thundersnowy]

NewNameNoah ok thank you!

[@babyshipzzz7039]

what assholes to do that to a 12yr old expressing her feelings and believes! They should be ashamed!!!!

[@oz1sej]

Savannah has more guts than most.

[@Gary4DLC]

This girl is seriously very brave. And they are definitely assholes

[@tabithiawhitehill8338]

A very moving testimony! May your dreams come true little lady!

[@heinerd.munchen1430]

At the age of 12 I didn't know who I am really. A young but mature girl.

[@alisong799]

I always find it so odd that religious followers are so fixated over other people's sexualities. Why do you care that some girl on the other side of the world is coming out as gay? Almost seems like y'all are projecting your own sexual frustrations on other people and it's weird man

[@alisong799]

@@grandcherokee1407 lmao but why do you care about this girl's personal choice to love another woman? She doesn't need the salvation from strangers on the internet. She doesn't need people telling her what to do. She's embracing her homosexuality, something that she was BORN with. When did you have your first crush, hmm? Probably before 12 years old. You're so homophobic that you can't even accept the fact that this girl understands who she is attracted to. You're clearly just trying to justify the cognitive dissonance away so you don't have to accept that homosexuality is an outdated concept in your "holy book". You should read the published research that indicates that sexuality is determined during development of the fetus. It's not a "phase", it's not someone "influencing her", it's not "rebellion against god". Y'all some crazy mfs if you still think that in 2019 you can just pray the gay away. Society is miles ahead of you

[@grandcherokee1407]

@@alisong799 Scientific, Anatomical and biological FACTS prove that we weren't created/designed to engage in homosexual activity. You and those like you are the ones who are dilusional and have come to be past all moral sense. The way y'all think is senseless and worse than animals. Let's imagine Michael Myers is a real character and the Halloween movie was accurately based on this murderous character and how he became such. He was about 6 when he murdered his sister on Halloween night. They put him in an institution to evaluate him trying to see if he could be helped mentally. They never let him out but he escaped. Now according to your argument 6 year old Michael Myers should be allowed to just be his 6 year old murderous self and we (wise non-murderous) adults should just allow 6 year old murderous Michael Myers to be his poor little murderous self. Oh! And we should remember that he was born that way!! Lol!! Sounds ridiculous don't it? Exactly how y'all sound supporting this little poor girl's misguided mind wanting to practice homosexuality. She needs someone to guide her towards the right path. That path isn't homosexuality.

[@kels4619]

HellRehab what the masses except these days doesn’t mean God excepts it whatever wealth you see others getting God can give you so much more he gave us the choice when he died on the cross to come to him or go to hell Christians don’t force people to accept our faith we love everyone and we want no one to go to hell and when you understand that and when or if god blesses u and save you will feel the need to want to save people from burning for eternity

[@alisong799]

@@grandcherokee1407 lmao are you really trying to compare a psychopathic murderer to a lesbian? I can now tell that you're no longer worth my time

[@grandcherokee1407]

@@alisong799 Lol!! You are hilariously ridiculous as well as a double standard hypocrite. Lmbo!!! All I have to say is try to reproduce by homosexual means and you'll be trying til the day you die without any success whatsoever. Lol!!!

[@delilahbeckett6420]

This still makes me cry to this day this is why I left the church about six months ago and I don't regret you shouldn't be judged by sexual orientation or gender remember the lord loves us however we are if the church can't see that then they are wrong DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF WHO YOU ARE!!!!

[@BeastMode19799]

Bible says Adam and Eve. Not Adam and Steve

[@LuannOsbourne]

@@BeastMode19799 id die laughing if it was

[@ttyler01]

I hope her parents are very proud of her.

[@Vampire_bf]

They very much are. She got lucky having such a supportive family to back her up. Although I do believe they are no longer a member of the Mormon church

[@pekhotinyets]

The mic wasn't cut. She just dropped the mic.

[@bellaclarkson5525]

Critical Thinker the mic is attached to a stand...

[@pekhotinyets]

@@bellaclarkson5525 So, I take it you didn't get the joke.

[@williamexmormon3792]

I feel so bad for that young woman getting her might cut off that was not right it was wrong😠😡😡😡😡😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😠😠😠😡😡