Mormon Stories 1439: A Mexican Mormon Story - Gerardo Pt. 1

[@thaynehansen7079]

I served my mission with Gerardo, I just left the church so I'm super excited for this interview!

[@charlesmendeley9823]

Congratulation for graduating from Mormonism.

[@jc-oe5jx]

I'll pray for you to know the truth ok

[@lisaa.5378]

Curious why you left?

[@acrediteounao777]

@@jc-oe5jx What truth? Please share with us.

[@jc-oe5jx]

@@acrediteounao777 the whole entire truth, go to church and see. Praying for you to know the truth ok

[@hannahleon4192]

Fellow Mexican here, granddaughter of Mormon immigrants. So glad to hear your story

[@ivaney80]

I feel like I love Gerardo and Zach 😍 I’m so happy for them to have Gerardo’s parents coming along and I hope Zach can find the same acceptance from his family. And very cool to have the first Mexican mormon story! I also feel like Gerardo could do some Spanish content for you because the Hispanic community needs to get informed..

[@bellebelle7868]

Every morning with my coffee and cats I sit and listen to your podcast.. thanks for all your hard work guys

[@michirobles7998]

This such an important addition to the exmormon narrative. I often felt I could not relate to the exmo community as well because being hispanic and queer adds different layers to leaving the church and family dynamics. It is amazing to hear Gerardo's story and not feel so alone

[@Michelleblooming]

Finally! glad to finally hear a latin/indigenous voice. Please interview more bipoc! I’ve recently left the church as a Latina and so far this story is the one I’ve been most excited about because of the cultural similarities. Would love the hear from a female latinas experience too. Love the style of these interviews and the fullness of their experiences you always manage to capture.

[@gomezgwen11]

Same!

[@t-lilyshock9531]

Agreed. LOVE the BIPOC content. Give us more!

[@KitKat-gw4rh]

☝🏻

[@h.r.9563]

I would love to hear from those sisters running the black ward in Utah that worships gospel style. I remember reading about it

[@Lunatic4Bizcas]

I do recall seeing at least one Mormon story from a former member who is Navajo some years back, but it certainly is refreshing to hear a Latin American/Mexican voice for once, and of course more Latino and Native voices would be welcome on the podcast. I myself am of mixed Mexican and Gringo background, and I also enjoyed aspects of this story that ring true in my experience as well.

[@GorJess12345]

Patriarchy and machismo culture within the Latino Mormon communities should be further explored. This was one of the biggest shelf items for me growing up in a very, very misogynistic Latino household.

[@nataliewantscookies]

Yeeeeeeeesssssss

[@Aeger136]

THIS!

[@peggygarcia6125]

Many similarities especially controlling women and disapproval of personal individuality and identity development.

[@ranicalerp7765]

Gerardo, I just want to tell you that I LOVE your laugh. It is so warm and sweet it makes me smile. 😊

[@CourtSnort87]

Wow just finished listening to this episode on Stitcher and came here to comment. What an emotional story. Thank you for sharing Gerardo and thank you John for having him.

[@gusgus2062]

I left the church about a year in my mission! My mom passed away and they told me my calling is to stay! And I said my calling is to go to my mothers funeral! I was on a mission from Columbia. And left the day after my mom died!!!

[@sparksintelligence]

Good for you for doing what you knew was right and for honoring your mother’s memory! I’m sorry for your loss and the trauma you (probably) went through both during your time in the church and as you were leaving it. You are a badass!

[@laurenanne2854]

I love the communication between gerardo and john, you can really feel their friendship :)

[@lizrios8160]

Growing up a Mexican mormon, he was spot on. Mexicans are super conservative and don’t talk about the polygamy. Honestly they don’t focus on Joseph smith the way English wards do. I didn’t know a lot of the stuff I discovered because it wasn’t talked about in the Spanish wards I attended.

[@lidiagutierrez7983]

Hi, I think one reason Mexican mormons don't speak about polygamy is because they are ignorants by decision, they are brain washed by church leaders and the patriarch system (machismo) fits the mexican cultural structure 100%.

[@lizrios8160]

@@lidiagutierrez7983 well, I think if someone is ignorant, they aren’t ignorant by choice. They either know something or they don’t. I agree that machismo is a thing, and it fits the patriarchy of the church, but I don’t think that has anything to do with polygamy or why they don’t speak up about it. Most Mexicans are converts and converted from religions based on Jesus Christ, so I think they believe the Mormon church is as well. I just don’t think they focus on Joseph smith’s polygamy.

[@lizrios8160]

@@lidiagutierrez7983 oh and also, I’m sure everyone in the Mormon church is brainwashed.

[@tracihoward4482]

I am a new exmo, and I appreciate the length and content of this channel. After losing my husband and moving from California to Utah, my eyes have opened to the lies I have lived for decades. The struggle lies within disappointing my children and the fear of losing interaction with my grandchildren. Do I live the lie I have questioned for many years? Do I keep the stay for the structure of my family? The struggle is real!

[@amymac41890]

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I hope you are finding peace wherever you end up on your path. Much love to you ❤️❤️

[@2022Coopersmom]

I’m right there with you minus the kids issues. Nothing has been more helpful to me than watching Mormon Stories, RFM, and several others. Tik Tok has a robust expo community, it’s great when you need some humor to help you cope. I’d be 100% alone without my ex or cyber community.

[@charlottebassett7971]

I have decided to continue on with this life because of my husband.

[@evieann4442]

There are amazing support in various post Mormon groups (many started by John) that you may find community in

[@sylviaauten6280]

Dangerous .

[@CourtSnort87]

Also props to Gerardo on the cinema photography! He really nailed your lightning Carah you look like a movie star!

[@adammorehouse7664]

This parallels what went on in the Pacific - telling Polynesians they were the literal blood of Israel because they sailed out of South America with Hagoth. A great alternative narrative to colonial oppression.

[@scootipup]

Thank you so much for this interview. I keep working daily to up my game as an effective ally and I gained great insight. Not only that, but it hadn't occurred to me, in all of my own rage over learning about the lies and manipulation of the church, how it would impact those who have always been taught that the restoration is for their benefit and blessing. So much to be found in this. And great team, everyone!

[@lidiagutierrez7983]

For many people who live in poverty and a collapsed system the only hope in their lives is God, so religion manipulation is a horrible thing to do to these human beings.

[@bettycastillo9111]

When he said that here in the states they help people pay their rent when they are struggling and the help they give in other countries does not match I felt that. I am from Mexico and also lived in Peru. There was a sister who had many health issues and needed a wheelchair and they would not get her one since her husband was a taxi driver ( was not Lds) and in there’s eyes able to figure out how to get one… so messed up!!! So so sad!

[@tuvoca825]

How the sacred funds are used depends on a lot of factors. They do a lot of research and study and then pray about it. Bishop and local leadership get certain amount for the members and the richer places give to the poorer but sometimes there are so many needs they still need more. Ideally some degree of independence and resilience has to be maintained. I am not sure of the formula they use but they have to try to do the most good and sometimes refugees and other places have to be balanced against not letting the people see any of the benefit themselves. And on top of that, we are trying to help more than just the members. Sometimes we have to rely on local resources as well as what is redistributed based on the information they have. It isn't that people all have what they need, because they don't always. In fact they had cut back on things like paying rent in some places to help people elsewhere but if someone loses a house due to a lack of short term assistance, they end up being more of a drain when they can later actually help. A lot of people who use the assistance short term often pay back long term more than they take so they matter as well because if they lose their house, they might not recover financially. Ideally we could help everyone without making things worse as we go. On the other hand, some countries you can help a lot of people for very little money. I am not a person qualified to make that choice or know what all goes into it but it's a lot more complicated than people think. My dad used to worry about tithing until he saw where it went. Sometimes you have to try to help everyone as much as you can but it is always a balance of a lot of factors and many of them I am not even aware of, but the end goal is independence rather than dependence so that the system can grow it's capacity (I think).

[@bettycastillo9111]

@@tuvoca825 when you live in another country like I did and live through it come talk to me! It’s easy to say but hard to watch

[@claudia8801]

@@bettycastillo9111 yes, they could have gotten one if they'd chosen to. Period.

[@claudia8801]

"Sacred funds"? Please. Rubbish.

[@lidiagutierrez7983]

LDS members and ex-members have it easy in USA due to the government welfare system as well as LDS help in oppose to the people in third world countries where individuals are on their own surviving poverty, social discrimination, abuse and narco violence. Mormons in Mexico are so messed up in so many levels.

[@jromanca]

Thank you Gerardo! I'm also a gay Mexican mormon. I feel it's crazy how similar our stories are, listening to you made me relive almost my entire life. I felt the same way when I was 8 years old. Only I remember not wanting to get baptized because I knew I was gay And that would be problematic. I told my dad I had a choice and that I wasn't ready. But then I quickly realized I didn't have a choice. My entire family was getting baptized and my uncle was the bishop. If I said no then they would ask why. I told my self Well if I'm going to get baptized at least let it be the cuter elder I have a crush on lol 😅 Even the way you spoke about your father when he gave speeches. I used to love listening to my dad preach the gospel. The perfect family. Lying for Temple ordinances. Even making up spiritual moments So my dad would think I was extra spiritual. Like hey look over there Don't look at the real problem.😂 I remember once intentionally messing around with a girlfriend just so that I would go to the bishop to confess that I messed around with a girl. I purposely took my dad as moral support. In his mind I was so straight I was out of control with the females. 😂 When the pressures of serving a mission came. I just ran away from home. I knew I couldn't. I feel nobody talks about how many gay guys are in church. Half of the young men were gay. My first experience was with one of my friends from church. It wasn't until years after at the San Francisco pride where I ran into a lot of the guys from church. And we all talked about knowing we were gay but nobody talked about it. Anyways... I really appreciate you sharing your story. It's heartbreaking to be "in" But knowing there's no place for you there. It's almost like you give up before it even starts. So let's just play the pretend game.

[@AnaGarciaRx]

Hi. I’m from Mexico too! I went to benemérito and I also graduated from BYU-I Thank you so much for this!❤️

[@IamStefanFinley]

My dad got leukimia when I was on my mission. I had just hit a really good stride, and then when I found out, things changed for me. I stayed a couple more months, then decided to go home just shy of my 1 year. If I didn't I wouldn't have got to spend much more time with my dad, as he died 3 months after I would have returned home. Also my mission president told me, (and this was before he went home) if it had been up to him, he wouldn't have told me about my dad. Made me so angry.

[@petrahinkley5489]

I'm so glad for you that you went home early. That time with your dad was so immensely important for both you and your dad, I can feel it! Your mission president was an idiot in his thinking. He would have had no right to keep the truth from you.

[@carlahubbard7251]

I'm from Chile, and I served there in the late 90s. Hundreds of baptism in our mission every month. These days it's crickets on Sunday meetings

[@leahflower9924]

Why is it crickets

[@sherrismith9003]

The story of someone knocking on the missionary door with an ultimatum! Great story

[@sharks2571]

Thanks for this amazing interview. Gerardo is amazing and so strong after all he's been though. I'm a never mo, but really facinated by these mormon stories, and quite a queer history/rights buff, so Johns discussion on conversion therapy in the church was amazing. It is highly likely that you are aware, but an interview with Dustin Lance Black would be amazing. He grew up mormon, later leaving the church and becoming a filmmaker and gay rights activist. His new series, an adaptation of under the banner of heaven, is about to come out on Hulu. Really fascinating guy, and his book, Mama's boy, a biography of his family over 3 generations, is the best I've ever read.

[@joeblo7703]

Bruce R. McKonkie prophesied in Chile “I foresee the day when the 7 stakes in chile will become 70 x 7 (which would be 490 stakes). I foresee the day when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will become the most influential force in this country”. Well, once there were about 100 stakes in Chile, Holland got called in to clean up the mess and now the church is contracting, shrinking and combining stakes. There are today only 74 stakes in chile. And those are still pretty weak. There are over 500-600 people on the ward rosters and there usually about 50-80 people at church on Sunday. And the music at church...atrocious. No body knows how to sing or play the piano or direct music, except in wealthy areas. And if you think testimony meetings are cringe in the US...latin american lds church testimony meetings are a whole other level. False doctrine is rampant. I liked how John described the church as “rotting” in latin america. Very accurate description

[@coyotelong4349]

Of course Bruce R. McKonkie “prophesied” that about the LDS Church in Chile... Anybody in the LDS brass would say that. That’s the only goal of the LDS Church... To expand and take over whatever country or culture it expands to

[@scrub3359]

yayy cultural imperialism

[@joeblo7703]

@@scrub3359 as a TBM, I never saw it as that, but that is exactly what it is. The culture in the church outside the US is very americanized

[@scrub3359]

@@joeblo7703 100%. Your comment reminded me of this video that described Mormonism as “American Exceptionalism but as a religion” kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp2bc2hrgtaCh9E

[@lidiagutierrez7983]

I'm so feed up with their lies, these leaders should be called out for their deceptions more often.

[@BrigitteDiessl]

I'm really excited to listen/watch this one. The last one I watched was Exmo Lex, which I loved. I'm watching it in bits because you can really talk up a storm and I love it. I love having Carah on too. I have never been a Mormon but am really interested in understand different religions. You guys are the bomb!

[@BlessYourHeart254]

That’s horrid that such a self-described family values organization won’t let missionaries come home for funerals and weddings 🤯

[@pandorabryn]

Gerardo does such a great job helping out with other people’s Mormon stories… so excited to hear his!❤

[@tomweisser6203]

I graduated from HS in 1983. Myself and 3 others were openly Gay or Lesbian throughout our HS years, two of us were LDS, and in very conservative Western Colorado..and my first 'boyfriend' was the 1st counselor in the Stake Presidencies younger brother. GA's aren't backtracking because of the damage they've done to people, they are backtracking because they see the hemorrhaging of members, especially in the US and Europe. The Church is losing money and that is the bottom line.

[@mekan0001]

100% right. If the membership were still strongly in favour of continuing to marginalize and hate various groups they would forever. It's the membership that ultimately change doctrine and policy, not a prophet who claims to speak to god.

[@claudia8801]

It's shocking to see how Geraldo worked hard to meet Mormon standards of virtue and hear how his family funneled tens of thousands in tithes to LDS, only to be discarded. He attended and excelled at their over priced and oppressive educational institution looking over his shoulder in fear of being discovered for four years? Painful to hear! However, I'm delighted to see that Geraldo is free of the LDS grifters and prospering in America!

[@jc-oe5jx]

The church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints is true I pray for you to know the truth.

[@marie22213]

Loved hearing this story. I was literally glued to the screen!

[@williamhinds7427]

One of the best interviews ever. Emotional roller coaster; laughing one moment and crying the next.

[@swill9508]

I went to school in the early 90’s & there were kids who were openly gay & no one cared. It’s interesting, that a few years earlier, John had such a different experience. Maybe it was also due to the fact that he was in a Mormon area.

[@laurenanne2854]

I graduated hs in 2016 in the suburbs of Chicago 1,000+ graduating class and there was only 1 out kid... it's so interesting how pockets of christianity and conservative values cling on for dear life. I will say younger sibling is now at the same hs and they have said there's so much more diversity and safety for all students to come out

[@kwaintraub2]

Gerardo is so authentic. I'm from Utah but have lived extensively in Latin America (Argentina and now Mexico). Funny that he's from Merida where I used to live, but it's too hot for me. Now my family is in Chapala near Guadalajara. ¡Viva Mexico!

[@MikeSmith-vh6rl]

The lies and the damage the Mormon church dors to families and individuals is huge. I am so much happier now that I have left. I send all the good thoughts to all of you damaged by the church. Thanks to Gerardo for sharing his story

[@alanaadams9051]

These videos just keep reminding me that my "mormon story" would be a 2 minute long video because I joined then left within the same month 😂

[@alanaadams9051]

Its also been about 9 years and the church still sends missionaries to come knocking on my doorstep 😂

[@epicderp6167]

59:39 talking about the lack of church monetary support in Mexico. I just realized, if the church invested in these communities the argument goes more people would join because they are doing good works. Taken to an extreme, could that push the colonization nature assimilating the community? This is in no way saying the church shouldn't support their people, it absolutely should considering what they are asking from their members. I think ex-mormons are a little quick to say "the church has 100B dollars, why is there suffering at all?!" And I think it is important to know the importance of not having the church be the solution to everything. That being said it's not so black-and-white. The church should support the followers who need help the most and the lack of aid in these countries is horrid. Food for thought.

[@Smileygld123]

My mom didn't want to be a mom either, and it was evident. However, she did love us.

[@rastus81]

Thank you for sharing your story Gerardo! So important to promote love, understanding and acceptance of all! Also, you have superb hair- I’m kinda jealous😊

[@zametal.]

I wonder whether John is the best person to assess whether or not a queer kid talking to an other queer kid happens or doesn't happen in the US, though. Or.. did I miss something? Isn't John a cis-hetero man? I just don't think that community activity of marginalized groups is necessarily visible "from the outside". (But I did not grow up, nor have I ever lived in the US, so of course I can also not speak on that, either.) Would love to have a queer person's perspective on 1:24:30 and whether it is really so different in the US, compared to the experience Gerardo is describing.

[@mielimedina3146]

That’s a good point!

[@pandorabryn]

3:18:09 Funny how different religions use the same phrases… in Catholic school, we were always being admonished not to be “cafeteria Catholics.”

[@MeeasYT]

Awesome tiimecodes!!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!

[@epicderp6167]

39:35 About his mom's moment to decide to go on a mission. I wonder what % of the book of mormon is mission related. A pretty decent chunk from what I can remember. Would be interesting to have a graphic data representation.

[@epicderp6167]

3:10:43 and the son did the same and got random scriptures. So interesting.

[@foxibot]

John your new haircut looks good!

[@keile513]

Another phenomenon within the church that I have witnessed many times, Gay Mormon boy meets a lesbian Mormon girl, and they marry. Often unacknowledged for a time, sometimes ignored forever, and sometimes explored. But they stay married and lots of these relationships work into amazing friendships. My business attracted some eclectic clients, and I was pretty unorthodox active Mormon.

[@boibodoll]

The worthiness issue with baptisms was suuuuch an issue for me! I served in Recife but many years after you. My heart breaks for your dad. I imagine he was wracked with anxiety and much of it due to church teachings. It doesn’t mean that your experience as his kid was ok but man, he has to have some real anguish. And then causes anguish…this is in reference to the Heather and Kelly interview but the comments seem to be for a different episode so not sure if I’m commenting in the wrong place. Love Geraldo too but haven’t listened to his episode yet. Just later ones where he helps interview

[@j.ahlberg2058]

He is a smart, intelligent and fun young man.

[@evieann4442]

Thanks for sharing all these stories and helping promote change ❤️💜💙

[@brendalara1210]

Wow I didn't think I'd actually listen to all this but I did

[@leticia.garcia]

How do I apply to be considered for your podcast?!

[@mormonstories]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@BlessYourHeart254]

Like a lot of religious sects, Mormonism is losing youth because they cling to an outdated idea of how life is. Early marriage is generally not as popular as the average age of marriage has increased over the years. Young people don’t always want to be tied down so early in life. A mission sucks two years of one’s life, is costly to the families, and makes them postpone their educations. The rural south is dealing with this, having lost agricultural, then manufacturing, ways of life. Evangelicals here are struggling with a more inclusive society, not being able to tell women they can’t wear pants or other silly rules. If these religions wish to stay relevant, they need to deal with change. However, even if change doesn’t deter youth anymore, the lack of evidence is difficult or impossible to overcome for many. I’m not even young and the lack of evidence is a dealbreaker for me.

[@charlesmendeley9823]

It's not only lack of evidence, there is actually a lot of evidence against the Book of Mormon being historical.

[@susanstaley118]

I just love Gerardo.

[@jy285]

This was great. The story of Gerardo’s family finding out is so crazy. That situation should be re-enacted and filmed.

[@h.r.9563]

Timestamps are doing the lords work and I love that John calls them "time codes". Peak PHD Dad energy

[@quacks2much]

It was the year 2000 that I literally mumbled under my breath, “I might as well admit it, the Mormon church is not true.” It wasn't long thereafter that I figuratively said under my breath, “I might as well admit it, there is likely no god.” I never looked back. I didn't get struck down by lightening or break my leg. My younger TBM sister, just before she died, told me she would figure out how to come back from the dead and convince me there is a life after death. It has been about 10 years now, and no sign of her so far.

[@RB-zh1eq]

My dead mom came to my TBM wife in a dream. Asked her "what three things bother you about "Me" leaving the church." Cuz you know, genies and gods always give three wishes, appear three times, or answer three questions. Confirmation bias is a powerful thing.

[@quacks2much]

@@RB-zh1eq My dreams are very vivid. They are so vivid that sometimes when I wake up, I am still in the dream for a moment. Perhaps it is what “lucid dreaming” is. If I didn't know better, I would think my dreams are real and god is talking to me. Sometimes, just before waking I will think inside my dream, “I gotta wake up, so I know my dream isn't real.”

[@sallyostling]

My sister just passed suddenly. I truly believe she has visited me twice in my dreams. She also visited my brother. I know there is something beyond this world and it's ok to be there. She was trying up loose ends, but was peaceful and not angry or Sad.

[@quacks2much]

@@sallyostling It’s worse when the death is sudden. I’m sorry about your sister. My sister lost her son in a fiery car crash. They could only identify him because he had just been released from jail, and his release papers hadn’t fully burned. Dreams are the subconscious brain working, and it’s doubtful a sleeping brain is reliable as proof of anything. I have had sleep paralysis twice. The brain is a funny thing. It didn't devolve into night terrors, but it was still scary. It was morning and I was waking up. I knew I was supposed to wake up, but I couldn't move or open my eyes. I thought, “oh no, I’m dead.” I am an atheist and don’t believe there is any good evidence of life after death. I reasoned, “I can't be dead because I can't know I’m dead if I’m dead.” I reasoned myself awake helped by my atheism, and quickly snapped awake. The worst part was that I have claustrophobia, and I was starting to panic and was afraid I was going to stay asleep and know I can't move because I was conscious. The second time started the same, but I just went back to sleep because, I reasoned, I’m not dead so I might as well stay asleep until I’m ready to wake up. My dreams are often very vivid, and so real they might be something like “lucid dreaming.” For example, when I eat in my dreams, it seems like I’m literally tasting the food as if I'm actually eating it in real life. One last example, is when I’m dreaming and when I seemingly wake up, it looks like my dream is actually still happening after I wake up. The last time that happened, I dreamed I was having a head-on collision. I woke up (at least I thought I did), and the vehicle kept coming at me. The absolutely worst dreams ever for me are when I was learning to type (before PCs), I had dreams where all I did *all* night was dream I was typing on a typewriter. It was like Chinese water torture when water constantly drips on your face while you are tied down. If there is a hell, I imagine it would be constant torture, like when my wife crunches on ice. It is the only time in 45 years of marriage I wanted to get a divorce. Thankfully, she quit because I love her too much to get divorced.

[@perryekimae]

Is the birth order hypothesis still holding up? I'm a firstborn. Gerardo is a firstborn. My boyfriend has no older brothers. I've got several gay friends who are firstborns or who lack older brothers. All of this is anecdotal, but I've observed enough real world evidence to wonder if there were confounding variables that led to gay men who were later in the birth order being more likely to be out or willing to self-identify as gay. Maybe it's a factor, but I am incredulous that it carries the weight previously supposed. Thanks Gerardo and John for this interview!

[@perryekimae]

@@jocastus Correct. Obviously, anecdotes are the basis of my incredulity, but I have not seen much recent scholarship on the birth order effect, nor have I seen that scholarship applied to Gen Z. My suspicion is that the population identifying as LGBTQ in Gen Z is closer to the accurate distribution of those identities in the general population. Thus, if birth order effect does not hold up in Gen Z, that would serve as evidence to my suspicion (which is less than a hypothesis at this point) that confounding variables made birth order effect seem like a more causal factor than is actually the case. I may follow up on this thread if I come across relevant literature.

[@sallyostling]

I do believe, John mentioned there's a genetic component. There is, was only one openly gay person in my family, both sides. That seems unusual, I would expect more than one, we have a very large family.

[@paigemprice]

I'm learning a lot from your interviews and things but I need a cheat sheet of acronyms 😉

[@Randal0011]

The Mexico City Temple was built in the 80s and dedicated Dec 1983. I was on my mission 74 to 76.

[@713monchi]

For historical information, is the church influence more within certain regions of Mexico? Because if I remember correctly during those years, many Indigenous communities were going against the catholic religion in Mexico as a protest for the government taking their lands specifically within Mexico City region. I wonder if this unrest within the country specifically within country made it easier for the church to come in a take over... 🤔

[@pebblebrookbooks4852]

The man himself!! 🤩🙏

[@fatimaahmad1955]

I relate to how traumatic the parents crying and policing …. So emotionally damaging

[@LenaLindroth-g1v]

Such a smart and sweet man!

[@aliciamontero7061]

I have a friend and her sister converted to LDS Church in Southern Spain in her teens, at a time where there was a lot of drugs abuse and AISD was starting. Her mother was a widow and not very religious. For the mother the mormons were just a healthy youth group that kept one of her daughters busy with good activities like playing music, theater and so on. Other friends of mine found something similar in Catholic Youth groups. At that time, after Franco's quite recent death, a young democracy starting and a lot of changes in society, many parents were very scared about their children.

[@nightowl8548]

What a great interview! Love this guy, he's so genuine

[@Susieq26754]

Basically the church will help you if you join up. Then after you join, you have to pay them and do their dirty deeds. Like a mafia.

[@brooksdurham5285]

what is Gerardo's social media?

[@CatskillsGrrl]

I *really* like Gerardo. What an extraordinary person.

[@jazzyrockwell226]

When you guys are going to do an interview from benemerito guys ?????

[@brooksdurham5285]

Why exactly has the church rotted in latin america? is it the same in the philippines?

[@rubyray777]

Great interview! Thank you! One thing I notice that it's bad to baptize babies, b3cause they can't decide for themselves to be part of Christianity. BUT, you can baptize the dead?? The last I checked, the dead can't make decisions or talk for themselves to decide about baptism! Hypocrisy at it's finest!

[@lleng1001]

A family members bishopric did not assist them when desperately needed after brain injury. I think in the US they also give bishopric very little funds to pastor the members

[@truthhurtsalways4u]

Mormonism is a business masquerading as a religion.lds has no charitable hospitals,orphanages for gen public.they only assist sometimes if they can get something in return.if one is not a mormon and is in dire needs of help,they will only assist him/ her if he she will convery to this CULT! Remember that prominent politician from utah ,he wants his donation back.it seems that he realized already that he has been DUPED!

[@sisterskeptical5191]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@jenny_loves_stitch]

Omg I’m only in my mid 30s and remember the magic 8 ball😂 Guess I’m an old soul 😂

[@Argelius1]

"I loved high school!", said the out Gay Mormon. Holy cow....times have changed!!

[@NatC.k]

I was today years old when I found out "culto" is not the same as "cult"... I'm bilingual and Spanish is my first language 🤣🤣🤣 I know all the meanings of "culto" in Spanish, I think I just assumed a meaning of it equating it to the English word "cult" would also be somewhere around there 😅

[@elMongo13]

In Honduras we say “culto” for Cult

[@texasborn2720]

So if he was "straight" he would still be a active Mormon ? So Mormonism tells you you have "Laminate ancestry" but the whole "dark skin" in 2Nephi with such open racism didn't bother him or his family ?

[@mormonstories]

Gerardo talks about the reason why so many members in Latin American consider it an honor to be identified as Lamanites.

[@texasborn2720]

@@mormonstories As a Lamanite myself. *Sarcasm* (I'm Mexican-American with large amount of indigenous ancestry. As most of us are ! And I did not grow up LDS. And do not believe the BoM is true) I was and still very critical of Mexicans who are LDS ! Simply because of 2Nephi "dark skin" comment. How can one be "honored" to be a Lamanite when this cult thinks our dark brown skin is a sign from God for disobedience ? It is NOT only not a honor. But a INSULT ! Especially when LDS leadership and members focus on African-Americans not Hispanic or Native-Americans concerns over the last 40 years. And frankly LDS national and local leaders try very hard to suck up to African-Americans. It is all about who has the most power and money African Americans have it. Hispanics and Native-Americans in the U.S. don't.

[@gomezgwen11]

@@texasborn2720 I think most people see it as a metaphor not as literal when coming from latino members. Or again, some people are in denial 🤷🏻‍♀️ you should know the hoops people jumó through to “make it work”. No need to be so judgmental

[@FFM115]

@@texasborn2720 It is an insult to the extent that is not true but if it were true then it would just be facts and the church wouldn't be at fault since they didn't write the book. Just like we don't blame Catholics for the horrible things in the Bible. From the Church perspective, it is a true record and they believe that those people existed and lived in the Americas, it would be easy for them to remove this stuff but because they believe to have it happened they keep it in the book.

[@texasborn2720]

@@FFM115 INSANITY ! PURE INSANITY ! What you said ! The Bible weather you believe in God or not. DOES NOT SINGLE OUT A CERTAIN PEOPLES SKIN TONE ! Old or New testament. BoM DOES ! Even well renowned Atheist Richard Dawkins say the Bible IS ancient script. Even he says BoM is 1800s writing. Dawkins don't believe in God at all. So he don't have a dog in this fight. It don't benefit him one way or another and he is purely objective. Then you add the fact LDS leaders over the last 200 years added on MORE racist statement and belief about Native-Americans outside the BoM. And yet still more LDS mistreatment of Native-Americans like the Mountain Meadows Massacre in where Mormons put the blame on Native-Americans ! (They even dressed like Native Americans to hide the fact it was white Mormons who were doing the killings ) So to say "we don't blame Catholics for horrible things in the Bible" Is so outrageously STUPID ! If I were to write a book today equate it to the Bible and say African-Americans have black skin as a result of God putting a mark on them for sins. In todays political climate ? BOY OH BOY I WOULD BE RUN OF THE COUNTRY. And YOU know ! So if I "believe" in a racist views about any certain people. IT IS OK BECAUSE IT IS MY RELIGION ? So Native-American have no recourse ? No say about their heritage ? No say or defense of their own "dark skin" tone ? They just have to roll over shut up and take it because it is a white people religious belief ? And don't know who you are. But you said more than enough that shows what a evil nasty person you are ! Crazy just crazy ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV7To2WGgZKYb7s

[@giovanniromero9365]

Great as always :)

[@donnababi5767]

Gonna be a good one..

[@OnTheHighWatch]

He will be president of the United States of America.

[@Lunatic4Bizcas]

¿ Wouldn't that be awesome and a breath of fresh air vs. the status quo ?

[@charlesmendeley9823]

A president has to be born in the US I think.

[@aliciamontero7061]

In Spain we call cults "sectas" as Gerardo said. It is a loaded word.

[@marcelagubler5695]

The temple in México was built during Kimball’s presidency. I had just joined the church in Guadalajara 1976.

[@Jupiter_Crash]

Are you still a member?

[@marcelagubler5695]

@@Jupiter_Crash omg NO, thank you for asking.

[@llt8101]

There's a spin off TV series to 'Love, Simon' that's called 'Love, Viktor. It's about a Latin American boy, who heard Simon's story and is going through a more complicated version of the same thing.

[@josephsea9377]

Organized religions. OMG 😳 when do we learn ?

[@charlesmendeley9823]

Judging from church membership statistics (any church, not just Mormonism) in Europe and the West in general, people DO learn.

[@raigenhuss7030]

One person at a time.

[@rubendhoyos9886]

Yes

[@stingray4real]

There was a Third Convention during the 1930s. They petitioned to the Church for Mexican Priesthood Leaders.

[@foxibot]

My Mexican sweet wonderful female friends warned me about Machismo in the Mexican culture.

[@KitKat-gw4rh]

Can't wait

[@elizabethwoodyard8241]

You made me feel so old explaining an 8 ball. 😭

[@blarsen8]

Love Gerardo!

[@sisterskeptical5191]

Science Save Us!

[@ryguy56]

off topic but gerardo is such a cutie pie 😅

[@Trish620]

Spreading racism and colorism worldwide with some of the wording in the BOM.

[@dianethulin1700]

Okay this is not an earthshattering question but want to know; what brand of white t-shirt are you wearing Gerado? It has the best lines!

[@Buttrflyemormn]

Belize has diminished my old branch has over 400 members but only 30 show up on Sunday's last I went but recently they decided to rent a bus to pick up people and more attend due tho this nut not 400 maybe 45-50

[@polybear08]

God the part where his parents find out about his sexuality is straight gag worthy... who the hell has a "family pow wow" excluding the child in question? I know it's common practice among cults but it's sickening. 🤮

[@AtOmicInfamous]

yes trigger a cult crisis

[@RicardoCoyote]

Bibliomancy - - using a book to foretell.

[@foxibot]

Dang to go from Jehovah Witnesses to Mormon. Lol. From one high demand religion to another.

[@thebiscuitrose]

1:33

[@foxibot]

I now understand why the Mormon missionary was so depressed when his dad died and told me that he didn’t “need” to go home. It was very evident he was suffering and I said you need to go home. He was very young. God will understand. He was very depressed and I wouldn’t shut up about it. I have a Mormon friend who wanted the guys to bless me because I had an illness that caused chronic pain. She was trying to convert me. I found it very troubling he wasn’t allowed to go home, and I kept saying I think Jesus would understand, and would want you to be comforted and see your family. That was a huge turn off for me they would not let him go home. I wish y’all would do a story on the polygamous Mormons that fight the drug cartels in Mexico and drink and curse. I watched the Vice special about them and it was incredible. I actually left them a sympathy note on Facebook, when they had all those Mormon women and children killed by the cartel a few years ago. The Cartel claims it was an accident. They even interviewed Mitt Romney’s cousin that’s a Polygamous Mormon. Their town and land is gorgeous. But they actually had kidnappings and deaths dealing with cartels, now they have guns and military check points to keep the cartel at bay.

[@mielimedina3146]

Whoa, that’s very interesting, I wish there was more information about that being talked about.