Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

WHO
WE ARE

ESPECIALLY
FOR YOU

EVENTS
& NEWS

RESOURCES
& LINKS

BECOME
INVOLVED


DONATE

Leandro Valdés

Read full story

At age 20 I went on a mission to Concepción, in the south of Chile. Leaving for a mission wasn't easy. My dad didn't support my decision to go, but my ward helped me a lot. I was the first missionary to leave from my ward, and everyone was very proud of me.

My mission was the best time of my life—at least until now. Most of my companions were good, as well as my mission president. I met some wonderful people and served as district leader. My return home was tough—my parents had divorced and my family had fallen on hard times. Fortunately a member of my ward helped me find a job at a school. I felt lonely, but Marco, a good friend of mine who was also gay and LDS, gave me his friendship and support. Then Marco left on his mission.

María, a young girl from my ward, returned from her mission shortly after me. Everybody thought she and I would make a perfect match. I was confused about my feelings and the things that my ward, my bishop, and my leaders were telling me. Once I asked María to be my girlfriend, but she declined. It was a great relief. I continued to attend my ward, but it wasn't the same. I felt I was different.