On Friday April 26, 2019, 24 year old valedictorian in political science at BYU Provo, named Mathew Easton, came out and is “proud to be a gay son of God.” Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private college that is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church considers same-sex-marriage to be a “serious transgression” and up until April of this year made church members eligible for excommunication. Mathew expected “awkward silence” from the audience after coming out but he was filled with joy as the crowd cheered in support.

Easton had not prior revealed his sexuality to his family. After saying “I stand before my family, friends and graduating class today to say that I am proud to be a gay son of God.” One of Mathew’s sisters dropped her phone during her recording of the speech because of her personal cheering and excitement in support of her brother.

Shortly after disclosing his sexuality to the audience, Mathew said, “I am not broken. I am loved and important to the plan of our great creator. Each of us are.”

During his interview with the Washington Post, Mathew told them that Pete Burttigieg inspired him. Pete Buttigieg is a gay, Democratic Mayor of South Bend, Indiana and an upcoming presidential candidate who has talked about his sexuality and his Christianity. Buttigieg’s  speech that he gave for the LGBTQ Victory Fund was one of many that inspired Mathew.

“Four years ago, it would have been impossible for me to imagine that I would come out to my entire college. It is a phenomenal feeling. And it is a victory in and of itself.” Mathew Easton’s story will be one that will be remembered and will inspire people to be true to themselves. He said he will be focusing on his family and his relationship with God.

(The Washington Post)