Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

Episode 876: Gabby Rich, Lesbian Latter-day Saint, Teacher, Age 28

·1 hr 8 min·5 clips

Gabby confesses she kissed her female missionary companion in Brazil, a secret she never thought she'd share publicly.

["Richard Ostler introduces Gabby Rich as a lesbian Latter-day Saint, return missionary from Brazil, and daycare teacher living in Utah County.", "Gabby describes her upbringing as a 'Molly Mormon,' rule-follower, and perfectionist who dreamed of having a large family but felt little interest in men.", "She recalls her first date with a guy at BYU-Idaho, which triggered a panic attack because she felt no attraction.", "On her mission in Brasilia, Brazil, Gabby formed a close emotional bond with a female companion that became physically affectionate.", "She reveals that her companion kissed her, and she kissed back, leading to feelings of shame mixed with excitement.", "Gabby confesses to her bishop and stake president immediately after returning home, choosing not to take the sacrament during her homecoming talk.", "She tried dating men for years, including a relationship with a 'perfect' guy that ended quickly due to discomfort and anxiety.", "After taking a break from dating men, Gabby accepted her attraction to women and came out to family and friends.", "Reactions varied: her sister was supportive, but others psychoanalyzed her or reminded her of temple covenants.", "Gabby found community through queer coworkers and a UVU institute class specifically for LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints, taught by Sister Chipman.", "She discusses her parents' evolution from wariness to becoming allies who wear rainbow pins to church and started a support group.", "Gabby shares a spiritual moment where sunlight through a window felt like God's affirmation of her sexuality.", "She received advice from Stephen Catt Perry about using the Atonement to retreat if a path feels wrong, which gave her courage.", "Gabby dated a woman for the first time at age 27, describing it as natural, comfortable, and healing compared to dating men.", "She wrote a poem about this relationship and posted it on social media, receiving overwhelmingly positive responses.", "Attending church with her girlfriend led to a painful experience where testimonies felt like an attack, prompting faith deconstruction.", "Gabby now focuses on building her relationship with Christ rather than agonizing over church doctrines.", "Richard reflects on Gabby's story, emphasizing the importance of de-shaming and trusting individuals to navigate their paths.", "He discusses the 'double bind' faced by queer Latter-day Saints who want to participate fully in the church while being gay.", "The episode concludes with Richard praising Gabby as a 'wounded healer' whose experiences can offer hope to others."]

As heard by us

A lesbian Latter-day Saint reflects on family care, queer belonging, and spiritual uncertainty sharing the same hard-won space.

Gabby Rich's story sits in the daily work of finding queer belonging inside a life still shaped by family, faith, and place. A lesbian Latter-day Saint, she speaks from Utah County as a former Brazil missionary, BYU-Idaho child development graduate, and daycare teacher.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You will hear Gabby Rich, a lesbian Latter-day Saint, talk through family love, church belonging, queer-affirming support, and the harder-to-hold edges of spirituality.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler