Thriving in Love after Mormonism | The Gary and Ernie Story | Thrive Stories Ep. 1697

Thriving in Love after Mormonism: The Gary and Ernie Story

The story of Gary Horlacher and Ernie Horseman, as shared on the Mormon Stories Podcast, offers a unique lens into the lives of two men who have navigated the complexities of love and identity after leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Their experiences challenge the notion that life after Mormonism is solely about loss; instead, they demonstrate that it can also be about finding love, acceptance, and fulfillment in unexpected places.

Background: A Lifetime Within the Church

Both Gary and Ernie come from distinct yet overlapping histories within the LDS Church. Ernie grew up in the Netherlands before immigrating to the United States with his family in 1963. His early experiences in a new country were colored by the challenges of fitting into the predominantly Mormon culture of Salt Lake City. Gary’s journey began in a typical Mormon upbringing filled with expectations and values imbued by the Church, but his path was complicated by his same-sex attraction.

Their foundation in the Church is significant, not only to understand their identities but also to grasp the societal pressures they faced. For many LGBTQ+ individuals within Mormonism, the Church’s strict stance on sexuality often leads to internal conflict and emotional turmoil.

Key Claims and Evidence: Love Beyond the Church