On this episode of the Unburdened podcast, we welcome Andy Newman, a licensed professional counselor based in Gilbert Arizona, who specializes in helping individuals navigate faith transitions and religious trauma, particularly within the LDS (Mormon) and LGBTQ communities.

Grew up in a staunch Mormon family, Andy is adhering to the doctrines of the LDS Church from a young age. His journey within the church included typical milestones such as serving a mission and attending BYU-Idaho. However, Andy’s experience was marred by internal conflicts and cognitive dissonance, particularly around issues of LGBTQ inclusion and the church’s stance on these matters.

Andy first began to feel significant cognitive dissonance during his high school years when he wanted to support his LGBTQ friends but was constrained by the church’s teachings. This internal conflict deepened with the LDS Church’s 2015 policy excluding children of LGBTQ parents from baptism, which Andy cites as a pivotal moment in his faith journey.

Throughout the episode, Andy shares poignant stories from his life, such as the challenge of giving a blessing to a choir member struggling with same-sex attraction and the transformative journey of visiting the exMormon subreddit. These experiences highlight the profound impact of personal and systemic conflicts within the LDS Church on his life and the lives of others.

We discussed:

• Andy’s decade-long journey of deconstructing his faith within the LDS Church, focusing on the challenges posed by the church’s 2015 LGBT policy.

• Cognitive dissonance experienced by Andy as he tried to reconcile his love for LGBTQ friends within the church’s teachings and policies.

• LDS Church’s 2015 policy that barred children of LGBTQ parents from baptism and its subsequent reversal.

• The complexities of post mission life, including the pressure to marry quickly and start a family.

• Challenges and nuances of maintaining a mixed-faith marriage amidst evolving beliefs.

• Andy’s transformative journey through a faith crisis, emphasizing the significance of finding support systems, validating concerns and the emotional impact of leaving the church.

• Support systems like Unburdening Groups and online communities such as the exMormon subreddit are crucial for those navigating faith transitions and seeking validation and community.

Learn more about Andy Newman:

https://www.tiktok.com/@deconstruction_therapy

Learn more about the Unburdened podcast:

Instagram: @theunburdenedpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Unburdened

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