I am done with this board

[Sky]

...It's been a good run.  Thank you for giving me a space to express some of my thoughts on things Mormon for the last (almost 10 years).  But now it's time I move on.  This is your board. 

As a gay person with somewhat more libreral views, and frustrated with the current culture of the Church as reflected on this board, I have found that my views are generally not well understood or appreciated by most who post here.  

I have tried my best to defend the Church against undue, unfair, mean-spirited criticism.  I love many things about the Church.  Being Mormon is a big part of who I am and is my heritage. 

....But....the LGBT/ homosexual shaming here needs to stop.  Sharing studies that confirm our biases, but not giving equal airtime or consideration or legitimacy to dissenting voices needs to stop. People are dying because of this.  

Elder Cook has stated that "nobody should be more loving and compassionate.  Let us be at the forefront in terms of expressing love, compassion and outreach. Let's not have families exclude or be disrespectful as a result of their feelings about their own gender."

Until I see posters here ready to rise up to this challenge from Elder Cook, I might reconsider.  This has to mean more that just words on a screen on a certain Church website.  But until then, I have no more use for this board.  I am not welcome or wanted here.  I refuse to enable this kind of behavior any longer.  

[halconero]

I can empathize your desires to take a break (hopefully a temporary "leave of absence") from the board.

It's a difficult thing to manage the tone or direction of a board. Personally, I don't quite see the black-and-white nature of it. In every thread about homosexuality there are generally just as many liberal members and former members posting as there are traditionally conservative members. The question becomes to what extent does a board create a safe space for both open dialogue, including views that offender our sensibilities, as well as a safe space for those with particular sensitives to be shielded from that dialogue. That's not a criticism of you, your desire to leave the board, or anything else. It's just the reality of a board such as this which accommodates the discussion of Mormons and non-Mormons from all across the social and doctrinal spectrum. I wish you well.

[Buckeye]

You'll be missed Sky. I hope you're able to find better spaces for dialogue. If you ever consider peeking back here, know that this board was a better place for your participation. 

[ALarson]

Sky, I'm sorry you feel you need to take a break, but I understand.  I do hope it is just a break because your voice truly was one of love here and acceptance for others no matter what their views.  We need more like you on on this board, not less.  Be well and take care of yourself.

[HappyJackWagon]

Best of luck, Sky.