He’s a Mormon, Republican politician… and he’s gay: Meet Nathan Ivie

• Meet politician Nathan Ivie.
• He is Utah’s first openly gay Mormon Republican to hold office.
• Learn about his struggle with coming out.

In May 2019, Nathan Ivie shared a video on social media in which he came out as gay.

This disclosure sparked a wide range of reactions among internet users, and he confessed that it took him over 20 years to accept his true identity.

From the age of 9, this secret had caused him pain and confusion.

Nathan is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but refrained from commenting on his faith in the video.

Politician Nathan Ivie attempted to «cure himself»

At the age of 22, Nathan Ivie felt so confused that he even contemplated taking his own life.

In addition, he attempted to «cure himself» because he couldn’t accept the possibility that he might be gay.

He revealed that part of his motivation for coming out was his work with families who had lost LGBTQ+ children to suicide.

«That really makes you reevaluate your life and what you’re doing as a leader to prevent those kinds of things,» the Republican politician expressed.

«Maybe I’m not broken»

Nathan also has a passion for photography and nature, which is evident in his social media posts.

Interacting with gay couples helped him accept himself, especially when he photographed a same-sex couple on their wedding day.

In the Facebook video, he says: «The love they shared and the way they looked at each other was the same as any other couple. It helped me realize that maybe I’m not broken,» he stated.

He also reflected on the support he received from family and friends after coming out of the closet, saying, «It’s been liberating…»

He received many supportive comments

One person who didn’t hesitate to express support for Nathan Ivie after he came out was Salt Lake City’s first openly gay mayor, Jackie Biskupski.

She tweeted, «All the best to you, I love how a simple act of love among strangers helped you find your truth and that you are being embraced by family and friends.»

Furthermore, Tanner Ainge, a commissioner in Utah County, showed his support on social media.

He said, «His story will provide strength and hope to those feeling the lonely despair that almost took his life…»

«It’s Okay to Be Different»

According to NBC News, Ivie and his wife separated after 13 years of marriage.

Nevertheless, they continue to co-parent their two children, and he still refers to her as his best friend.

With his declaration, Republican politician Nathan Ivie hoped to help other young people accept themselves.

He concluded, «It’s OK to be different, it’s OK to live authentically,” he said. “You can be gay and a Republican … you need to trust that people will love you for who you really are.»

Politician Nathan Ivie received harsh criticism after coming out

However, Nathan Ivie also encountered harsh criticism after coming out as gay.

According to The San Diego Union Tribune, much of this criticism came from the Utah Eagle Forum.

The UEF a political interest group affiliated with the conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly, who led the fight against the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s.

«The way we do things in Utah isn’t like this,» said the group’s president, Gayle Ruzicka.