631: Tyler Glenn Pt. 1 - Early Years as a Gay Mormon Teen

Published: April 14, 2016, 2:45 p.m.

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Tyler Glenn is best known as the lead singer of\\xa0the multi-platinum alternative pop band\\xa0Neon Trees. \\xa0

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Tyler was raised LDS/Mormon in Temecula, California. \\xa0After discovering a love for music in high school and serving an LDS mission, Tyler moved to Provo, UT with his buddy Chris to form Neon Trees (named after the trees on the\\xa0In and Out\\xa0signs). \\xa0Neon Trees signed with Mercury Records in 2009 and went on to release three successful alternative pop albums:\\xa0Habits\\xa0(2010),\\xa0Picture Show\\xa0(2012), and\\xa0Pop Psychology\\xa0(2014).

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Tyler knew he was gay as a child, but struggled as a teen and adult to reconcile his sexuality with his LDS faith. \\xa0These struggles took Tyler to some sad/dark places, which were only exacerbated by his fame as a pop star. \\xa0At age 27 (around the release of Picture Show), Tyler seriously contemplated ending his life.

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In spite of these struggles, Tyler remained a full and literal believer in the LDS Church. \\xa0In 2014 Tyler\\xa0decided\\xa0that being a closeted gay man was contributing to his suicidality. \\xa0Consequently he came out as gay to his family, band, friends --\\xa0and to the world in Rolling Stone magazine\\xa0-- prior to the release of Pop Psychology. \\xa0From this point forward it was Tyler\'s full intent to find and marry a gay man, and to raise children\\xa0in the LDS church as a gay married Mormon. \\xa0

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Then, in November of 2015, the LDS church\\xa0released its new policy branding\\xa0same-sex married Mormons as immediate apostates, and prohibiting children of same-sex married couples from being baptized. \\xa0This policy change sent Tyler into a tailspin, ultimately shattering his plans\\xa0as a believing, gay Mormon.\\xa0

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In this three part interview, we explore:

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  • Part 1: Tyler\'s early years as a young Mormon struggling with his sexuality.
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  • Part 2: Tyler\'s ascent (along with Neon Trees) into stardom...and the sadness/despair that followed.
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  • Part 3: Tyler\'s faith crisis instigated by the LDS policy change, along with his current beliefs/views regarding the LDS Church.
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