LDS Republican Utah County Commissioner comes out in video

“There’s no easy way to say this, I might as well just jump up and say it — I’m gay. That’s my reality and that’s what I need to talk to you about today.”

That’s the start of a 5-minute coming out video by Utah County Commissioner Nathan Ivie on his Facebook page. “I’m as committed today as I have ever been to my faith, family and freedom,” Ivie said in the video. “But I realized I could not continue to live a lie. It wasn’t fair, it wasn’t right for anyone.”

He also said at 9 years old, he “just felt different” because his orientation and attractions were not what was expected of him.

“I believed that there was something wrong with me and I fought from the beginning to find some way to change myself. That battle resulted in a failed suicide attempt when I was 22 years old,” Ivie said.

“I’ve come to accept while I may be different, I’m still a loving person, worthy of love, who values others and hopes to be valued. I’m as committed today as I’ve ever been to my faith, family and freedom.”

After viewing the video, Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, the first openly gay member of the Utah Legislature, offered support in a tweet that referred to Ivie’s description of how moved he was seeing a gay couple hold hands.

“All the best to you @IvieNathan! I (heart) how a simple act of love among strangers helped you find your truth & that you are being embraced by family and friends!” Biskupski said in her tweet.