Heather Gay is no stranger to the spotlight. As a star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and a bestselling author, she’s built a career on candidness and charisma. But her upcoming three-part Bravo limited series, Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay, marks a bold new chapter: one where she confronts the very institution that shaped her life for over four decades. Premiering November 11 at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with all episodes available the next day on Peacock, the series promises to fracture the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' seemingly perfect veneer and expose the secrets kept behind closed doors.
A Personal Journey into the Heart of Faith
Heather Gay’s departure from the LDS Church in 2019 was a pivotal moment in her life. Having spent over 40 years within its confines, her exit was not just a personal decision but a profound transformation. In Surviving Mormonism, Gay embarks on a journey to uncover the dark history of the church, engaging in impactful conversations with abuse survivors, ex-Mormons, and former LDS church leaders. Through these dialogues, she reflects on her own experiences and delves into outdated and controversial practices, empowering victims to share their stories in hopes of bringing awareness and enacting change.
Episode Breakdown: Unveiling Hidden Truths
Episode 1: “A Bad Mormon”
The series kicks off with Gay revisiting her own journey of leaving the church. She meets David Matheson, a former Mormon who has been called the godfather of conversion therapy. Now living openly as a gay man, Matheson details the harmful teachings he once practiced and believed in, offering a poignant perspective on the church's impact on individual lives.
Episode 2: “The Highest Level of Heaven”
In this episode, Gay grapples with guilt after turning her back on an old friend who was critical of the Mormon church. When she sits down to hear Ben’s story for the first time, his account of abuse rocks her to her core. As Gay digs deeper, the stories of more survivors convince her that his experience is just the tip of the iceberg. A former bishop reports on his experiences inside the church itself, shedding light on the internal dynamics and challenges within the institution.
Episode 3: “Change Is Gonna Come”
The final chapter brings Gay face-to-face with sisters Jennie and Lizzy, who suffered indescribable abuse at the hands of their father. Despite reporting the abuse multiple times to their bishop and high-ranking church leadership, their pleas were consistently ignored. Moved by their stories, Gay decides it’s time to take action, advocating for change and accountability within the church.
A Personal Transformation
Throughout the series, Gay's emotional journey is palpable. In the emotional trailer, she breaks down listening to the stories of those who claim to have been mistreated by the church, leaving her feeling "overwhelmed and horrified." These raw moments underscore the depth of her commitment to uncovering the truth and supporting those affected by the church's actions.
Her own experiences, as detailed in her bestselling memoirs Bad Mormon and Good Time Girl, provide a backdrop to her exploration. These works delve into her personal struggles and triumphs, offering readers an intimate look at her life and the challenges she faced in reconciling her faith with her identity.
A Cultural Reckoning
Surviving Mormonism is more than just a personal narrative; it’s a cultural reckoning. By giving a platform to survivors and shedding light on the church’s controversial practices, Gay aims to spark a broader conversation about accountability and reform. The series challenges viewers to question long-held beliefs and consider the experiences of those who have been marginalized or silenced.
In an industry often criticized for sensationalism, Gay's approach is grounded in empathy and a genuine desire for change. Her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and amplify the voices of the unheard sets Surviving Mormonism apart as a compelling and necessary watch.
Why You Should Watch
Whether you're familiar with the Mormon faith or new to its complexities, Surviving Mormonism offers an eye-opening exploration of faith, power, and resilience. Gay's courage in confronting her past and seeking justice for others makes this series not just informative but deeply moving. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of holding institutions accountable.
Tune in to Bravo on November 11 at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT for the premiere of Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay. All three episodes will be available on Peacock the following day, November 12. This is a series that promises to challenge, inform, and inspire.
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