"Vice is a monster of so frightful mien
As to be hated needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace."
Alexander Pope
Too many people it seems are at the pity/embrace stage.
When the robbers of Gadianton came among the Lamanites, they cast them out, so the robbers went to the Nephites and corrupted the whole nation. When shall we stand up and remove unrepentant corrupters from our institutions? Hopefully soon, or we will lose a generation.
JemezblueSeptember 6, 2022
Thank you for this article. It is sad to see so much worldly activism in the Lord's university. I am a grad student at another university in the Southwest. My university has a LGBT Resource Center with some activities during the school year, but I do not see this type of activism that was reported above in my university neighborhood. This is disturbing. Please do not let this get a hold of BYU.
MaryannSeptember 6, 2022
Unless EVERYONE who had ANY involvement in the creating and distribution of this pamphlet to BYU students is promptly expelled from BYU, this disgusting behavior will continue. There are MANY young people just waiting to step in, obey the rules, and enjoy an education at BYU with GRATITUDE! Looks like the administration is going to have to RAISE the standard for those who wish to attend, and Bishops are going to have to be very searching in their interviews with prospective students.
Jenifer OylerSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for this article! Thank you for bringing this sleaze into the light. Anything that persuades people to live contrary to the commandments is not helping but harming others.
Judy ShumwaySeptember 5, 2022
thank you for sharing we MUST stand for the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and not follow the world. thanks keep on
Rob McGhieSeptember 5, 2022
I am a littlest confused. How can this exist in a church school. We have standards, we have revealed truth. These anarchists Should not be tolerated at BYU. There are many other liberal universities that they can attend if they want to express these outrageous beliefs. If student cannot adhere to Gospel standards they should be asked to leave. Enough is enough.
JeniferSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for this very informative article! It is absolutely horrifying and disturbing to see these young adults get sucked into these lies! Thank you for exposing this pamphlet and the groups behind it for what they really are.
Sue HaberSeptember 5, 2022
Excellent article. Thank you for sharing this information. Needs to be shared with others.
Robert StarlingSeptember 5, 2022
Only one commenter has mentioned the silver lining underneath this "rainbow" topic (pun intended). When the issue was brought to the attention of the BYU administration, they STOPPED the distribution of this insidious pamphlet.
Yes, BYU needs to be more vigilent in "defending truth and right", so the that the "youth of Zion" do not "falter", and yes, the activists need to be escorted to the edge of campus and invited to find an educational institution better suited to their preferences and their world view.
But lest we throw out the baby with the filthy bathwater, remember that my beloved Alma Mater is still the Lord's University (NOT the activists', although they claim it is theirs). And having attended another college back East for two years before going to BYU, believe me, it is still a MUCH better alternative.
Barry HSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you, Cassandra, for providing the details, photos, screen shots and research that the major news outlets should have provided. And thank you, Meridian, for featuring Cassandra's article. I figured BYU had good reasons for removing the pamphlet from the welcome packet. Now I know exactly what they were. Too bad it got as far as it did. But there are devious people around who manage to get past the safeguards sometimes. Thankfully some good folks at BYU caught it before it went to more freshmen.
SSSSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for your work
Duane BoyceSeptember 5, 2022
A great article about a tragic reality--and Hedelius had to do what others, in the actual news business, either couldn't do or wouldn't do. On multiple levels, the entire situation is sad beyond words.
SylviaSeptember 5, 2022
Amen! This needs to be sent to church leaders! I do not want my tithing to be used to pay people who seek to destroy my child's faith.
LindaSeptember 5, 2022
This is disgusting and outrageous. Kick those nasty groups out of BYU!
Harold RustSeptember 5, 2022
It is truly sad that the LGBTQ community are willing to resort to such "bait" tactics for supposedly pursuing broader respect among all elements of society. It seems obvious to me they have learned the smart, clever tactic of delivering sensational headlines that are snapped up by media reporters eager to overcome the dwindling number of readers or watchers of their news. As such, they prey on the most vulnerable element of our religious culture: our desire to love others and always reach out to help the lost sheep. Consequently, they draw in some of our youth to become antagonistic against the Church because they now think we don't love and respect others different from us---especially those not following the commandments of God. Somehow, through this morass of devilish deception, we Church members have to be more "compassionately clever" and take a firm but well-thought-out response that can expose what is really going on. Only then will some of these youth who have been drawn away see more clearly where the truth actually lies. I hope we can find a way to be as "socially smart and clever" as the other side is while still retaining our faith in our prophet and Church leaders.
Paul HSeptember 5, 2022
The powers of darkness never rest whwen it comes to the youth, our families, or even ourselves. It is disgusting to hear what is happening on the fringes at BYU. Hopefully is gets rooted out and never becomes mainstream. I simply cannot feel anything of value or light in a drag show and those who do would qualify as confusing good and eveil. Baalam indeed.
JoshSeptember 5, 2022
To the credit of BYU, they tried to stop this when they found out.
JoshSeptember 5, 2022
The is disturbing and sickening. BYU has some cleanup to do…starting with faculty or administrators who support and encourage students to participate in this garbage. This is so sad. Why is Deseret News defending this? With the current political climate, those who see this are afraid to speak up for fear of being fired or labeled racists homophobes. This has NO place whatsoever and a church sponsored institution.
JimSeptember 5, 2022
They certainly love to use the word "pride" a lot. As the Good Book says, "Pride goeth before destruction..."
Not only the LGBTQ+ community, but there are reports of many BYU professors who are preaching false doctrines, setting themselves up as authorities, or as the Book of Mormon calls it, "priestcrafts".
I'm glad none of my children chose to attend the Y, if this is where this Church-owned school is heading.
JacklynSeptember 5, 2022
Carol: I 100% agree with your comment!
ElizabethSeptember 5, 2022
To borrow the author's word, this step-up in gay and transgender activism at BYU (and the Church-owned Deseret News) is "horrifying." Thanks to the author for doing the unpleasant work necessary to make this public.
LindaSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for your thorough analysis. For us folks not aware of BYUs actions due to distance from Utah, we appreciate the info do we can respond to queries accordingly. We also do not want our tithing to support such trash activities and deceptive communications. What is going on at BYU??? Someone(s) needs to be held accountable!!!!!
Jan ChilsonSeptember 5, 2022
I totally agree! Both my children have attended "Church" schools before this was a big thing, but the adjustments etc. even at that time (20 years ago) were sometimes overwhelming. I cannot imagine adding all these "causes" to the adjustment. I do believe we need to be loving and understanding of people who accept this kind of life, but WE do not need to accept it. Plus, I do not accept my tithing supporting this movement!!
Gail HeathSeptember 5, 2022
All of those groups who were promoting the lies should be kicked out of BYU. How long are we going to be tolerantt and understanding of lies??
Gail HeathSeptember 5, 2022
All of those groups who were promoting the lies should be kicked out of BYU. How long are we going to be tersnt and understanding of lies??
SylviaSeptember 5, 2022
Amen to Carol's comment!!
Gary LindnerSeptember 5, 2022
I wonder how many of the ‘resources’ in the pamphlet were detransitioning support and information. Thousands regret transitioning and the UK, which was ‘Ahead if the Curve’ on trans treatment just closed their largest trans facility.
I weep for the poor children at the school where I teach who are pursuing this damaging attempt to find happiness.
Pamela BiggerSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for writing a very informative article….i appreciate your courage to write and share the truth about about these groups that are trying to destroy good peoples lives with lies and deception…i can only hope that these truths will be brought to light and that the Board of Trustees will do more in their power to stop this disinformation and be more courageous in protecting their students and defending true gospel principles
CarolSeptember 5, 2022
I hope someone on BYU's Board of Trustees gets this info. This is very disturbing, and I’m one who does NOT want my tithing money used for pro-LGBTQ causes at BYU.
Comments | Return to Story
Michael GoodmanSeptember 12, 2022
"Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace." Alexander Pope Too many people it seems are at the pity/embrace stage. When the robbers of Gadianton came among the Lamanites, they cast them out, so the robbers went to the Nephites and corrupted the whole nation. When shall we stand up and remove unrepentant corrupters from our institutions? Hopefully soon, or we will lose a generation.
JemezblueSeptember 6, 2022
Thank you for this article. It is sad to see so much worldly activism in the Lord's university. I am a grad student at another university in the Southwest. My university has a LGBT Resource Center with some activities during the school year, but I do not see this type of activism that was reported above in my university neighborhood. This is disturbing. Please do not let this get a hold of BYU.
MaryannSeptember 6, 2022
Unless EVERYONE who had ANY involvement in the creating and distribution of this pamphlet to BYU students is promptly expelled from BYU, this disgusting behavior will continue. There are MANY young people just waiting to step in, obey the rules, and enjoy an education at BYU with GRATITUDE! Looks like the administration is going to have to RAISE the standard for those who wish to attend, and Bishops are going to have to be very searching in their interviews with prospective students.
Jenifer OylerSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for this article! Thank you for bringing this sleaze into the light. Anything that persuades people to live contrary to the commandments is not helping but harming others.
Judy ShumwaySeptember 5, 2022
thank you for sharing we MUST stand for the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and not follow the world. thanks keep on
Rob McGhieSeptember 5, 2022
I am a littlest confused. How can this exist in a church school. We have standards, we have revealed truth. These anarchists Should not be tolerated at BYU. There are many other liberal universities that they can attend if they want to express these outrageous beliefs. If student cannot adhere to Gospel standards they should be asked to leave. Enough is enough.
JeniferSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for this very informative article! It is absolutely horrifying and disturbing to see these young adults get sucked into these lies! Thank you for exposing this pamphlet and the groups behind it for what they really are.
Sue HaberSeptember 5, 2022
Excellent article. Thank you for sharing this information. Needs to be shared with others.
Robert StarlingSeptember 5, 2022
Only one commenter has mentioned the silver lining underneath this "rainbow" topic (pun intended). When the issue was brought to the attention of the BYU administration, they STOPPED the distribution of this insidious pamphlet. Yes, BYU needs to be more vigilent in "defending truth and right", so the that the "youth of Zion" do not "falter", and yes, the activists need to be escorted to the edge of campus and invited to find an educational institution better suited to their preferences and their world view. But lest we throw out the baby with the filthy bathwater, remember that my beloved Alma Mater is still the Lord's University (NOT the activists', although they claim it is theirs). And having attended another college back East for two years before going to BYU, believe me, it is still a MUCH better alternative.
Barry HSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you, Cassandra, for providing the details, photos, screen shots and research that the major news outlets should have provided. And thank you, Meridian, for featuring Cassandra's article. I figured BYU had good reasons for removing the pamphlet from the welcome packet. Now I know exactly what they were. Too bad it got as far as it did. But there are devious people around who manage to get past the safeguards sometimes. Thankfully some good folks at BYU caught it before it went to more freshmen.
SSSSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for your work
Duane BoyceSeptember 5, 2022
A great article about a tragic reality--and Hedelius had to do what others, in the actual news business, either couldn't do or wouldn't do. On multiple levels, the entire situation is sad beyond words.
SylviaSeptember 5, 2022
Amen! This needs to be sent to church leaders! I do not want my tithing to be used to pay people who seek to destroy my child's faith.
LindaSeptember 5, 2022
This is disgusting and outrageous. Kick those nasty groups out of BYU!
Harold RustSeptember 5, 2022
It is truly sad that the LGBTQ community are willing to resort to such "bait" tactics for supposedly pursuing broader respect among all elements of society. It seems obvious to me they have learned the smart, clever tactic of delivering sensational headlines that are snapped up by media reporters eager to overcome the dwindling number of readers or watchers of their news. As such, they prey on the most vulnerable element of our religious culture: our desire to love others and always reach out to help the lost sheep. Consequently, they draw in some of our youth to become antagonistic against the Church because they now think we don't love and respect others different from us---especially those not following the commandments of God. Somehow, through this morass of devilish deception, we Church members have to be more "compassionately clever" and take a firm but well-thought-out response that can expose what is really going on. Only then will some of these youth who have been drawn away see more clearly where the truth actually lies. I hope we can find a way to be as "socially smart and clever" as the other side is while still retaining our faith in our prophet and Church leaders.
Paul HSeptember 5, 2022
The powers of darkness never rest whwen it comes to the youth, our families, or even ourselves. It is disgusting to hear what is happening on the fringes at BYU. Hopefully is gets rooted out and never becomes mainstream. I simply cannot feel anything of value or light in a drag show and those who do would qualify as confusing good and eveil. Baalam indeed.
JoshSeptember 5, 2022
To the credit of BYU, they tried to stop this when they found out.
JoshSeptember 5, 2022
The is disturbing and sickening. BYU has some cleanup to do…starting with faculty or administrators who support and encourage students to participate in this garbage. This is so sad. Why is Deseret News defending this? With the current political climate, those who see this are afraid to speak up for fear of being fired or labeled racists homophobes. This has NO place whatsoever and a church sponsored institution.
JimSeptember 5, 2022
They certainly love to use the word "pride" a lot. As the Good Book says, "Pride goeth before destruction..." Not only the LGBTQ+ community, but there are reports of many BYU professors who are preaching false doctrines, setting themselves up as authorities, or as the Book of Mormon calls it, "priestcrafts". I'm glad none of my children chose to attend the Y, if this is where this Church-owned school is heading.
JacklynSeptember 5, 2022
Carol: I 100% agree with your comment!
ElizabethSeptember 5, 2022
To borrow the author's word, this step-up in gay and transgender activism at BYU (and the Church-owned Deseret News) is "horrifying." Thanks to the author for doing the unpleasant work necessary to make this public.
LindaSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for your thorough analysis. For us folks not aware of BYUs actions due to distance from Utah, we appreciate the info do we can respond to queries accordingly. We also do not want our tithing to support such trash activities and deceptive communications. What is going on at BYU??? Someone(s) needs to be held accountable!!!!!
Jan ChilsonSeptember 5, 2022
I totally agree! Both my children have attended "Church" schools before this was a big thing, but the adjustments etc. even at that time (20 years ago) were sometimes overwhelming. I cannot imagine adding all these "causes" to the adjustment. I do believe we need to be loving and understanding of people who accept this kind of life, but WE do not need to accept it. Plus, I do not accept my tithing supporting this movement!!
Gail HeathSeptember 5, 2022
All of those groups who were promoting the lies should be kicked out of BYU. How long are we going to be tolerantt and understanding of lies??
Gail HeathSeptember 5, 2022
All of those groups who were promoting the lies should be kicked out of BYU. How long are we going to be tersnt and understanding of lies??
SylviaSeptember 5, 2022
Amen to Carol's comment!!
Gary LindnerSeptember 5, 2022
I wonder how many of the ‘resources’ in the pamphlet were detransitioning support and information. Thousands regret transitioning and the UK, which was ‘Ahead if the Curve’ on trans treatment just closed their largest trans facility. I weep for the poor children at the school where I teach who are pursuing this damaging attempt to find happiness.
Pamela BiggerSeptember 5, 2022
Thank you for writing a very informative article….i appreciate your courage to write and share the truth about about these groups that are trying to destroy good peoples lives with lies and deception…i can only hope that these truths will be brought to light and that the Board of Trustees will do more in their power to stop this disinformation and be more courageous in protecting their students and defending true gospel principles
CarolSeptember 5, 2022
I hope someone on BYU's Board of Trustees gets this info. This is very disturbing, and I’m one who does NOT want my tithing money used for pro-LGBTQ causes at BYU.
ADD A COMMENT