Heather Gay, 51, known from Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after joining the Bravo series in 2020. She discusses her experience and departure in the upcoming three-part Bravo documentary Surviving Mormonism, which addresses controversial subjects, including conversion therapy.
The Carmel-by-the-Sea, California-born TV star told People on Tuesday that creating the documentary brought her a sense of spiritual fulfillment. She stated,
"I never thought that being an antagonist to my faith and identity and family and community would feel this empowering and fulfilling, but it does."
As a Brigham Young University alum, Gay expressed a strong drive to increase public awareness on issues she believes demand attention.
Surviving Mormonism also includes interviews with former members of the church. Gay shared her deep respect for these individuals, saying,
"I feel very, very precious about these survivors, about their willingness to share with me. They're telling a Real Housewife their darkest secrets. That takes a leap of faith, and I feel such a kinship to them."
The Salt Lake Temple, standing at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, serves as a symbolic reminder of the faith and community Heather left behind.
Heather Gay’s journey highlights the unexpected empowerment found in questioning one’s faith and sharing others’ untold stories to foster awareness and understanding.
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