BYU Valedictorian Comes Out As Gay During Graduation Speech

Brigham Young University valedictorian Matt Easton came out as gay while delivering his graduation speech Friday, reports CBS Salt Lake City affiliate KUTV.

Easton's speech, which he gave to BYU's College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences as the political science valedictorian, was met with applause and cheers from thousands in attendance.

During that speech, Easton said, "I stand before my family, friends, and graduating class today to say that I am proud to be a gay son of God."

On Sunday, Easton talked exclusively with KUTV about his decision to come out of the closet in public.

"Not many people are given a platform where they can speak in front of all their peers and these peers' families," he said. "I was nervous. I'm still a little nervous about it. You know there's people that are telling me I went too far, people telling me I didn't go far enough. Ultimately, I had to do what felt right to me."

Easton said he'd told close family members and friends he is gay but had never said so publicly.

Easton's speech was reviewed and approved by BYU officials before he gave it.

Easton said, "I have felt another triumph; that of coming to terms, not with who I thought I should be, but who the Lord has made me to be. As such, I stand before the Lord, my family, my graduating class today to say that I am proud to be a gay son of God."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that being attracted to members of the same sex isn't a sin but acting on those feelings, including being in a gay relationship, is sinful.

Can Easton live the life he wants as a gay member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?