從摩門教徒到公開的同性戀父親：德文·吉比的自我接納之旅

In our First Steps series, we explore the stories of men who have taken the courageous first step to change their bodies, minds, and lives. These stories are not just about change, but about the courage to begin the journey. Today, we're sharing the story of Devon Gibby, 36, a man who left religion and embraced his sexuality.

德文在耶穌基督後期聖徒教會（通常稱為摩門教）中長大，這個環境塑造了他的生活和選擇。從小，他就意識到自己是同性戀，但在他的宗教環境中，對於性別認同的健康探索是被禁止的，更不用說找到可以交流的同性戀者了。德文一直夢想成為一名父親，但在他的認知中，同性戀父親似乎是不存在的。因此，當他在2008年21歲從摩門教傳教任務返回後，他娶了一名女性，很快他們就有了兩個孩子。

Marriage and fatherhood led Devon to question his faith and the message he wanted to convey to his children. He began questioning his faith while studying creative writing and critical thinking at Brigham Young University in Utah. This new way of thinking soon crumbled his worldview and he began to explore his sexuality more freely.

Devon first came out to his roommate at Brigham Young University, who was also the medium through which he and his wife met. Although the friend didn't know how to react, he expressed support and understanding. Later, Devon came out to his bishop and his wife, and these conversations did not go well. His wife even wanted to help him "recover". Nevertheless, their marriage lasted five years until Devon realized that his homosexuality was a part of him that he could never change.

In Mormonism, husbands and wives are "sealed" together, meaning they will be together in eternity, so divorce brings great shame. Despite this, Devon and his wife decided to separate, realizing that they could have a better relationship as friends and co-parents.

Devon realized that coming to terms with his entire identity would mean leaving Mormonism. He began living openly as a gay man and began dating men. This came as a shock to his family, as there was little room for homosexuals within the Mormon Church. Devon's coming out was seen as a rejection of his community.

Despite the challenges, Devon found a community, and he began writing a blog through which he met other Mormon men who were not in the closet. They called themselves "MoHos" and met regularly to discuss the intersection of sex and spirituality. Devon also sought out gay fathers on social media and gradually became the kind of man he hadn't been when he was younger.

Devon's story is about coming to terms with who he really is and taking the courageous first step to change his life. His experience reminds us that while change may require sacrifice, the pursuit of our true selves is worth it.