Closeted

My Life as a Gay BYU Student: A Memoir

By: Jonathan Alder

Narrated by: Jonathan Alder

My plan was simple. Serve a full-time mission. Go to college. Get married. Stick it out 'til death.

That’s not what happened.

I began my studies at BYU, hoping to strengthen my faith while I searched for love. That's when I met both Claire and Easton.

Claire was the girl who promised a sure path to eternal marriage, the only cost being my happiness. Easton was the boy who offered a fresh take on life, a temptation that could risk my schooling. I knew who I wanted, and who I was supposed to want.

Reconciling my faith and sexuality was my only goal. But if Bishop Stoll discovered my actions, my BYU enrollment would be called into question.

I had embarked on an honest search for answers, but the fallout of that pursuit would threaten more than my education.

©2022 Jonathan Alder (P)2022 Jonathan Alder

Raw and honest story of identity and faith

I felt that Closeted is a powerful and deeply moving audiobook that offers real insight into how the church can shape and often complicate the emotional development and life experiences of gay individuals. Johnathan Alder tells his story in a way that makes you feel like you’re not just listening, but watching it unfold, moment by moment.

What stood out most was how vividly he conveys his internal struggle. You don’t just hear what happened, you feel what he felt. His narration pulls you into the fear, confusion, hope, and pain that come with trying to reconcile identity and belief.

This book is honest, raw, and incredibly human. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to better understand the impact of religious environments on LGBTQ+ individuals, or to anyone who appreciates deeply personal storytelling. 5 stars for me!

Honest and heartful

Just a few years after my own time in Provo, this book reflects the version of myself I wish I’d had the courage to be. It’s an honest, deeply self-aware account of personal growth - one that resonates with the parts of my journey I’m still learning to articulate.

Powerful

This book is fearlessly honest in its depiction of a Gay LDS Student. Phenomenal Writing.

His True Mission Was Writing This Story

I’ll admit, being raised Catholic, I didn’t know much about the Mormon religion. This book taught me so much. His story is told with honesty, heart and bravery. I was moved by his courage as he detailed his self realization about being gay and navigating it within the confines of BYU, his family and friends. I truly hope he writes a second book to let his readers know how his life unfolded after college.