Latter-day Saint Comedian Stacey Harkey of Studio C Comes Out as Gay, Shares Message to LGBTQ Youth

Latter-day Saint actor and comedian, Stacey Harkey, came out as Gay in his Facebook post earlier today.

I debated for quite some time if this was an announcement I should make publicly or if I should just quietly live my life and let it be. I knew telling the world my 30-year-old secret would open me up to a lot of potential criticism, backlash and pain… BUT did you know that Utah has the highest suicide rate amongst LGBT teens? Did you know there are soo many people in this community that are soo scared and unsupported that they feel the BEST alternative to living is death? So many people are living quiet lives afraid and unsure of themselves and I’m coming out for them.

I’m coming out so they know they’re not alone. I’m coming out in hopes that at least one LGBT teen feels like they have support. I’m coming out because I have a unique position in this community and no matter how much criticism comes my way it will be worth it if just one person avoids suicide or just feels better about themself.

I’m so sorry this took me so long to share but it’s been a long journey of self discovery. I’m not ashamed of who I am.

A little while back I found myself at an ultimate low, praying and begging God for answers, pleading for direction and guidance. In that moment I felt so much peace and love. I instantly felt like this part of myself that I’ve grown to demonize is an integral part of who I am. This part of myself that I’ve spent my whole life fighting isn’t my enemy. This part of myself that I’ve shoved into a dark dungeon deserves light. It was the sweetest feeling and it taught me that God expects me to be who he made me to be and expects me to develop myself and magnify who I am.

Despite the negative feedback he might face, Stacey had still managed to offer help and comfort to the LGBTQ youth in Utah who feels the same as his:

You are soo important! Believe me when I say that you are needed. This community needs you and the beautiful hues you bring to it. If you need/want to talk Please text me/call me/message me. No matter if you’re gay or straight come talk to me if you have any questions and it’ll stay between us.

Stacey is best known in his appearance at Studio C, a sketch comedy television show by BYUtv, He had also participated in films such as Saints and Soldiers: The Void (2014) and We Love You, Sally Carmichael! (2017).