Mormonism And Homosexuality: The Book Of Mormon Missionary Positions [NSFW]

First, let me start off by saying that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Yes, I am Mormon. When a fellow Fstopper writer posted this piece in our writer's group at first I was saddened to see the material within the link, but then I took a step back and really processed what this series of photographs meant. The photographs depict a pair of Mormon missionaries in various sexual positions. The photographs may be quite simple, but the message is not. Warning: Some of these photographs might be offensive to some readers. 

Neil Dacosta, a photographer based out of Portland, OR is the creator of the series. The series has its own website over at www.mormonmissionarypositions.com

I have been a member of the Mormon church since I was eighteen years old. I might not be the best example of a Mormon, but I love my religion. It is part of who I am, and with that said, I am also a LGBT supporter. I believe that homosexuals should have the same rights that we all do in all respects. Yes, a Mormon that is a LGBT supporter, we do exist... and the number is  growing.

The photographs while to some are shocking I believe is the perfect conversation starter over the issue of homosexuality and the church. Now, I do not know the motivation behind this series of photographs by its creators. The only insight that has been given was that on The Daily Dot in which the website asked the creators of the series if this past election had anything to do with the series. As most of you may know, Mitt Romney is also a member of the LDS church and is an opponent to same-sex marriage. Neil Dacosta and art director, Sara Phillips, had this to say.

"The timing definitely gives it a political undertone, as the LDS Handbook quote parallels the Republican social position," the two wrote. "There are a number of unanswered questions surrounding the influence of Mitt Romney's faith on his political positions." -Via: The Daily Dot

The quote that they are referring to is the one that can be found on the LDS Handbook. "Sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Any other sexual relations, including those between persons of the same gender, are sinful and undermine the divinely created institution of the family. The Church accordingly affirms defining marriage as the legal and lawful union between a man and a woman."  -LDS Handbook 2 21.4.10

 The fact of the matter is that people in the United States feel more uncomfortable with Mormons than they do homosexuals. We only make up about 2% of the nation, and we are a largely misunderstood religion. The number of us that are LGBT supporters often keep quiet about their stance on gay marriage in fear of belittlement of our fellow congregation. This is changing slowly, as well. More and more people are 'outing' themselves as supporters.

Just this past June, during a gay-pride parade in Salt Lake City, Utah over 800 active members of the Mormon church marched in support of their LGBT community members. The group called 'Mormons Building Bridges', have been very vocal about their feelings on same-sex marriage.

The series of photographs definitely sends out a powerful statement, and I believe get the message across, now what that message is... is up to you.

So many people like to use photography as a way to say something socially, so does this series use the art form as a way to put homosexuality and the church in the forefront, or is this simply exploitation at its finest?

You can view the entire online art exhibit at: www.mormonmissionarypositions.com