Key Highlights
- Heather Gay, star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, will star in a new Bravo limited series titled “Surviving Mormonism.”
- The series aims to uncover the dark history and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- In the show, Gay has conversations with abuse survivors, ex-Mormons, and former church leaders to empower victims and bring awareness.
- Each episode will focus on different aspects of Mormonism’s past and present, including outdated practices and the experiences of those who have left the faith.
The Rise of Heather Gay as a Critic of Mormonism
Heather Gay, known for her appearances on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has been vocal about her departure from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her journey is detailed in her book “Bad Mormon,” which candidly explores her experience within the faith and her subsequent estrangement. As a star of Bravo’s reality TV series, Gay’s personal narrative forms the backbone of “Surviving Mormonism,” offering a critical perspective on the church’s practices and history.
Exploring the Dark History Through Surviving Mormonism
The limited series “Surviving Mormonism” premieres on November 11th at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT, with all three episodes available on Peacock starting on November 12th. Each episode will delve into different facets of the Mormon Church’s history and practices, interviewing both victims and advocates for change.
In “A Bad Mormon,” Gay reflects on her own departure and meets David Matheson, a former Mormon who now advocates against harmful conversion therapies. This conversation sets the stage for an exploration of how the church has been complicit in the abuse of its members.
Empowering Survivors and Advocating for Change
In “The Highest Level of Heaven,” Gay discusses her personal struggles with guilt over leaving a friend behind who remained critical of Mormonism. The episode includes stories from abuse survivors, which challenge the church’s image as a unified and supportive community. A former Bishop shares his experiences, revealing the complexities within the hierarchy that often fail to address issues effectively.
The final episode, “Change Is Gonna Come,” focuses on the stories of Jennie and Lizzy, who faced severe abuse but were ignored by their church leadership. These powerful narratives underscore the need for accountability and reform within the Mormon Church. Heather’s decision to take action highlights the show’s commitment to not only documenting these issues but also working towards tangible change.
Produced by IPC and Executive Producers
“Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay” is produced by Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), a division of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, and Erin Gamble, who serves as the showrunner. Gay herself is also an executive producer, adding her voice to the creative team.
This limited series promises to shed light on the less visible aspects of Mormonism, challenging its seemingly perfect image and advocating for change in a deeply personal and engaging manner. Through interviews with survivors, former leaders, and advocates, “Surviving Mormonism” aims to empower victims while pushing for reform within the church.
