The temple reminded me I’m not part of their forever

I just went through our local temple open house with my family (at the request of my TBM mom), and honestly, I just feel sad.

Out of the seven kids in my family, the three oldest (myself included) have left the church, and the youngest three are PIMO. Five of us are LGBTQ+. My parents wanted everyone — partners and kids included — to go to the open house with them because “it’s the only time we’ll ever be in the temple together.”

I didn’t even ask my husband to attend because he has very negative feelings toward this particular temple, and I chose not to bring our child either.

During the visit, we watched a video in the chapel that emphasized sealings are only for straight couples. It also claimed that the ceremonies performed in the temple today are the same as those from biblical times (which I’m not sure is even accurate).

The temple itself was physically beautiful, but I couldn’t enjoy it knowing what it represents. For me, it’s not a peaceful or sacred space — it’s a symbol of exclusion. It reminds me that my TBM family believes we won’t be together in the next life.

In the celestial room, our family ended up getting physically separated, which felt like a metaphor for that belief — that because we don’t conform, we don’t belong. Not even in eternity. I’m pretty sure most of us walked out feeling sad, angry, or nothing at all.

I just wanted to share this and how it made me feel. Thanks for reading.