RHOSLC’s Heather Gay Confronts Past Trauma by Meeting Former Gay Conversion Therapist on New Series

Heather Gay, widely recognized for her candid presence on"The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" (RHOSLC), is taking her advocacy and storytelling further with a new limited documentary series titled"Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay" . Premiering Tuesday, November 11 on Bravo, and available to stream on Peacock the following day, the series promises to delve into the complex and often painful experiences of former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing especially on those whose identities and truths placed them outside the bounds of the church’s teachings .

A centerpiece of the series is Heather Gay’s conversation with David Matheson, a former Mormon and once prominent figure in the conversion therapy movement. Matheson, sometimes referred to as the"godfather of conversion therapy" within Mormon circles, spent years counseling LGBTQ+ individuals to suppress or change their sexual orientation in accordance with church doctrine. In a significant turn, Matheson has since come out as gay and now speaks openly about the harm inflicted by conversion therapy practices and the damaging beliefs he once held .

Heather Gay's encounter with Matheson is framed as an"impactful conversation," with Matheson detailing how his own journey toward authenticity led him to renounce conversion therapy and acknowledge its destructive impact on countless lives within the Mormon community and beyond. This meeting is a pivotal moment in the series, providing both a personal and institutional reckoning with the legacy of conversion therapy and its consequences for LGBTQ+ people .

Heather Gay’s own story is central to the documentary’s narrative. After more than a decade as a committed member of the Mormon church, Gay began questioning its doctrines following her divorce in 2014. The church’s rigid teachings, especially regarding gender roles and LGBTQ+ rights, became untenable for her as she considered the future she wanted for her daughters."Mormonism was kind of the center of my universe," Gay has said, noting that it informed every choice she made—from marriage to motherhood and beyond .

Gay’s decision to leave the church was a profound personal rupture, one she describes as deeply isolating but necessary. She sought to have her name removed from church records and later chronicled her journey in a bestselling memoir,"Bad Mormon," published in 2023 .

"Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay" is structured as a three-part series, each episode highlighting different aspects of the church’s hidden abuses and the toll they take on individuals who dare to diverge from its expectations. In addition to her interview with Matheson, Gay hears from other former members and survivors, including a former Bishop and siblings who endured severe abuse without support or intervention from church authorities .

The series explicitly addresses how some church leaders ignored multiple reports of abuse, leaving survivors feeling abandoned and powerless. Gay’s investigation uncovers patterns of institutional silence and denial, amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized or silenced within the Mormon community .

The inclusion of David Matheson’s story in the series is particularly resonant given the ongoing debates about conversion therapy in the United States and globally. Conversion therapy has been widely discredited by medical and psychological associations, who deem it both ineffective and harmful. Many survivors report long-lasting psychological trauma and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation as a result of undergoing such practices .

While several U.S. states have enacted bans on conversion therapy for minors, the practice persists, especially within certain religious communities. Matheson’s public repudiation of his former work and advocacy for LGBTQ+ acceptance mark a significant shift in the conversation, offering hope and validation to those who have survived conversion therapy or fear its reach .

For LGBTQ+ viewers,"Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay" represents a rare and meaningful exploration of faith, identity, and resilience. By centering the voices of survivors and those who have rejected harmful ideologies, the series aims to foster understanding, healing, and accountability. Gay’s own journey from devoted Mormon to outspoken advocate underscores the personal stakes involved in confronting institutional abuse and exclusion .

The series has already generated significant support from fans and fellow"Housewives," with many expressing gratitude for Gay’s willingness to tackle difficult and often controversial subjects. The documentary’s affirmation of diverse identities and its challenge to systems of oppression align it with broader social movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

"Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay" will debut on Bravo on November 11 at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT, following a new episode of RHOSLC. All three episodes will be available for streaming on Peacock starting November 12, ensuring broad accessibility for viewers interested in these critical conversations .

As Heather Gay’s series prepares to launch, it stands as an invitation for reflection, dialogue, and change within and beyond the Mormon community.