“No One Else Was Talking About It, So It Must Be Taboo”

Abstract

This study examines the social consequences Mormon feminists face when they advocate for gender equality in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon). Ten in-depth interviews with Mormon feminist women reveal they face both informal and formal social controls or sanctions within their religious communities. Initial emerging themes include: fear, loss, and persistence. Despite facing these issues, many Mormon feminists persist in social activism and remain committed, faithful members of the LDS Church notwithstanding the often-painful consequences encountered.