ABC/Randy HolmesImagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds is planning a benefit show in support of LGBTQ youth who feel they have to hide or suppress their identity because of religious teachings. The event is called Love Loud, and will be held August 26 in Provo, Utah.
“This Love Loud festival is going to get out people of all types — the LGBTQ community as well as the orthodox religion community and people with no faiths,” Reynolds tells Billboard. “And have them all come together to listen to music and to speakers who will talk about how important it is for families to not just accept it, but let their children know they’re beautiful the way they are, and if there is a God, then God is all for it.”
Reynolds himself is Mormon, a religion that teaches, as he puts it, “if you are gay and acting upon it, that is sinful.”
“That is a very dangerous and hurtful and hateful thing to preach and to teach our children,” says Reynolds. “To be gay is beautiful and right and perfect; to tell someone they need to change their inner-most being is setting up someone for an unhealthy life and unhealthy foundation.”
“I believe in Mormons and I believe in people in orthodox religion and I believe they have good hearts,” he continues. “But I believe we all can be educated on the matter to create positive change. This is about awareness more than anything.”
Imagine Dragons will perform at the Love Loud festival, as will Neon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn, who split with the Mormon church due to its stance on homosexuality.
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