It feels like we've been waiting ages to see Image Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds' documentary on members of the LGBTQ community within the Mormon religion, but on June 25 that wait was over. Reynolds' documentary, Believer, is now streaming on HBO.
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The documentary follows Reynolds as he explores what it's like to be an LGBTQ member of the Mormon religion through the lens of Reynolds' own journey from Missionary to GRAMMY-winning rock star and fierce LGBTQ advocate. The film focuses especially on LGBTQ youth, who have a higher rate of suicide than their heterosexual peers.
"It was a shaming experience that sent me into the first depression I experienced in my life," Reynolds told USA Today on his experience of being kicked out of his religious university for having sex with his then-girlfriend. "That, on a very small scale, is what our LGBTQ youth feel every single day, which is that within homes of faith, you have to choose between what you believe and who you love. No one should be forced to choose that."
Believer follows the founding of Reynolds' LoveLoud Foundation, which raises awareness and funds to support LGBTQ youth through a yearly music festival. The 2018 installment of LoveLoud Fest will take place July 28 in Salt Lake City with Imagine Dragons, Zedd, Mike Shinaoda, Grace Vanderwaal, and more. All funds raised from the event will benefit LGBTQ organizations, including Encircle, Trevor Project and the Tegan and Sara Foundation.
You can catch Believer streaming now on HBO, and if you want to support Reynolds' work supporting the LGBTQ community, tickets are available to LoveLoud Fest via the organization's website.
