BYU graduate who came out as gay describes fear on campus

Matt Easton poses for a photograph as he sits in a park Monday, April 29, 2019, in Cottonwood Heights , Utah. Easton, A gay student who came out during a valedictorian speech at Mormon-owned Brigham Young University is earning applause and admiration from fellow students and figures like actress Kristin Chenoweth and the husband of gay Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A student who came out as gay during a valedictorian speech at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-owned Brigham Young University says he lived in fear of being reported for a violation the school’s strict code of conduct forbids dating among members of the same sex.

Matt Easton made the comments during an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” that aired Monday in which she gave him a check for $10,000.

Easton says he worried that he could be reported for even hugging or shaking a man’s hand on campus while on campus.

DeGeneres applauded Easton for his bravery. The TV appearance was the latest praise and attention Easton has received since he said in his April 26 speech that he was “proud to be a gay son of God.”

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