Above: (Photo courtesy Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.) Gay BYU graduate Matthew Easton is interviewed by Ellen DeGeneres on her nationally syndicated talk show.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) | A student who came out as gay during a valedictorian speech at Mormon-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 on May 6 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.”
