Neon Trees singer Tyler Glenn isn't quite sure how to describe his brand of Mormonism. Unlike, say, Catholicism or Judaism, where people sometimes identify as a member of the faith without actively participating, Mormonism tends to be more in-or-out. But Glenn doesn't want to have to pick.

He might not attend church weekly, but Glenn, who served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, identifies as Mormon, as do the other members of the band. He also came out as gay in an article in Rolling Stone in March, something not typically viewed as compatible with the faith.

"I'm a dude that's fighting between both identities," he told BuzzFeed.

The reaction to his coming out surprised him. "It was a bigger deal than I expected," he said. "A lot of people reached out."

Among those who sent messages were local church leaders. One stake president told him, "This is a good thing you're doing." Old mission companions also messaged him, including some who have also come out as gay since their missions.

But not everyone's reaction was positive. The article was posted on his mission's Facebook wall, and "there was a lot of negative comments," he said. It was later removed. Some strangers sent him messages saying he couldn't be both Mormon and gay.

"I think there are a lot of gay people in all religions that feel that they don't have a voice," he said. "The most negativity I got was atheists being mad I still had faith in my church."