Latter-day Saint and original Studio C cast member Stacey Harkey shared a Facebook message on December 19, 2018, in which he came out as gay.

"I debated for quite some time if this was an announcement I should make publicly or if I should just quietly live my life and let it be," Harkey shares. "I knew telling the world my 30-year-old secret would open me up to a lot of potential criticism, backlash and pain . . . "

Despite knowing that he would face this, Harkey eventually made the decision for a beautiful reason: to help LGBT youth in Utah.

". . . did you know that Utah has the highest suicide rate amongst LGBT teens? Did you know there are soo many people in this community that are soo scared and unsupported that they feel the BEST alternative to living is death? So many people are living quiet lives afraid and unsure of themselves and I’m coming out for them. "I’m coming out so they know they’re not alone. I’m coming out in hopes that at least one LGBT teen feels like they have support. I’m coming out because I have a unique position in this community and no matter how much criticism comes my way it will be worth it if just one person avoids suicide or just feels better about themself."

And this message has been met with love and positivity for the most part as friends have commented on his post:

"Thank you, Stacey. I have had several students come out to me. I have been honored to be a friend to them. You will have unique power to build love and acceptance. Blessings!" "So much love to you, man! As a fellow queer BYU grad it's so awesome to see others being authentically themselves out in the open—and especially in your position of influence. You are so courageous, and lives will be blessed because of it."

But his message carried another sweet message—one that came from Harkey's experience as a member of the Church wrestling with his identity.