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Watch this video of Matt Easton, valedictorian of the Political Science Department, giving the convocation speech for BYU graduation in the Marriott Center and announcing, “I stand before my family, friends, and graduating class today to say that I am proud to be a gay son of God.”

“I stand before my family, friends, and graduating class today to say that I am proud to be a gay son of God. [cheers] I am not broken. I am loved and important in the plan our Great Creator.” “Four years ago, it would have been impossible for me to imagine that I would come out to my entire college. It is a phenomenal feeling.”

The whole speech is wonderful and worth a watch. (The homebrew phone production values can be forgiven for how tender it is to hear the voice of the camerawoman–I assume his sister?–bursting with pride saying to a small child, “Is that uncle Matty?”)

His faculty adviser, Prof. John B. Holbein, gave a lovely and supportive tribute on Twitter:

I couldn’t be prouder of my student, friend, and coauthor @easton_matty. He’s graduating from @byu today as Valedictorian of the political science department. Matt is a great scholar and a gem of a human being. pic.twitter.com/mOTQ7ndDJE — John B. Holbein (@JohnHolbein1) April 26, 2019

I was deeply touched by the response to this moment at BYU Convocation today; many in the audience applauded and cheered. Even in the heart of Mormon country, there are many allies. Though I don't always feel this way, today was a small moment that filled me with hope. 🏳️‍🌈 https://t.co/37ma9Vx05B — John B. Holbein (@JohnHolbein1) April 27, 2019

Rise and shout, Cougars. This is a joyful and proud day for BYU.