Staying in the Room, part 2 - With Jeff McLean

In last week’s episode, we heard from Michael McLean.This week, we continue the conversation with his son, Jeff McLean — and you will not want to miss it.Jeff shares his deeply personal story of growing up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while quietly carrying a truth he didn’t yet feel safe to live: he is gay.For years, Jeff tried to fit into a framework that didn’t align with who he knew himself to be. He talks openly about the exhaustion of pretending… the ache of wanting to belong… and the internal conflict of loving his faith, his family, and yet feeling there was no space for his whole self.Eventually, Jeff reached a breaking point.He made the courageous decision to stop hiding.In this powerful conversation, Jeff shares:What it was like growing up in a well-known Latter-day Saint familyThe emotional toll of suppressing his identityThe fear and freedom that came with coming outThe rocky early years with his parents, and what he has learned about unconditional loveHow their relationship slowly shifted from pain and misunderstanding to love and acceptanceToday, Jeff and his parents are not only close in their relationship — they are collaborators. Together, they have written a new book, "Stay in the Room", about what it means to remain present with each other through disagreement, hurt, faith transitions, and identity differences.This episode is tender. Honest. Hope-filled.It’s about truth-telling.It’s about staying.It’s about love that grows.Whether you are a parent of a child who has left your faith, someone navigating your own identity, or simply a human wanting to build deeper connection across difference — this conversation will move you.Jeff’s vulnerability is a gift. And his story is one that will stay with you.🎧 Listen now to this brave and beautiful episode of Just Love Them.Link to "Stay in the Room" on AmazonLink to "Stay in the Room" on Simon and SchusterLink to song, "Broken Healer" by Jeff McLeanConnect with Shiree at ⁠shireebest.com⁠ Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com