Neon Trees singer finds support, moves on

Associated Press

NEW YORK

When Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees announced last month that he’s gay, the bigger headline behind his revelation was that he is one of the few publicly out Mormons.

The reaction he got wasn’t what he was expecting.

“I was surprised at how many Mormon church leaders wrote me messages saying, ‘This is great that you’re doing this,’” the 30-year-old lead singer said in a recent interview. “That really was cool.”

Glenn said he is looking forward to speaking up about gay acceptance in his religious culture and assisting young adults who face some of the hardships that he experienced.

“On the level of being a role model for kids or LGBT Mormon youths, I’m totally down because I come from that background, and I would be able to speak to them honestly,” he said.

Glenn has performed with the Provo, Utah-based Neon Trees for nearly a decade. All members of the alternative band are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Neon Trees, which also includes Elaine Bradley, Chris Allen and Branden Campbell, achieved platinum-selling hits with 2009’s “Animals” and 2011’s “Everybody Talks.”

The alternative band released its third album, “Pop Psychology,” on Tuesday.

Neon Trees will come to Stage AE in Pittsburgh on May 14. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.

Glenn said his recent revelation isn’t a reflection of the entire band.

“I was also really clear to my bandmates: We’re not a gay band all of a sudden; this doesn’t typecast us,” he said. “I’m a gay man and it’s fine, and our shows aren’t going to become a gay show.”

“It’s really cool that the media has created an environment where someone can come out and be honest about such things,” said Allen, the band’s guitarist.

Glenn said he hopes members of the Mormon church will continue to become more understanding and accepting of homosexuality and gay marriage.