Introduction
Connell O'Donovan (born in 1961) is an American historian, biographer, and professional genealogist. He was born in Utah, but spent much of his life in California. He has written on LGBT Utah history, and Black Mormon history.
Early life and education
He was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and as a young man was subjected to hypnotherapy sexual orientation change efforts as recommended by his LDS church leaders in attempts to change his gay attractions. He was a Mormon missionary in Brazil, was married in the Salt Lake Temple but later divorced, and was excommunicated from the LDS Church in 1991. He studied history at the University of Utah.
Advocacy
In 1990 he organized the first LGBT pride march in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has also advocated for Ugandan LGBT refugees in Utah. He has been an outspoken against sexual orientation change efforts and conversion therapy. He has published information on LGBT Mormon history. In the 1980s he was involved with the Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah (GLCCU), and was later the founding director of the Lesbian and Gay Historical Society of Utah.