Dan Reynolds Says His Childhood Pastor Has Not Spoken to Him in a Decade — All Because of One Film

Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds has built a second identity in recent years — not just as a chart-topping rock singer, but as one of the most vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ youth within religiously conservative communities. Now, in a striking personal revelation, he says that activism came at a heavy personal cost.

Reynolds claims his childhood pastor has refused to speak to him for more than 10 years — ever since he began publicly challenging his own faith tradition through his documentary Believer.

A career-risking decision — rooted in alarm

Believer, released in 2018, followed Reynolds as he confronted the alarming mental-health crisis among LGBTQ+ youth in Utah, the cultural center of the faith tradition he was raised in.

As troubling data emerged — suicide among Utah youth doubling within just five years — Reynolds felt compelled to act. The film anchored his public commitment to building safer, more loving environments for young people who felt unseen or unsupported.

LOVELOUD becomes the movement’s megaphone

To turn advocacy into direct action, Reynolds co-created the LOVELOUD Festival — a music and storytelling event that raises millions for organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth. His longtime friend Tyler Glenn, frontman of Neon Trees, helped shape the festival’s messaging and mission.

The goal is not simply tolerance. Reynolds is explicit:

acceptance alone isn’t enough — celebration is required.

The personal fallout

The documentary’s release brought headlines, awards, and widespread support — but also quiet ruptures.

Reynolds says he lost the spiritual relationship to the pastor who guided his childhood, explaining that the former mentor “hasn’t spoken to me in 10 years.” That silence has become one of the most painful reminders of how activism can cost a person long-standing bonds.

Yet Reynolds remains firm: his focus is on young people who feel trapped between faith identity and personal identity — the people he says need adults to choose empathy.

A message that outlasts the film

Believer earned a GLAAD Media Award and ultimately shifted entire conversations inside a major American faith community — conversations that continue today.

Whether through massive festival stages or quiet social media posts, Reynolds’ core message has stayed the same:

young people deserve to feel safe, valued, and celebrated for who they are.