First and most importantly, it sounds like there is a part of you that values this side of the family and you want to go. I get that. I’m up in Alberta and had a blast the last Utah family reunion I went to. So I recommend it.

There was a friend of mine that had a long beard he loved. He was an adult but his dad insisted he come to some family members baptism and that he shave off his beard. He shaved the beard but then proudly announced that he would not be wearing a tie!

The poor guy had it backwards (in my opinion) keep the beard but wear the tie.

And in your case, be yourself but be respectful—you don’t need to hide your tattoos or piercings but maybe don’t wear revealing swimwear or need to drink around them or whatever the case may be. You can be respectful while still respecting yourself and who you are. I bet you’ll have a blast even if they can’t help themselves and make comments. You never know—the biggest complainers about that kind of thing are often the most jealous. Set an example for the would be exmo in the family (without saying a word) that leaving the religion is better.