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Community of Christ

Robert Charles Swoffer (1949-1986)

Robert Charles Swoffer was born 22 July 1949 to Bruce William Charles Swoffer and Mildred Lorene Ledsworth.

In 1971, Robert graduated from Graceland College (now University), the RLDS school in Lamoni, Iowa. He participated for several years in the International Mr. Leather contests during the early 1980s. Also during the early 1980s, Robert was the primary coordinator for the Kansas City chapter of Affirmation: Gay Mormons United. In November 1983, there were 12 people in this chapter, eight of whom were RLDS (including Robert) and four of whom were LDS. The RLDS support group, GALA (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance) was formed from this Affirmation chapter, and strongly supported by Robert's efforts.

Robert died from AIDS complications in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri on 15 November 1986, at the age of 37. He is survived by his sister, Merlene Gay Swoffer Brush, who has written his story for the upcoming publication, Homosexual Saints: The Community of Christ Experience; and by her two sons and two daughters.

Sources:

William D. Russell, "Empowering Homosexuals in the Church: A History of GALA", John Whitmer Historical Association Journal, Vol. 26 (2006), pp. 215 and 217.

Please add your own tribute by sending an email to James Kent.