Church LeadersStories and Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint Community

Hand Handshake Church Leader

We hope to provide resources, education, and support to church leaders so that they can effectively minister to LGBTQIA+ members of their wards and stakes while keeping in complete harmony with church authorities and guidelines. The willingness of church leaders to reach out to LGBTQIA+ members in their stewardship with love and understanding has helped many individuals stay close to the church and, subsequently, to the Lord.

If you are a bishop, stake president, or any leader in the church, you have a sacred role in ministering to LGBTQIA+ members which cannot be overemphasized. Often, you are the first person in whom they may confide. Your love and acceptance of them will lead them closer to the Savior and to His church. Most LGBTQIA+ members who remain active in their wards have had loving church leaders who have walked this journey with them and have sought the Lord’s will in helping individuals with their varying and diverse circumstances

In addition, bishops and stake presidents can create an atmosphere in their wards and stakes where LGBTQIA+ members can feel accepted and appreciated, regardless of what decisions they have made. Helping all ward members become more Christlike and accepting of others will provide opportunities for LBGTQIA+ members to feel the love of their fellow brothers and sisters, and know where to turn for love and support.

What to Expect from the Stories Shared

The stories and resources on this page are intended to help you, as a church leader, better understand the realities of being at the intersection of being LGBTQIA+ and being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of the stories are written by church leaders, some are written for church leaders, and some are written about church leaders.

Not all of these stories are going to depict the church and its leaders in a positive light. Many from this challenging intersection have experienced real trauma with lasting effects and their stories may be a reflection of that. Affirmation encourages the sharing of all stories as valuable contributions toward promoting understanding, acceptance, and self-determination of individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

It is our hope that, as a church leader, increasing your own understanding will help you to create an atmosphere of acceptance and appreciation for LGBTQIA+ members.

Resources

Affirmation Community Conversations Group Facebook group for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community in Affirmation to land, heal, share, and be authentic! Share your story, encourage others, and share events and news helpful to the community.
Official Church Website on Same-Sex Attraction The feelings of Church leaders as to how we should treat each other as part of the human family and a place where the people whose lives are impacted by attraction to the same sex can find inspiration to work through difficult challenges while remaining faithful to Church teachings.
Official Church Website on Transgender Church answers to common questions to help increase understanding of what it means to be transgender, participation in the Church by transgender individuals, and how to support those who are transgender.
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Affirmation Community Conversations Group Facebook group for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community in Affirmation to land, heal, share, and be authentic! Share your story, encourage others, and share events and news helpful to the community.
Mormons Building Bridges A community of Latter-day Saints dedicated to conveying love and acceptance to all those who identify as LGBTQIA+, same-sex attracted, or gender dysphoric.
Emmaus LGBTQ Ministry A community of heterosexual/cisgender and LGBTQ Latter-day Saints who are called to ministry for the safety, well-being, and happiness of LGBTQ people in and adjacent to The Church of Jesus Christ.
Leading Saints Podcasts, articles, and events to help Latter-day Saint leaders better minister to LGBTQIA+ church members.
Mormons Building Bridges A community of Latter-day Saints dedicated to conveying love and acceptance to all those who identify as LGBTQIA+, same-sex attracted, or gender dysphoric.
Listen, Learn & Love Former Young Single Adults Bishop Richard Ostler seeks to better understand his LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, believing that sharing stories of LGBTQ+ current and former Latter-day Saints helps to foster love and understanding.
Leading Saints Podcasts, articles, and events to help Latter-day Saint leaders better minister to LGBTQIA+ church members.
Supportive Families, Healthy Children – Family Acceptance Project Helping Latter-day Saint Families with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Children.
Leading Saints Podcasts, articles, and events to help Latter-day Saint leaders better minister to LGBTQIA+ church members.