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Affirmation 1985 Conference Report From the December 1985 issue of Affinity.  See Photo GalleryThe 7th Affirmation General Conference was held October 11-13, 1985 in San Diego, California. Over a hundred gay and lesbian Mormons gathered from across the United Sates and Canada. Friday The San Diego Chapter provided a setting at the Old Town Education Center for a Mexican Fiesta on Friday night. Saturday The national leadership meeting convened Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m.; Ina Mae Murri was unanimously elected to a second term of office as general coordinator of Affirmation; individual chapter and group reports were presented, after which Paul Mortensen presented a financial statements. The rest of the morning and afternoon was devoted to prepared seminars; these included: "The History and Purpose of Affirmation" conducted by Paul Mortensen, "Mental Health Issues Regarding Homosexuality" conducted by the San Francisco Chapter, "Developments in the Modern Church regarding Homosexuality" conducted by the Phoenix Chapter, "Can the Conflicts between Mormonism and Gays/Lesbians be Resolved?" conducted by the Chapter-at-Large, "Mormon Feminism: Does it fit in with the Feminist Movement?" conducted by the Salt Lake Chapter. During the lunch break, a video tape of the Australian 60 show about the Church and Affirmation was shown. From 2:00 until 4:00 Dr. Drew Mattison, a Ph.D. in profession psychology, a board-certified sexologist, and member of the Clinical Institute for Human Relationships presented a seminar on "Developing and Maintaining Intimacy in Relationships." Saturday evening, everyone gathered at Mission Bay for a Hawaiian luau dinner (leis of plumeria blossoms flown in by jet from Honolulu thanks to S.L.), and enjoyed a live Hawaiian hula dance performance. Sunday Sunday morning devotional was held at the Old Town Education Center. The Sunday morning devotional was extra special. Talks by Barry, Mari and Don and music by Matt and Cheryl brought lumps to throats and tears to eyes. There was an all American style picnic in a beautiful Presidio Park. All was just right for the events scheduled and we were able to be serious, fun, friendly or spiritual as we wished. Thanks to all of the San Diego chapter who worked so hard on facilities, food, picking up people at the airport and being gracious hosts cannot be expressed enough. Special thanks to seminar facilitators Paul, Martin, Marriner, Chris, Randy and a special thanks to Margo Cheney who facilitated our first meeting of parents. There was nothing but praise for all of the seminars.
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