Dec, 2001

My name is Carrie Ulrich, and I am a doctoral level graduate student at the California School of Professional Psychology. As part of my dissertation I am conducting a study exploring the experiences of Mormon women who currently have, or in the past have had, same sex orientation. Participants in this project will be asked to fill out a demographic information form and take part in a two-hour personal interview. Research on Mormon women experiencing same sex orientation is scarce. This project will give Mormon women an opportunity to tell their stories and contribute to new research that may benefit others with similar experiences.

I found out this organization through your internet site. Let me commend you for your pioneering efforts in providing support and voice for this often unheard minority. This project is hoping to build on efforts such as yours.

I would like to ask your help in recruiting volunteers for this project. I have included a copy of the Question-and-Answer sheet and flier which could be made available to interested participants by posting it on your web cite or placing it on your mailing list. Please note that confidentiality is of primary concern in this project, as is treating the women who participate with the dignity and respect they deserve.

I would be very interested in speaking with you to discuss ways we could work together on this project, or to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to e-mail me or call me at (510) 814-9502. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
Carrie Ulrich

Volunteers Needed

For a research project on LDS women with same sex orientation. If you would like to contribute to new research on LDS women (age 23+) with same sex orientation by sharing your experiences in a private, 1-1/2 to 2 hour, one on one interview, please contact:

Carrie Ulrich at (510) 814-9502

Note: This study is in fulfillment of a requirement for my doctoral degree at the California School of Professional Psychology.

Questions and Answers

Q. Who is conducting this research and why?
A. My name is Carrie Ulrich, and I am a graduate school student at the California School of Professional Psychology in Alameda, California. I am doing this research as part of a final project required to get a doctoral degree in psychology. I am also a Mormon woman. I have noticed that LDS women with same sex orientation are significantly under-represented in academic research, and are often misunderstood by members of the church. I chose this project to help non-members and members better understand the experiences of these women.

Q. What are the qualifications to participate?
A. This project will need women volunteers who:

• are 23 years of age or older,
• live within a 75 mile radius of Salt Lake City, Utah, or a 75 mile radius of Alameda, California,
• are currently members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
• have experienced same sex attraction at some point during their membership in the LDS church.

Q. What would I be asked to do, and how much time would I have to commit?
A. Basically you would be asked to participate in a one-on-one personal interview. More specifically, you would be asked to:

• review and sign a consent form, 20 to 40 minutes.
• fill out a demographics survey, 15 to 30 minutes.
• review the interview questions before the interview, 10 to 30 minutes.
• take part in a one-to-one personal interview at a time and place convenient for you, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

• How your family of origin has influenced your experience as a Mormon woman with same sex orientation.
• How the gay/lesbian community has influenced your experience as a Mormon woman with same sex orientation.
• How the Mormon community has influenced your experience as a Mormon woman with same sex orientation.
• What are your personal perceptions of the causes of same sex orientation.
• How the potential conflict between your orientation and your religious beliefs has influenced your spirituality.

Q. What if I agree to participate and then change my mind?
A. You can withdraw at any time, with absolutely no penalty to you, and without giving any explanation. All material collected to that point will be destroyed.

Q. I still have questions before I would be willing to participate, what do I do?
A. Please feel free to give me a call or contact me by e-mail, I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have. You would not need to identify yourself in order to receive answers to your questions.

Q. I think I'd like to volunteer, where can I contact you?
My Contact Information:

Carrie Ulrich
Telephone: (510) 814-9502