Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

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Gay Mormons Are Advocate's Cover Story

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by Jason Clark
March 27, 2005

"Up Against the Mormon Church--One of the most powerful forces against gay equality confronts its most powerful adversaries: gay and lesbian Mormons." Thus reads the cover of the April 12 issue of the The Advocate, available this week in bookstores across the country. The cover features two Afirmation friends, Aaron Cloward and Stephen Shroy, posing in missionary attire and holding hands in front of the Salt Lake Temple.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the most powerful forces working to defeat gay equality, and openly gay and lesbian Mormons are the most powerful force working to change their church," reads the article. "What has become clear to tens of thousands of GLBT Mormons is the harsh fact that although they may have left the church, the church won't stop meddling in their lives... . The LDS Church is a formidable opponent of gay equality. It's also quite a force to reckon with if you're young and queer and growing up Mormon."

The article goes on with experiences of GLBT Mormons; a fairly accurate history of the LDS Church; quotes from a number of prominent national leaders including Olin Thomas, Executive Director of Affirmation, Evan Wolfson, founder of Freedom to Marry, and Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the LDS Church; and an analysis of the LDS Church's political activities.

Because of The Advocate's potential to reach so many of our brothers and sisters across the U.S., Affirmation placed a paid ad in the same issue (see pg. 55). We invite you to support this outreach effort by making a special one-time donation (tax deductible!) to Affirmation. The cost to place the advertisement was $2,295.00, with the ad design and graphics work having been donated by a supportive graphic designer. If you can help, send a check to:

A.N.O.
P.O. Box 6369
Long Beach, CA 90806

Write "advertising fund" in the memo area or cover letter. You may also write a letter authorizing credit card charges.

We encourage all Affirmation members to check out this issue!