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Gay Mormons Meet in Brazil They discuss what role Affirmation can play in helping gay Mormons by Lucio Bezerra July 2008 Ten Brazilian gay Mormons attended the Affirmation conference I organized March 8-9 in Brazil. The two-day event took place in Tinguá, near Rio de Janeiro. Among other topics, we discussed the issue of marriage equality, discrimination issues, and the problem of lack of understanding by the Church towards GLBT people. We discussed what role Affirmation can play in helping gay Mormons. We also socialized and had a nice dinner in a nearby restaurant. Many still know very little about Affirmation. While some believe we are a gay group like any other, others fear we are an arm of the LDS Church. By means of the Portuguese website, we’re trying to educate people about Affirmation. There’s a lot of work to do in showing people how serious and important our work is. We would like to have another meeting and make plans for the future. We noticed that many of our lesbian sisters and gay brothers are attending gay-friendly churches. There are many who no longer believe in the scriptures or the LDS Church, and we don’t know exactly how to help them out. During the conference, some said they hope for the day when they can use their priesthood again. They miss the Church and they don’t know whether they should go on missions or come out to their parents. There’s a lot of work to do here in Brazil. Thanks to Affirmation International for having supported this event. It’s good to know that we’re a worldwide family. Blessings, Your friends in Affirmation Brazil
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www.affirmation.org