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Women's Voices

Alyson Bolles

Sharing a Global Experience

By Alyson Bolles, Senior Assistant Director
From an Affinity editorial, August 2004

June's Affirmation Women's Retreat was a success, and there are already plans in the works for a First Annual Affirmation Women's Retreat next May. Please plan to come, and tell all your friends! With feedback from this year's retreat, and the fact that we expect higher attendance next year; the next retreat, will be more structured with workshops on spirituality, healing from abuse, history of Lesbian Mormons, and other topics. There will also be plenty of time to have fun and get to know one another. Menucha Retreat Center, where we met this year, proved to be the perfect setting. It is in a beautiful National Scenic Area, has almost brand-new accommodations, and is moderately priced. With higher attendance next year, the price will be lower.

There was a lot of great discussion at the retreat. And hearing each other's stories was one of my favorite things about the weekend. The circumstances we find ourselves in as Mormon Lesbians never cease to amaze me.

I have heard from women this year from all over the globe. I've also spent much more time this year thinking about what it means to be Lesbian and Mormon as a result of my conversations with these women. I've found messages in my inbox from Lesbian Mormons in Ecuador, Egypt, Canada, Brazil, Florida, Great Britain, and New Mexico, to name a few places. From married, to college student, to jobless and newly divorced with sole responsibility of 5 children. the list goes on. I wish there were more opportunities to share our global experience. Mormon culture is truly worldwide. There are little dykes being born into Mormon families everywhere. I hope that, as time goes on, we will be more visible to those coming out and seeking support.

I am grateful to be part of Affirmation and believe whole-heartedly that we make a difference. We are truly living in historic times, and many decisions that will affect those coming out behind us will be decided in the near future. I hope that our message of affirming GLBTQI people of religious heritage will give more people the courage to stand up for equal rights and help put an end to discrimination. I've read heartening things from regular everyday Mormons. There are families who are an integral part of the church who do support us. They do so because they know one or more of us are taking a higher ground than being taught in presently in the Church. Our presence is important.

Supporting and being a part of Affirmation does make a difference. I know because I speak often to those new to the family of Affirmation. I look forward to putting some faces to those emails at the Annual Conference in October!