Family
I remember entering the Metropolitan Church on Castro’s Eureka Street, where the Affirmation meeting was happening. A full battle was raging inside me. One side said, “Leave now!” and the other side said “Stay!” as I slowly walked up the stairs to the second floor.
Conference time is coming soon, and we are excited to have amazing speakers, programs and workshops focusing on youth empowerment, trans and genderqueer stories, self-care, intersectionality, finding an authentic spiritual path, and much, much more!
Please consider making a donation of any amount that you are able. Given the heart-breaking challenges of the past year, the need for the life-saving community and connection that Affirmation offers has never been greater.
For many years I have struggled, first to have the love of someone who despised me. Then I fought to be someone I was not, then I struggled to accept who I really am… I may have been abandoned in this life by earthly parents, but my heavenly Father has never left me.
I marveled at the strength of conviction these friends have in the face of cultural and religious discrimination in so many of their communities and even from their loved ones in many cases. While affirming my admiration for their faithfulness, I voiced my belief that the only real testimony I currently can state with conviction, is my testimony of them.
There were so many souls with pain and hurt in our group. Pain that they have been hiding for years. Many still carried that pain with them. It filled my heart to see so many let go of pain and just be at peace with themselves. I have to wonder how many of us do the same thing with our lives? We carry unneeded pain that can be let go.
Community and family acceptance are key. Individuals who want to make a difference for LGBT Mormon teens and adults can begin by engaging in conversations. Download some resources here that you can use to facilitate some of those conversations.
I knew when I was 9 years old that I was a boy. I knew by 12 that I liked girls. I didn’t realize until I was a teenager that the world really did just see me as a girl…. In November of 2014, I finally came out to my bishopric and told them I identify as male.
As a church we must find our way just as individual members must find their way. I have faith that one day there will be a place in Heavenly Father’s Church for all of his children. I do not know the path, nor do I know when, or how, or with what special conditions, … but I can wait. I know Heavenly Father loves each of us, and eventually we will find a safe, welcoming “home” as members within His church.