LGBT Mormons and Allies Gather in the Bay Area

by Diane Oviatt

We had a beautiful evening Sunday night with around 25 souls, gay Mormons, gay non-Mormons, and many straight allies. We watched John Dehlin’s amazing Ted Talk, and shared stories of our personal journeys and hopes and ideas for opening hearts and minds. We laughed, cried and ate.

My wonderful friend Craig Stewart, first counselor in the Oakland Stake presidency, graced us with his loving presence and was moved by everyone’s words. He was his usual affirming self, and it meant a lot to everyone there. It is my firm belief that it is through personal accounts, names and faces, that we will soften hearts and open doors.