We are fast approaching the end of 2022. For me, this means pausing amid the bustle to reflect on things I am grateful for.

It has been an absolute honor to take my turn here for a season as president of Affirmation, to help build and strengthen a beloved community that stands as a refuge of safety, love, and hope; a place to land, heal, share, and be authentic.

I have often thought that Affirmation is like a mirror, for Affirmation reflects the hopes, dreams, joys, struggles, grief, and intersections of each and every unique queer soul. It is empowering when Affirmation sees you—and mirrors your values, your hopes, your dreams so that you can see yourself reflected in this great worldwide network of mentors and peers. Affirmation is you, and our collective superpower is our ability to support one another in the diversity of intersections we represent.

You are not alone. You are seen, you are understood. You are welcome here.

I have one final ask here at year end. Affirmation’s ability to fulfill its life-saving and life-giving mission is dependent on financial donations.

Inflation and stock market losses have reduced the amount of support our major donors can give to Affirmation. This year, more than ever, Affirmation will depend on supporters like you. One-time donations from 10-100 dollars as well as one-time gifts of $500, or $1,000 to $5,000 dollars, will be the key to continuing our reach as we build supportive communities. In addition, giving a recurring monthly donation of any amount is very easy to set up on our website and is a convenient method to give in a way that is manageable for your own finances.

Both church news and secular news demonstrate how critical Affirmation is to the well-being of Queer Latter-day Saints. I need your help as a supporter of Affirmation to give generously to make the mission and vision of Affirmation a reality for thousands of people around the world. Affirmation is a critical part of the social and community health of those with Latter-day Saint heritage. We are committed to expanding this in 2023. We have the worldwide infrastructure in place to make this possible, we just need your financial support to make it happen.

Before I sign off, I would be ungrateful if I did not acknowledge the life-changing support Affirmation provided me and my family at a critical time in my life. It doesn’t matter to me the title I carry in Affirmation, president or regular Joe, I just look forward to continuing on in my full support of Affirmation, where together –in whatever capacity we are able—we will build lifesaving and lifegiving communities of safety, love, and hope for our peers.

Together let us make that difference.

Thank you