Affirmation in the News
Portions of a statement released by the Executive Committee of Affirmation regarding recent policy changes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints impacting transgender Latter-day Saints were included in a New York Times article written by Ruth Graham.
Holland’s speech called for symbolic violence in response to efforts to be more inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ students and the broader community at Brigham Young University. Fred Bowers “pointed to the speech as one of many recent examples of how the faith has made LGBTQ+ members feel isolated,” in interview with the Associated Press.
Why is it important to nominate Affirmation Members and Leaders for the Mortensen Award? Within every organization, there are folks whose leadership skills and commitment to serving others combine to…
The photo that accompanies the recent Atlantic article about the Church is the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, the design and construction of which was directed by Laurie Lee Hall, the former Chief Architect of Temples for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was forced from her position for no other reason than she was a transgender woman.
National non-profit organization Affirmation LGBTQ Mormons Family and Friends, began its first Hawaii chapter in the Laie community this year, said organizers, due to a need voiced by BYU–Hawaii students and faculty.
Nathan Kitchen is president of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ individuals and their families as they navigate the intersections they occupy in life, including the ways they interact with the Mormon church, whether they’re members or not. Kitchen, an alumnus of BYU, spoke with me to discuss the changes and ambiguity in the honor code, its impact on students, and what could instead be done to create a safer and more loving environment for LGBTQ individuals.
All students have the right, regardless of sexual orientation to enjoy chaste, affectionate public behavior without any fear of reprisal. LGB students are worthy of the same rights, protections, and freedom of loving expressions which are afforded their heterosexual peers.