{"id":2439,"date":"2013-10-01T16:35:18","date_gmt":"2013-10-01T22:35:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/affirmation.org\/?p=2439"},"modified":"2021-10-03T08:35:15","modified_gmt":"2021-10-03T14:35:15","slug":"affinity-october-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affirmation.org\/es\/afinidad-octubre-2013\/","title":{"rendered":"Affinity - Octubre de 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons\u2014Serving LGBT Mormons and Their Family and Friends Since 1977<\/span><\/p>\n

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Inside This Issue<\/b><\/p>\n
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  • 2013 Conference Report<\/li>\n
  • Affirmation Calendar<\/li>\n
  • Randall Thacker Receives the 2013 Mortensen Award<\/li>\n
  • Changes to Affirmation Charter & Bylaws Proposed<\/li>\n
  • Affirmation Release New Video<\/li>\n
  • Affirmation Announces Retreat in Nauvoo, Conference in Mexico<\/li>\n
  • Affirmation to Sponsor Gratitude & Service Gatherings during November<\/li>\n
  • Believe in Yourself and Believe in God’s Love for You<\/li>\n
  • BYU Students Speak Candidly about Suicide<\/li>\n
  • David Melson Remembered<\/li>\n
  • Recent Stories and Articles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
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2013 Conference Report<\/span><\/h2>\n

by John D. Gustav-Wrathall<\/h3>\n

The 2013 Affirmation Conference, held September 13-15, was one of the best attended in the history of the organization, with over 400 attending the \u201cEvening of Affirmation\u201d Saturday night, and 270 registered attendees participating in a variety of plenary talks, workshops, panels, luncheons and service projects.<\/p>\n

The conference attracted unprecedented numbers of straight allies, and in many cases entire families attended together with their LGBT children and siblings. Wendy Williams Montgomery, mother of a gay teen who is featured with her family in the Family Acceptance Project’s\u00a0Families Are Forever<\/em>\u00a0documentary<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0wrote of her family’s participation in the conference:<\/p>\n

I am at a loss for words. I cannot adequately describe the past 4 days. Moments I will never forget. My cup was filled to overflowing. The outpouring of God’s Spirit and the love of dear friends, brothers and sisters in the gospel – gay and straight – was truly some of the most powerful I have EVER felt. There was deep truth, rock solid faith, moving testimonies and Christ’s love shared in abundance.<\/p>\n

Seeing two of my children (one gay, one straight) having the time of their lives, dancing, playing with joyful abandon, being allowed to be “normal” teenagers – free to say whatever is on their mind, without fear of judgment or attack from people who don’t understand them. How they need these moments! This was yet another blessing from this weekend – watching Jordan free, uninhibited and radiant.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The conference featured voices from across the full spectrum of LGBT Mormon experience.\u00a0Benji Schwimmer spoke Friday evening, for instance, of his internalization of the best values from his Mormon upbringing even though he no longer has a desire for affiliation with the LDS Church. Gay former Mormon\u00a0Daniel Parkinson stressed\u00a0in his Saturday afternoon luncheon presentation that he no longer affiliates with the LDS Church, but as a therapist supports the choice of LGBT Mormons to engage with their faith and takes an interest in LGBT Mormon religious experience. However, this year’s Affirmation conference placed greater than ever emphasis on affirmation not only one’s sexuality but also their faith, and featured the voices of many LDS LGBT individuals who choose to stay connected with their Mormon faith and\/or are active in the Church.<\/p>\n

Friday Evening<\/span><\/h3>\n

The first night of the conference, the documentary\u00a0Families are Forever<\/em><\/a><\/strong>, featuring the family of Tom and Wendy Montgomery, was presented. The Montgomery’s were present with their gay teenage son Jordan. In the documentary, Tom and Wendy posed the painful, poignant question: Is there a future for our son in the Church? What is Heavenly Father’s plan for his gay sons and daughters? An\u00a0Affirmation Allies Award was presented to Caitlin Ryan, the film’s producer and LGBT Catholic who has taken a strong interest in the experience of LGBT Mormons. A new award,\u00a0the Tree of Life Award, was presented\u00a0to the documentary itself as \u201cthe best recent book, article, film, play or other creative\/expressive material that presents authentic LGBT Mormon stories to the world, that gives us voice and portrays our lives in the complexity and totality of who we are as spiritual, moral, emotional, relational and physical beings.\u201d A $1,000 grant to assist in the distribution of the documentary was also awarded.<\/p>\n

At the Friday evening event, after a moving\u00a0rendition of \u201cNearer My God to Thee,\u201d\u00a0Benji Schwimmer spoke\u00a0of his journey as a gay Mormon, and then transitioned to the Friday night Affirmation social by teaching dance moves to conference participants!<\/p>\n

Saturday Morning<\/span><\/h3>\n

Our sages were there, those who over decades of faithful witness have believed in us when no one else would, when even we had a difficult time believing in ourselves. Saturday morning, Carol Lynn Pearson, who has spent decades lovingly witnessing, hearing and telling and retelling our stories,\u00a0bore us testimony\u00a0of our story as she has observed it. We were not unworthy, undeserving and excommunicate. We were heroes. We — reluctantly or not — had accepted a call, faced our darkest demons, recovered the elixir of life, and were now called to return to our tribe to share with them the healing that both we and they most desperately needed.<\/p>\n

The strong interest of conference registrants in exploring the challenges and blessings of Church activity was demonstrated in the fact that the workshop with the highest participation \u2013 about 120 participants \u2013 was the\u00a0workshop entitled “Restoring our Relationships with the Restored Gospel and Church.” Conference organizers scheduled the workshop twice in one of the large meeting spaces. Both sessions were held for standing-room-only crowds, and many of the participants stayed for both sessions of the workshop. Bob Rees, another of our mentors spoke compellingly of how the principle of restoration could operate in the lives of LGBT Mormons, healing injury and repairing brokenness. Sam Noble, Ellen Koester, Tina Richerson and I shared insights from our experience staying connected to the Church or returning to the Church. Workshop attendees were invited to share their own stories of restoration. The stories revealed pain that was still raw, but also a deep yearning for faith and connection.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0panel on transgender Mormon experience\u00a0featured the stories and testimonies of transgender Mormons Sara Jade Woodhouse and Grayson Moore, and Grayson’s mother Neca Allgood. Other panels\/workshops included “Growing Up LGBT in America” (with HRC’s Ann E. Nicoll and Sharon Groves); “Follow Your Heart: Breaking Through Stereotypes and Confronting Shame, a Guide in Being a Fearless Lesbian Mormon” (with Tina Richerson, Hollie Hancock, Berta Marquez, Kim Mack, Anna Empey and Amy Larson); “Circles of Empathy” (with Kendall Wilcox of the Far Between Project); the “LDS Family Fellowship” panel (with Kathryn Steffenson and the Abhau family, Oviatt family and the Weyman family); a panel on “Spiritual Partnerships” (with Karin Hendricks and Tawyna Smith); ”\u00a0Building Local Communities for LDS LGBT\/SSA Individuals, Family and Friends” (with Bryan Hendrickson and Bryce Cook); a\u00a0BYU USGA panel\u00a0(with Adam White, Keith Trottier and others); and “Healing Our Spiritual Selves” (with Karin Hendricks, Tawnya Smith and Alaina Hendricks).<\/p>\n

Saturday Lunch and Afternoon<\/span><\/h3>\n

In the afternoon, there was a family\/parents discussion group with the Montgomerys, Abhaus, Weymanns, and Oviatts.<\/p>\n

Saturday’s luncheon featured Daniel Parkinson’s presentation of\u00a0a montage of testimonies of LGBT Mormons\u00a0who had, at the end of deep heartache, often on the verge of suicide, turned to God and been rewarded with powerful personal assurances of divine acceptance and approval. Saturday afternoon, conference participants had the opportunity to participate in three service projects: assembling resource packets at a local LGBT community center; preparing care packages for homeless youth; and making quilts for babies in a pre-natal unit.<\/p>\n

The spiritual story sharing and testimony meeting, this year held Saturday evening to a standing-room-only crowd, was filled with raw authenticity, belief and hope rendered all the more poignant by honest admissions of doubt. In one testimony a man wept as he told of an experience in which God healed shattering self-hate. Peter Van Der Walt, who had traveled all the way from South Africa, reduced many of us to tears as he told of how he had read the Book of Mormon with the intention to prove the absurdity of religion, and had come away with a testimony of God.<\/p>\n

Saturday Evening<\/span><\/h3>\n

At the “Evening of Affirmation” Saturday night, the Affirmation Choir performed a\u00a0moving rendition of \u201cConsider the Lilies.\u201d Judy Finch, featured on the MormonsAndGays.org website,\u00a0told the story\u00a0of how her understanding unfolded through decades of wrestling to come to terms with the homosexuality of a son and a grandson.\u00a0Benji Schwimmer performed\u00a0a moving dance number.\u00a0Steve Young used an analogy\u00a0of faith that LGBT Mormons could relate to when he described the experience of “throwing blind,” striving for a goal that you can’t see. His wife\u00a0Barb Young spoke passionately\u00a0about the pain caused by Proposition 8, and the story of a heterosexual LDS friend of hers whose life and understanding were transformed by the forgiveness of her lesbian next-door neighbors.\u00a0Randall Thacker, Affirmation President, presented the Young’s with the second \u201cAllies Award\u201d\u00a0to be presented at the conference, in recognition of their outspoken support for the LGBT community and their philanthropic support of LGBT homeless youth.<\/p>\n

The Youngs stayed afterwards to talk informally with conference participants. Conference participants then remained for refreshments and fellowship that continued till after midnight.<\/p>\n

Sunday<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sunday morning, almost 100 conference participants gathered at 8:30 at the Tabernacle in Temple Square for a live performance of Music and the Spoken Word by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. At the very end of the presentation, Lloyd D. Newell, the \u201cspoken word\u201d narrator, announced the presence of Affirmation members and invited us to stand to the applause of all gathered.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0final luncheon\u00a0was graced by the singing of the One Voice Choir, and\u00a0talks by Robin Linkhart\u00a0of the Community of Christ’s Quorum of the Seventy,\u00a0Erika Munson, co-founder of Mormons Building Bridges spoke about loving and knowing. Erika and other Mormons Building Bridges Steering Committee members then received the third and final \u201cAllies Award.\u201d\u00a0Ricky Gilbert presented Randall Thacker\u00a0with the 27th Mortensen Award in recognition of his community building and organizational skills used to strengthen Affirmation both locally in the Washington DC chapter, and at the international level.<\/p>\n

A Balance<\/span><\/h3>\n

Affirmation received unprecedented media coverage for this conference, in media sources as varied as the\u00a0Salt Lake Tribune<\/em>, the\u00a0Washington Post<\/em>, Wonkette, Fox 13 News, KUTV,\u00a0On Top Magazine<\/em>, the Christian News Network, Advocate.com, and the\u00a0Deseret News<\/em>.<\/p>\n

In my personal blog describing my experiences at the conference<\/a><\/strong>, I wrote, \u201cAffirmation experienced a kind of rebirth this weekend. We’ve gone back to Affirmation’s roots, to the hopes and dreams of Affirmation’s founders in the 1970s that LGBT Mormons might find faith, hope, and love against all odds in a Church that denied the possibility of gay Mormon virtue. We’ve gone back to the roots of our faith as Latter-day Saints, blossomed from the yearning of a 14-year-old farm boy for wisdom greater than that he possessed, who dared to ‘ask of God.’\u201d<\/p>\n

It was amazing to experience this rebirth with a host of allies and friends, with people across the LGBT Mormon spectrum, including bisexual, gay, transgender and lesbian Mormons, including people of all abilities and ages, from teens to old age. As a result of the conference, Affirmation is experiencing an influx of new members and energy, which we hope will continue to carry us forward in the important work we have ahead of us.<\/p>\n

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Affirmation Calendar<\/span><\/h3>\n

October 26
\nHalloween Party in West Valley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

October 27
\nFamily Fellowship Forum in Provo<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

November
\nGratitude & Service Gatherings for LGBT Mormons, Families & Friends held across the country<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

November 17
\nWashington, DC Gratitude & Service Gathering<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n

<\/td>\nNovember 17
\nLas Vegas, NV Gratitude & Service Gathering<\/a><\/strong>November 23
\nGratitude & Service Gathering in New York\/New England, Salt Lake City, and Raleigh, NC<\/a><\/strong>February 8, 2014
\nAffirmation Conference in Mexico City<\/a><\/strong>May 2-4, 2014
\nAffirmation Retreat in Nauvoo<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

September 2014
\nAnnual Affirmation Conference in Salt Lake City<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\nRicky Gilbert (right), Chair of the Mortensen Award Committee, gives the 2013 Mortensen Award to Randall Thacker during the Conference closing luncheon.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Randall Thacker Receives the 2013 Mortensen Award<\/span><\/h2>\n

Other Nominees Included David Baker, Mary England, John Gustav-Wrathall, Robert Moore, Ron Schow, Tawnya Smith, and Karin Hendricks<\/span><\/h3>\n

by Ricky Gilbert<\/p>\n

This years Mortensen Award was just presented. Here a some notes from the presentation:<\/p>\n

Unknown to most of you, Affirmation almost wasn’t. Shortly after Matt Price started his gay organization, several individuals learned about his efforts. As Matt’s group was slowly fading, these individuals endeavored to start groups in their own areas. They then scheduled a meeting with the intent of creating a national organization. Surprisingly, this effort almost failed. The evening before their gathering in Los Angeles, Paul went out clubbing, where he meet the love of his life, Robert. That next morning Paul considered calling off the meeting and chucking the whole thing. We owe it to him that he followed through with the gathering.<\/p>\n

Through the years Paul set a high bar for leadership in Affirmation. Paul is a self-starter and a great motivator of individuals. He is an outstanding leader in the service of Affirmation and the GLBT Mormon community. He dedicated himself to working to achieve the goals of Affirmation. He made and continues to make a difference in peoples lives.<\/p>\n

As chair of the Mortensen Award Committee, I am honored to once again welcome a new member into our group. And to recognize the many talented individuals who are today striving to carry on the legacy of Paul and the twenty something members of the committee and those past leaders who never received the Award.<\/p>\n

This year is no exception.<\/p>\n

We are honored to recognize an individual who is willing to work as a resource to media campaigns throughout the world.\u00a0David Baker<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Mary England<\/strong>\u00a0never refuses a request for service and remains a great asset to the leadership of Affirmation.<\/p>\n

John Gustav-Wrathall<\/strong>\u00a0deserves to be recognized for insightful and thoughtful analysis of gay Mormon life.<\/p>\n

Striving to be an advocate for women and transgender people in Affirmation,\u00a0Robert Moore<\/strong>\u00a0receives a nod.<\/p>\n

Ron Schow\u00a0<\/strong>provides resources for the education of families, wards and stakes, on topics such as suicide prevention and inclusion.<\/p>\n

Once again we have a couple nominated.\u00a0Tawnya Smith and Karin Hendricks<\/strong>\u00a0rather than directing people to follow one path, they discuss strategies for finding spiritual healing.<\/p>\n

Our final nominee is described as being unfailingly diplomatic and unflappable, full of ideas, yet also decisive when necessary. This is Randall Thacker.<\/p>\n

If I read your name will you please stand that we may recognize and thank you for your efforts on behalf of Affirmation.<\/p>\n

This years recipient organized Family Home Evenings in his local chapter. He exhibits calm, thoughtful and determined leadership. For the first time in many years, he helped organize a contingent to march in his local gay pride parade. He remains a tireless advocate for Affirmation and Gay Mormons in all his endeavors. He reaches out to our straight Mormon allies in multiple organizations, building bridges and friendships in the larger Mormon community. He connects to LGBTQ Mormons in his own city and throughout the world via Facebook and other means and serves as an eloquent spokesperson for tolerance and acceptance while being open and proud. He devotes countless hours to helping Affirmation adapt to our rapidly changing society and technologies and ensures that Affirmation survives and thrives in this environment. His focus is always on the individual who needs support and love, and not making a name for himself or a political statement for Affirmation. His actions help establish a firmer foundation for the organization and results in widening the spectrum of people, both inside and outside the church, who see Affirmation favorably. He strives to create a sense of camaraderie among leaders, and injects enthusiasm and a sense of common purpose. He is unfailingly diplomatic and unflappable, full of ideas, yet also decisive when necessary.<\/p>\n

This years recipient of the Mortensen Award is\u00a0Randall Thacker.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"YT_05_350\"<\/a> Olin Thomas<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0describing the new draft at the Affirmation Conference<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Changes to Affirmation Charter & Bylaws Proposed<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dear Affirmation Members:<\/h3>\n

Changes to the Affirmation Charter and Bylaws will be proposed to the full membership in conjunction with the\u00a0annual election of Affirmation’s President<\/a><\/strong>. The\u00a0proposed changes<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0are posted here, with a\u00a0summary of the changes<\/a><\/strong>, for comment and recommendations. Please send me any suggestions or concerns, as I am coordinating the effort to update these documents. You may reach me at\u00a0wot3@aol.com<\/a><\/strong>. These documents are just draft proposals at this point. The proposed changes\u00a0were also described\u00a0at the Business Meeting at the Conference as well.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/p>\n

Olin Thomas
\nSpecial Assistant on Charter & Byalws; Corresponding Secretary<\/p>\n

<\/a>Affirmation Releases New Video<\/span><\/h2>\n

by Hugo Salinas<\/p>\n

Over a dozen LGBT Mormons participated in\u00a0a new inspiring video about Affirmation<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0which premiered at the Salt Lake City conference.<\/p>\n

The 3-minute video was created using interviews conducted during an Affirmation leadership meeting held last January in Maryland. We wish to thank our Maryland host Greg Prince, video director and editor Kendall Wilcox, and all the Affirmation members who participated in this important project.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Affirmation Announces Retreat in Nauvoo, Conference in Mexico\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Affirmation is planning to hold a\u00a0spiritual\/leadership retreat in Nauvoo<\/a><\/strong>, IL, during the first weekend of May. The dates are May 2-4, 2014, but they may be extended from Thursday May 1 to Monday May 5.<\/p>\n

A conference for LGBT Mormons, Families & Friends\u00a0will be held in Mexico City<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0on Saturday, February 8, 2014. The event will include musical numbers, talks, a social over some dinner and a testimony\/spiritual story sharing session. An fun outing and service project may also take place that weekend. Specific location to be announced soon.<\/p>\n

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Affirmation to Sponsor Gratitude & Service Gatherings during November<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many Affirmation Groups to Participate<\/span><\/h3>\n

Affirmation is sponsoring a number of\u00a0gratitude and service gatherings<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to be held during November. LGBT Mormons, families and friends will gather in their cities for a service project and a potluck Thanksgiving dinner, sharing in a thankfulness circle and socializing.<\/p>\n

See cities and dates below. If you’d like to host one in your area, please visit\u00a0our Facebook page<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0contact Wendy Mongtomery<\/a><\/strong>..<\/p>\n

More cities will be announced within the next week.<\/p>\n

San Francisco\/Bay Area<\/a><\/strong>: November 10 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Diane Oviatt<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Washington, DC<\/a><\/strong>: November 17<\/p>\n

Las Vegas, NV<\/a><\/strong>: November 17<\/p>\n

New York\/New England: November 23<\/p>\n

Salt Lake City Metro Area: November 23<\/p>\n

Raleigh, NC: November 23<\/p>\n

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Believe in Yourself and Believe in God’s Love for You<\/span><\/h2>\n

A Statement by the Executive Committee of Affirmation: LGBT Mormons, Families and Friends<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6 October 2013<\/p>\n

At general conferences, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speak to the general membership, sharing counsel. The 183rd Semi-Annual General Conference included many words of comfort and hope from Church leaders. Many in the Affirmation community were encouraged by\u00a0President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0at the Saturday morning session, reminding Church members about the importance of authenticity in our faith, and of the strength we derive from our diversity. We were also encouraged by Bishop Causse\u2019s words during the Priesthood session that the Church must have no outcasts. Two talks, one by Elder Dallin H. Oaks and another by Russell M. Nelson, addressed the issue of marriage for gay and lesbian couples, emphasizing that current Church teaching sees marriage between a man and a woman as the only appropriate context for sexual expression.<\/p>\n

Affirmation includes believing members of the Church who attend weekly, individuals who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ but do not attend LDS Church services, and individuals who have left the church and no longer desire affiliation with it. Many LGBT Mormons, their family members and friends have listened and will continue to listen to talks by prophets and apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and, like all Church members, determine how best to apply what they hear from church leaders in their lives through a process of personal discernment that includes study and prayer.<\/p>\n

Many in the Affirmation community have responded to the statements on same-sex marriage with disappointment. Others were not surprised by these statements, because they reiterated positions laid out in previous general authority talks on the subject, in official church publications, and on \u201cmormonsandgays.org.\u201d Many were also encouraged by a continuing emphasis on inclusion and welcome.<\/p>\n

To those who feel disappointment and heartache, we say\u00a0continue to trust in your own personal discernment process, believe in yourselves, believe in God’s unconditional love for you, and believe in God’s desire that you be happy in this life and in the next.<\/p>\n

We are grateful that in recent years a growing number of members and leaders of the church are showing greater openness and willingness to hear our experience and to walk a journey with us that has been very painful for many. We hope that this journeying and wrestling together will continue, and we trust that as we stay in this path that we will continue to grow individually and as a church. We encourage all people on both sides of this very difficult issue to continue to reach out to and listen to one another in empathy, patience, and love.<\/p>\n

Signed,<\/p>\n

Randall Thacker, President
\nJohn Gustav-Wrathall, Senior Vice President
\nTina Richerson, Vice President
\nAffirmation: LGBT Mormons, Families and Friends<\/p>\n

P.S. If you are on Facebook, we invite you to\u00a0use the attached image<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0as your profile picture with a possible caption of \u201cWe will move forward as LGBT Mormon pioneers.\u201d<\/p>\n

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BYU Students Speak Candidly about Suicide<\/span><\/h2>\n

USGA Releases \u201cJust Be There\u201d Video\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Understanding Same-Gender Attraction<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(USGA), a BYU group for LGBT students, has released \u201cJust Be There<\/a><\/strong>,\u201d a 6-minute video featuring LGBT BYU students who describe candidly their experiences dealing with depression and their\u00a0attempts to take their own lives<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The students describe some of the negative messages that made them feel lonely, sinful, and hopeless. For instance, one student says he heard the message that homosexuality \u201cwas a mortal experience [that] didn\u2019t exist in the Spirit World, and we would be immediately freed from its bonds when we died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a weird way, that did the opposite of comfort[ing] me,\u201d the student explains. \u201cIn my mind the option was, \u2018Well, if things really get that bad, if you just die, then suddenly it\u2019s not an issue any more, and you\u2019ll be right with God again.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Another student says he found comfort in reading the scriptures and realizing that \u201cwhatever I was going through, Christ had gone through, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re trying to reach out to somebody, the most important thing you can do is just be there for them,\u201d a student explains.<\/p>\n

USGA at BYU meets each Thursday, with weekly attendance growing to 70 to 80 students, professors and church leaders. The individual interviews used in this video will be made available on\u00a0the USGA YouTube channel<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0in the coming months.<\/p>\n

Posted 18 months ago,\u00a0BYU\u2019s original \u201cIt Gets Better\u201d video<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0has been watched over half a million times.<\/p>\n

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David Melson Remembered<\/span><\/h2>\n

Memorial Service Held at the Headquarters of HRC<\/span><\/h3>\n

In a service held at the headquarters of the Human Rights Campaign in Washington DC, friends and associates gathered on October 12 to remember David Melson, former president of Affirmation, who passed away last August. Judy, who traveled from California to be at the service, sang the gospel song \u201cIn the Garden<\/a><\/strong>.\u201d Two years ago, David asked Judy to sing at his memorial service when the time came.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch a moving service for Dave [and] so many heartfelt memories,\u201d wrote Robert Moore, who served in the national leadership of Affirmation under David. \u201c[We honored] a man who meant so much to me and did so much for LGBT Mormons and to move equality for all LGBT people forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn this day we say a final farewell to our brother David Melson, who although considered an outcast by some, was outspoken and continued to praise Jesus and thank God even if not welcomed by his original faith community,\u201d commented Baptist Pastor Jill McCrory, who worked with David as part of a religious coalition which helped bring marriage equality to Maryland. \u201cHis work with Affirmation is a testament to his love of God and God\u2019s love to all.\u201d<\/p>\n

David served as Affirmation president for three terms (2009 \u2013 2011). In 2009 he received the Mortensen Award, the highest distinction Affirmation bestows on a member.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Recent Stories and Articles<\/span><\/h2>\n

Posted on the Affirmation Website and Blog:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot Only for Yourself, but for the Entire Tribe\u201d<\/a><\/strong>Affirmation Conference Honors Allies<\/a><\/strong>Best Time Ever<\/a><\/strong>Affirmation to Hold Conference in Mexico City<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nSchedule for the Affirmation Family Home Evening Group \u2013 Salt Lake CityLGBT Mormons, Families and Friends Invited to Halloween Party<\/a><\/strong>Affirmation to Hold Nauvoo Retreat<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Posted on the No More Strangers Blog:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I Confess Something?\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>It\u2019s About Love<\/a><\/strong>Some Easy Ways Anybody Can Contribute to Helping LGBT Mormons\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>Moral Courage<\/a><\/strong>Haunting From The Past<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Good Samaritans and God\u2019s Confirmation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

God\u2019s Strategy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Come Sweep With Us! \u2013 A Message For LDS Youth Allies\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

An Increase of Love\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thoughts on General Conference<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cJust Be There\u201d: A Message of Suicide Awareness and Prevention<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

On Charlie Brown and General Conference\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Why the Conference Talks about Gay Marriage Are Steps Forward<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Sacred Experience of Knowing the Other<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A Letter to My LGBT Brothers and Sisters<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Please Stay<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Spiritual Challenge in Mormon Political Support for Gay Marriage<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Why\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n

Homeless Youth in Utah<\/a><\/strong>Inconvenient Truths & Convenient Falsehoods: Broadening and Deepening the Conversation about Homosexuality among the Mormons<\/a><\/strong>Parenting LGBT Teens, Part 1\u2013 A Vision of the Coming Zion<\/a><\/strong>More Dialogue in Chicago<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Testimonies of Wholeness<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Encircled by Angels\u2013Our Mormon Allies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unexpected Journey<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

MormonsandGays.org Hero Speaks About Her Journey As An Ally<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Brother and Sister\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Affirmation Repayment Plan\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

What choice did you really have? (When our straight LDS friends betray us)\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Barb and Steve Young Speak to LGBT Mormons\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

My Mormon Perspective: Why I Believe in Marriage Equality, As a Mormon\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Profiles of Young LGBT Mormon Recipients of \u2018Sit With Me Sunday\u2019 Scholarship\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Of Pain and The Journey\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A Message of Love (God Does Not Exclude, Even When the Church Does)<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Afirmaci\u00f3n: mormones gays y lesbianas: al servicio de los mormones LGBT y sus familiares y amigos desde 1977 En este n\u00famero Informe de la conferencia de 2013 Calendario de Afirmaci\u00f3n Randall Thacker recibe el premio Mortensen 2013 Cambios en la Carta y los Estatutos de Afirmaci\u00f3n Propuesta de publicaci\u00f3n de Afirmaci\u00f3n Nuevo video Afirmaci\u00f3n anuncia retiro en Nauvoo y conferencia en M\u00e9xico Afirmaci\u00f3n patrocinar\u00e1 reuniones de gratitud y servicio\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":13051,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_piecal_is_recurring":false,"_piecal_recurring_interval":1,"_piecal_recurring_frequency":"","_piecal_recurring_exact_position":false,"_piecal_recurring_end":"","_piecal_color":"","_piecal_text_color":"","_piecal_global_color_master":false,"_piecal_rsets":"[]","_piecal_is_event":false,"_piecal_start_date":"","_piecal_end_date":"","_piecal_is_allday":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1849],"tags":[268,787,444,449],"newsletters":[],"class_list":["post-2439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-268","tag-affinity","tag-newsletter","tag-october"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAffinity - 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