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Previously, these individuals would need to be interviewed by a mission president before being cleared for baptism. With the new handbook, missionaries can conduct the baptismal interview as they would for any other person seeking baptism into the Church, removing a hurdle for those with past same-sex sexual relationships.
Virtual Christmas devotional hosted by Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends on December 19, 2021, featuring a sharing of the Christmas story from a queer perspective and beautiful musical numbers to celebrate the Christmas season.
We came together to celebrate Christmas, recognizing the blessings received and hope for those yet to come. We hope that this is the beginning of the work to change the lives of so many of God’s children, whose colors shine as a testimony of the love of Christ in this earthly life.
Over time, I learned and developed the courage to come to terms with being gay and Mormon without contradicting my fundamental faith, a faith important to me as it connects me to those who have taught me in the past who have migrated to the invisible world.
This creation of Our Heavenly Father, has been taken as a symbol in this region of Venezuela, being used in its flag, anthem, and coat of arms. In Affirmation Venezuela, we seek to follow the example of this beautiful lightning, to bring light to those who need it most.
Each year on November 20th, we remember transgender people, gender-variant individuals, and those perceived to be transgender murdered because of hate. For many left behind, there is a feeling of obligation to speak for those who can speak no more, to tell their stories, and to support one another.
We have a firm conviction that our efforts will be blessed and fruitful in Affirmation Venezuela, even if they may be challenging. We hope to be instruments of and receive spiritual guidance from above so that we can better serve beloved celestial children who, every day, face great barriers in their path of learning and growth.
What if I had grown up in a fully Mormon home, born under the covenant, with parents steeped in generations of Mormon culture? What if I had been pressured to act thus and so to prove I was a man? What if I had felt compelled to go to any length to fit in with the crowd?
Little by little, things were softer, more tolerant, more respectful. Little by little there was more LOVE. I understood, finally, that Heavenly Father loved me. Despite having to endure the occasional winter. The sun continued to shine.