Posts
This discussion is intended to bring a greater understanding of what it means to be intersex. We’ll discuss the challenges of being at the intersection of being intersex and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how the LGBTQIA+ community can ensure that it is inclusive of intersex individuals in its advocacy for all sexual and gender minorities.
To tell our youth that any sexual activity is tantamount to murder and to threaten them with God’s wrath is not only dishonest: it is destructive. Our youth want to do the right things; they believe their parents and church leaders. Their spirituality—like the emotional, social, intellectual and sexual aspects of their lives—is undergoing rapid and precarious development. These are not times for unfounded exaggerations and threats of damnation.
Course corrections come in all different shapes and sizes. A torpedo may look like it’s aiming directly for its target, but it’s actually a series of small course corrections back and forth to keep getting back on track until it hits the bullseye. I’m grateful for a God in my life who helps me make those course corrections and get back on track, and also for my drinking buddies* who are always there, especially when I need them the most and I don’t realize it.
Occasionally we come across a person who has had a lifetime impact with such a remarkable scope in the LGBTQ community and society in general. To recognize such a person and capture such an accomplishment, the Board of Directors of Affirmation has created a lifetime achievement award. This award, to remind us of the qualities for any other future recipients, we have named the Carol Lynn Pearson Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 2020 recipient of the Affirmation Mortensen Award is Cristina Moraes. Cristina has been leading Affirmation in Brazil for over four years and has helped hundreds of LGBTQ Mormons come into Affirmation. She was one of the founding members of Affirmation in Brazil almost five years ago. She has given literally thousands of hours of service to Affirmation and has traveled all over Brazil helping organize conferences, meetings, and events in various cities.
The Church Leaders Session from the 2020 Affirmation International Conference, a conference hosted annually by Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community. This year’s conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opening session featuring Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David from the 2020 Affirmation International Conference, a conference hosted annually by Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community. This year’s conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opening session featuring psychologist and Affirmation board member Carlos Castillo Casas from the 2020 Affirmation International Conference, a conference hosted annually by Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community. This year’s conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plenary session featuring artist Matthew Gong and journalist and author Samantha Allen from the 2020 Affirmation International Conference, a conference hosted annually by Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community. This year’s conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.