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We mourn with our transgender siblings as we wrestle with the painful impact of recent policy changes and guidelines released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With over 45 years of providing support to LGBTQIA+ individuals who are current and former members of the Church, we know first-hand the pain that policies like this cause. We stand with our transgender siblings.
Since taking office as the Executive Committee of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends on March 1st, 2024, Fred Bowers (President), Joel McDonald (Senior Vice President), and David Doyle (Vice President) have been hard at work to ensure Affirmation continues to accomplish our mission and vision. An Evening with Affirmation was an opportunity for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and their family and friends to meet the new Executive Committee, hear about progress being made, what’s next, and opportunities to support this important work.
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.
Since becoming a household name in 2008, we’ve watched David Archuleta share his talents, his faith, and his journey to acceptance and affirmation as a queer man. His new song, “Hell Together,” is him sharing part of that journey, inspired by his mom’s reaction to him coming out and then leaving the Church. No doubt, this music will aid many in seeking understanding, healing, and authenticity.
Affirmation joins the international community in celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility. Since 2009, this has been a day to recognize, celebrate, and amplify transgender individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. It is also a day where we rededicate ourselves to growing in our awareness and understanding of issues impacting the transgender community and advocating for equality and protection under the law.
International Women’s Day is an occasion to reflect on the progress made, but also to recognize the persistent inequalities faced by women around the world. Within this diversity of experiences,…
Fred wrote that he wanted to focus on “planning thoughtfully and carefully while considering the spiritual, physical, and emotional aspects of all the people we serve. Our job is to let them know we must preserve, steward, and grow the organization… as a place for them to find a refuge to land, heal, share, and be authentic.”
I opened my heart to my mom and included her in my life. I might, at times, have shared things she did not want to hear, but little by little, she became more open. This process has been more than mere days, weeks, or months. It’s taken years to reach the point that my mother, fully knowing what the bracelet’s colors represented, wore it proudly to church and embraced being a “modern mom.”
Fred Bowers is the only candidate to file a statement to run for President of Affirmation in a special election called after the resignation of Melissa-Malcolm King. He has nominated Joel McDonald and David Doyle as his vice presidents.