Adrián Sánchez Roman

Since finding Affirmation in 1998, I have been able to understand that I am not the only gay Mormon in the world. Because of the absence of social networks, the only friends I had in the United States were those who I served with on my mission. After a long journey, Affirmation rescued me. I finally had a place where I could be myself and not be ashamed to speak to God or be afraid to express that I am both gay and believe in God and Jesus Christ. Having this place, I was able to stop participating in the self-destructive things that exist in the gay world. I had participated because I didn’t have a place or people where I could focus on the light of the gospel and the Church and the plan for my life.

Today, Affirmation has helped me to understand ways to live and to think and has surrounded me with hundreds of wonderful people. They have all given me tools to use in my life. They have taught me to be a better human being. This has helped me to be a better worker, and I often share the principles that I have learned in Affirmation.

Before, I had this hidden life, secret and separated from my family where few knew about me. Now, my whole family knows me as I really am and continue to express the same affection that they always have. I didn’t lose anything.

Affirmation has given me the spiritual freedom of which Jesus spoke of while he was on earth, and of the light that the Prophet Joseph Smith taught us that we could achieve. I know that I still have a long way to go, and I am willing to continue to walk this path that Affirmation has managed to show me now. Thank you, Affirmation.