What if we could gather — across miles and languages — to share gratitude, resilience, and belonging?
This November, Affirmation invites you to do just that.

Join us for Rooted & Rising + Gratitude Gathering, a global, blended event connecting LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saints, family members, and allies through shared stories and collective gratitude.

Replacing the previously scheduled October conference, this year’s event blends the inspiration of our annual conference with the warmth of Affirmation’s long-standing Gratitude Gatherings — creating one unified, community-centered experience.

About the Event

Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025 between 10:00 a.m. and 1:40 p.m.
Theme: Rooted & Rising: Resilience, Storytelling, and Community Connection
Format: ~3.5-hour virtual gathering + local chapter celebrations around the world

The virtual program features:

• Welcome & Theme Setting: Rooted in our past, Rising toward our future

• Short Keynote & Spotlight Stories – personal stories of resilience, gratitude, and belonging

• Interactive Story Circles – small breakout sessions where you can share your own reflections

• Collective Gratitude Ritual – chat floods of gratitude, shared visuals, and music from our community

• Closing Story & Community Ritual – a moment of shared light and unity across continents

Meanwhile, local chapter gatherings will bring the spirit of gratitude home:

• U.S. Chapters: Thanksgiving-style potlucks and reflection events

• International Chapters: Gratitude & Community gatherings rooted in local culture and language

Together, we’ll share one global rhythm of gratitude — linked through storytelling, song, and hope.

Registration is now open: Register Here

Why We Gather

Rooted & Rising invites us to remember where we’ve come from — and rise toward where we’re going.

This is a space for:

• Sharing stories of courage and belonging

• Celebrating diverse faith and life experiences

• Strengthening community across borders

• Entering the holiday season grounded in gratitude and hope

When we gather, we grow. When we share, we rise.

Ways to Participate

This gathering is for everyone — and there are many ways to join in:

Be a Spotlight Storyteller
Share a 5–7 minute story of resilience, belonging, or gratitude.

Lead a Story Circle
Facilitate gentle, inclusive discussions that help others open up.

Offer Music, Art, or Reading
Send a short piece that reflects the theme — your creativity uplifts us all.

Host a Local Gathering
Coordinate a potluck, watch party, or reflection circle in your area.

Spread the Word
Invite your friends, family, or church community to join you online or in person.
Tag us with #RootedAndRising and #AffirmationLGBTQMormons when you post!

Apply or Recommend Someone:
Complete our quick Call for Interest Form by Tuesday, October 28 → [Google Form Link]

Ways to Engage & Share

• Share this post with your local Affirmation group or social feed.

• Tag three friends who could use a message of belonging and gratitude.

• Comment below: What are you most grateful for this year?

• Post a short video or photo during your local gathering with the hashtag #RootedAndRising.

• Join the live chat during the virtual event to share your story or offer words of encouragement.

Your presence — and your story — make this event complete.

Rooted in Love, Rising in Hope

Affirmation’s Rooted & Rising + Gratitude Gathering celebrates who we are, where we’ve been, and the hope that carries us forward.
Whether you’re sharing a meal, a story, or a moment of reflection, know that you are part of something larger — a worldwide network of LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and friends rising together in faith and love.

Stay Connected:
Sign up for updates at affirmation.org or connect to us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or Linktree.

#RootedAndRising #AffirmationLGBTQMormons #GratitudeGathering #LGBTQMormons #LGBTQFaith #AffirmationFamily

Registration is now open: Register Here