Joel McDonald
On May 5, 2020, Affirmation’s president, senior vice president, vice president, and director of operations hosted a live discussion about Affirmation as a nonprofit organization supporting the LGBTQIA+ Mormon community, how we’re staying connected in this time of COVID-19, and much more.
In times like these, community is so important. We know that there may be many in our community feeling anxious and isolated right now. We are blessed to be living in a time where we can continue to connect with others through various technological channels and that includes connecting with the Affirmation Community.
There is no mention in Church policy of any prohibition of any form of physical intimacy for unmarried couples of any sexual orientation outside of abstaining from sexual relations. It’s not unreasonable that living a chaste and virtuous life at BYU would mean anything different than what has been expected of students their whole lives as active and worthy members of the Church.
Having served as Affirmation’s online content and data manager since 2017, Joel brings the right mix of talent, experience, and understanding to Affirmation’s senior staff position as director of operations.
Adam’s stake president recommended him for his mission and Salt Lake issued the call with their blessing, fully knowing Adam’s privately held views supporting same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights. After two months, Adam returned home from his mission over an ideological clash between his mission president who didn’t feel him worthy of a temple recommend because of these views, and his hometown stake president who did.
For ten years, the San Sebastián awards have recognized the work and commitment of organizations or individuals who have made great progress in the rights of the LGBTQ community throughout Colombia.
Are hugs okay? Hand holding? Kissing? Cuddling? It’s unclear. What is clear is that these activities are not prohibited for straight students. In fact, BYU’s reputation for not only being a place to get an education, but also a spouse, is an argument that these activities are encouraged; but only if you’re straight.
In the documentary, Carson shares his and his Mormon family’s journey, culminating with him, his mother, and other members of his family marching with Affirmation in the 2018 Salt Lake City Pride parade.
It was in these quiet moments of pain and confusion that I felt another triumph: That of coming to terms, not with who I thought I should be, but who the Lord has made me to be.
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