Joel McDonald

2019 Session of Affirmation International Conference

Affirmation Membership Approves New Mission and Vision

August 7, 2020 |

From July 8th to July 22nd, members of Affirmation had the opportunity to review these recommendations and vote on whether to make the changes to Affirmation’s Charter & Bylaws. Over 98% voted to approve.

Pacific Region Talent Show Play Button

Video: Pacific Region Virtual Talent Show

May 29, 2020 |

Featuring over a dozen talented performers, artists, and poets, the Pacific Region Virtual Talent show held on Saturday, May 23rd, was a smashing success! Many thanks to Sarah Bowers and the Affirmation Pacific leadership team, Affirmation Los Angeles President Victoria Hutchings, Vaughn Larsen, and all who participated in this successful online event.

COVID-19 Nocturno Patio de Luces by Jose Marco Lull

Affirmation community of LGBTQIA+ Mormons and allies staying connected amid pandemic

May 21, 2020 |

The need to stay connected has never been more important than it has been amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. From our chapters to the international organization, the Affirmation community is doing so much to meet this need in new ways that are likely to become a part of Affirmation for many years to come.

Evening of Affirmation: Stronger Community

Video: An Evening of Affirmation: Stronger Community

April 30, 2020 |

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.

Female Girl Along Staring Out Window

Ensuring a safe and healthy community – Affirmation and COVID-19

March 17, 2020 |

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.

BYU Provo Honor Code March by Jacob Payne

Not so fast: Honor code changes not so black and white

March 13, 2020 |

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.

Joel McDonald

Affirmation names Joel McDonald as new director of operations

February 15, 2020 |

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 and Sunny Smart

When personal beliefs on LGBTQ issues and sustaining leaders clash: A missionary’s story

December 16, 2019 |

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.

Affirmation Colombia Awarded Best Spiritual Group of the Year in Bogotá

December 4, 2019 |

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.