We Are Part of a Brighter Day

Affirmation Board Member Sam Wolfe Reflects on Attending General Conference with Other Affirmation Leaders
By Sam Wolfe
This week I noticed a photo of me on Facebook with other Affirmation leaders at General Conference with this comment: “I find this partly sad. I see people holding onto a faith that doesn’t want them, internally battling to be something they aren’t.”
That reflects a persistent misconception that embracing one’s LGBT orientation necessitates resigning one’s faith. For LGBTQ Mormons of all stripes, we have a birthright to stand with dignity wherever we are including in what was the first worldwide LDS General Conference session in which a woman was invited to pray and a group of 15 self-affirming, gay and lesbian leaders and friends of Affirmation were repeatedly welcomed.
Despite hostility by some church leaders, never has there been a better time to be a queer Mormon. Never has there been a better time to join and participate with Affirmation in this movement that is flowering like the colorful blossoms on Temple Square. No need for sadness, bitterness, or inner strife about being ourselves – we’re part of a brighter day.