Families & FriendsStories and Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint Community

Families and Friends Stories Resources

As Latter-day Saints who are family members and friends of someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual/aromatic, it can be a challenge to reconcile teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while seeking to understand, love, and support an LGBTQIA+ friend or loved one.

Often, the community that Affirmation provides is filling a space left empty by family and friends who are unsupportive and who have distanced themselves from their LGBTQ+ son, daughter, relative, or friend. While providing this community is a life-saving endeavor for those who feel alienated or even ostracized by those they love; we also know that, for so many, the love and acceptance of their family are what they desire most and is a powerful force aiding them in living a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.

Our hope is that family and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals will make the effort to understand better and appreciate their loved one for all they are and that attitudes that threaten the loving relationships of family and friends will be abandoned. There is no reason why family members should be driven apart when a member of their family comes out. There is no reason why friendships should not continue when a friend decides to be their authentic selves.

Affirmation provides spaces at conferences for family and friends to fellowship with, and find strength in, one another. Often family members and friends feel the same as their LGBTQ+ loved one: that they are alone. This is simply not true. There are many who understand where you are and want to support you as you seek better understanding and strength.

Resources

Affirmation Community Conversations Group Facebook group for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community in Affirmation to land, heal, share, and be authentic! Share your story, encourage others, and share events and news helpful to the community.
Affirmation Living Waters Group A Facebook group for active LDS LGBT people, parents, family and friends where people can seek support and discuss these issues from a believing LDS perspective.
Grupo Internacional en Español Un grupo de Facebook para los miembros de habla hispana de la comunidad de la Afirmación a nivel internacional.
Mundo Grupo Português Um grupo no Facebook para membros de língua portuguesa da comunidade internacional de Afirmação.
Official Church Website on Same-Sex Attraction The feelings of Church leaders as to how we should treat each other as part of the human family and a place where the people whose lives are impacted by attraction to the same sex can find inspiration to work through difficult challenges while remaining faithful to Church teachings.
Official Church Website on Transgender Church answers to common questions to help increase understanding of what it means to be transgender, participation in the Church by transgender individuals, and how to support those who are transgender.
Sorry, we don't have any resources available yet. Please check back soon.
Affirmation Community Conversations Group Facebook group for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community in Affirmation to land, heal, share, and be authentic! Share your story, encourage others, and share events and news helpful to the community.
Affirmation Living Waters Group A Facebook group for active LDS LGBT people, parents, family and friends where people can seek support and discuss these issues from a believing LDS perspective.
For the Strength of LGBTQ & SSA Youth A Facebook group to support, comfort, and connect LGBTQ+ youth (and their youth allies) going through similar life experiences, as each increases in self-acceptance and acceptance for others.
LDS Family Fellowship A support organization, engaged in strengthening relationships between LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) individuals, their families and friends.
I’ll Walk with You Parents Group Latter-day Saints encouraging love for our LGBT brothers and sisters.
Mormons Building Bridges A community of Latter-day Saints dedicated to conveying love and acceptance to all those who identify as LGBTQIA+, same-sex attracted, or gender dysphoric.
Dragon Dads Fighting to prevent teen suicide and to provide support and education to other fathers who want to show love and support for their LGBTQIA+ children.
Transactive LDS Support Group A Facebook group for LDS or former LDS Transgender/Intersex/Gender Dysphoric individuals & their family members to find a supportive and safe community that also confirms/supports their faith.
Mama Dragons Mama Dragons is a space of support for mothers of LGBTQ children navigating these waters within their family and community. We strive to make this space free of judgment between members and to create a safe place for conversation and support for individuals regardless of religious beliefs.
Grupo Internacional en Español Un grupo de Facebook para los miembros de habla hispana de la comunidad de la Afirmación a nivel internacional.
Mundo Grupo Português Um grupo no Facebook para membros de língua portuguesa da comunidade internacional de Afirmação.
The Family Acceptance Project A research, intervention, education and policy initiative that works to prevent health and mental health risks for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) children and youth.
Mama Dragons Support, education, and empowerment of mothers of LGBTQ children.
Emmaus LGBTQ Ministry A community of heterosexual/cisgender and LGBTQ Latter-day Saints who are called to ministry for the safety, well-being, and happiness of LGBTQ people in and adjacent to The Church of Jesus Christ.
Encircle Bringing the family and community together to enable our LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. Locations in Provo, Salt Lake City, and St. George, Utah.
Mormons Building Bridges A community of Latter-day Saints dedicated to conveying love and acceptance to all those who identify as LGBTQIA+, same-sex attracted, or gender dysphoric.
Listen, Learn & Love Former Young Single Adults Bishop Richard Ostler seeks to better understand his LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, believing that sharing stories of LGBTQ+ current and former Latter-day Saints helps to foster love and understanding.
Questions from the Closet Podcast Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty discuss questions they are commonly asked as gay members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each week they are joined by a guest to talk about a question as it relates to LGBTQ+ topics within the context of faith.
Supportive Families, Healthy Children – Family Acceptance Project Helping Latter-day Saint Families with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Children.