More news from December of 2013 on AFFIRMATION

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2013 • 2012

  
In Minneapolis, volunteers performed a deep cleaning of a homeless shelter that serves LGBT youth and wrote letters for care packages distributed by Utah-based Safe and Sound.

 In Washington, DC volunteers helped to sort through donated clothes at Casa Ruby, an LGBT community center.

 Twenty-one people from New York gathered for dinner and collected a sizable donation for the New Canaan Food Bank.

 Washington, DC dinner

These items were collected in Phoenix for One-n-Ten, a support organization for LGBTQ youth.

“Delicious food” and “great, loving and affirming conversation” in Oakland. 
Affirmation Days of Gratitude and Service
LGBT Mormons, Families and Friends Shared Service Projects, Meals
 by John Gustav-Wrathall
 December 2013
 Building on a tradition started by the Washington DC Chapter of Affirmation, over 250 LGBT Mormons, their families, and friends gathered in eight U.S. cities throughout the month of November to participate in service projects followed by a Thanksgiving meal and each person sharing what they were grateful for in 2013. The gatherings took place in the San Francisco Bay area (on November 10), in the Washington, DC area (November 16 & 17), and in Las Vegas, New York/Connecticut, Salt Lake, Minneapolis, Raleigh and Phoenix/Gilbert (on November 23).
 Gatherings ranged in size from eight participants in Raleigh, NC to larger gatherings of 30 and 60 participants in Minneapolis, Washington, DC, and over 70 in Salt Lake City. Even when numbers were relatively small, the gatherings felt significant. After the Raleigh gathering, where participants collected donations for a local youth homeless shelter and then met for a meal, host Jan Martin wrote, “Our numbers were few... but the love was great. We each shared a little bit about ourselves over a traditional Thanksgiving feast. There was an abundance of laughter and a good time had by all.”
Service projects included gathering donations for food shelves, homeless shelters and hospitals, and volunteering time and energy at LGBT community service organizations and youth homeless shelters. For instance, in Washington, DC volunteers helped to sort through donated clothes at Casa Ruby, an LGBT community center. In New York and western Connecticut, a canned food drive was held for a local food shelf. In the Bay area, Christmas toys were donated to a children's hospital. In Minneapolis, volunteers performed a deep cleaning of a homeless shelter that serves LGBT youth and wrote letters for care packages distributed by Utah-based Safe and Sound.
 LDS families served as meal hosts and participated in service projects as families. LDS bishops and stake presidents were invited to attend and participate. For some LDS Church members who participated, this was their first time getting involved in projects specifically organized to serve and support the LGBT community. For some LGBT participants, this was their first experience interacting with active LDS Church members in a setting where they felt comfortable being out. At the Minneapolis gathering, for instance, some of the sharing was quite emotional, and individuals spoke of how grateful they were for a gathering of Latter-day Saints where they felt completely safe, accepted and welcome. Others commented on how they never could have imagined such a strong showing of support for the LGBT community from the LDS community.
 The service projects helped to raise awareness about urgent community needs, and also helped build relationships between the LDS community and the larger community. Service project participants who volunteered at organizations serving homeless LGBT youth learned, for instance, how disproportionate numbers of homeless youth are LGBT – often becoming homeless as a result of family rejection. They also learned how inadequately current needs are being met by available services, with fewer than 5% of homeless youth having access to safe shelter at night. Shelter staff expressed deep appreciation to LDS volunteers for their willingness to help, and hoped to continue to build a relationship between the shelters and local LDS wards.
 These gatherings were ultimately about building relationships and caring communities, where service is offered and received, and where love and gratitude is expressed.
“We decided to meet together quarterly,” wrote Jan Martin of Raleigh, “and look forward to [gatherings] to come!”
 “Beautiful experience!” said Judy Finch from Oakland. “Delicious food, great, loving and affirming conversation; and between dinner and dessert, sharing of gratitudes.”
 “We had a wonderful event for the New York group,” wrote Tom Christofferson. “We had twenty-one people for dinner and collected a sizable donation for the New Canaan Food Bank, which will be especially appreciated this time of year.”















 
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© 2012 Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
 www.affirmation.org
 PO Box 898
 Anoka, MN 55303
    
 

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News
2013 • 2012

  
Sherri Park
December 22 Is "Sit With Me" Sunday
LGBT Mormons, Families and Friends Shared Service Projects, Meals
 by Sherri Park
 December 2013
 For several months, Mormons Building Bridges has been holding community conversations to discuss how we can help LGBT people to feel welcome and comfortable in our families, schools, churches and communities. This is one of the ways we try to do that. If you want to "Host" someone in your ward, you need to give the following information: Name, Country or State, Ward, Sacrament Meeting time, and (for the truly brave) your cell phone number. There are 3 places you could post this info: on this page, in a Facebook message to me, or in a comment on a Google Doc. If you want to be a "Guest", please list your name and location in one of the same places.
 For more information, visit the Facebok event page. If you cannot see the event, you may have to first join the Mormon Buolding Bridges Facebook group.















 
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© 2012 Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
 www.affirmation.org
 PO Box 898
 Anoka, MN 55303
    
 

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2013 • 2012

  

Affirmation Launches Podcast
Co-Host Kathy Carlston: “This podcast is for anyone and everyone interested in walking an affirming spiritual path”
by Hugo Salinas
 December 2013
 Go to the Podcast       Facebook Group
 Peter van der Walt (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Kathy Carlston (Salt Lake City) have just launched an LGBT Mormon podcast that informs, entertains, and inspires. “This podcast is for anyone and everyone interested in walking an affirming spiritual path,” explains Kathy, “whoever they are and wherever they find themselves.”
Taped in an amiable and relaxed atmosphere, the first episode includes information by Daniel Parkinson on the LGBT Mormon Facebook scene, Affirmation upcoming events, and LGBT news from the U.S. and around the world. The episode ends with “Tiny Lower Case,” a terrific song produced by the Tiptons Sax Quartet http://thetiptonssaxquartet.com/ (which happens to feature Affirmation member Tina Richerson).
 Co-hosts Peter and Kathy met at a service project during the Affirmation conference last September. The next episode, which is scheduled to go live on January 11, will include interviews with the leaders of the Safe and Sound program, which is helping LGBT youth in Utah.
 Post your comments, questions, and ideas for upcoming shows by visiting affirmation.podbean.com or joining the Facebook group.















 
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© 2012 Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
 www.affirmation.org
 PO Box 898
 Anoka, MN 55303
    
 

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2013 • 2012

  

Affirmation Launches Podcast
Co-Host Kathy Carlston: “This podcast is for anyone and everyone interested in walking an affirming spiritual path”
by Hugo Salinas
 December 2013
 Go to the Podcast       Facebook Group
 Peter van der Walt (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Kathy Carlston (Salt Lake City) have just launched an LGBT Mormon podcast that informs, entertains, and inspires. “This podcast is for anyone and everyone interested in walking an affirming spiritual path,” explains Kathy, “whoever they are and wherever they find themselves.”
Taped in an amiable and relaxed atmosphere, the first episode includes information by Daniel Parkinson on the LGBT Mormon Facebook scene, Affirmation upcoming events, and LGBT news from the U.S. and around the world. The episode ends with “Tiny Lower Case,” a terrific song produced by the Tiptons Sax Quartet http://thetiptonssaxquartet.com/ (which happens to feature Affirmation member Tina Richerson).
 Co-hosts Peter and Kathy met at a service project during the Affirmation conference last September. The next episode, which is scheduled to go live on January 11, will include interviews with the leaders of the Safe and Sound program, which is helping LGBT youth in Utah.
 Post your comments, questions, and ideas for upcoming shows by visiting affirmation.podbean.com or joining the Facebook group.















 
WHO WE ARE
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© 2012 Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
 www.affirmation.org
 PO Box 898
 Anoka, MN 55303
    
 

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2013 • 2012

  


Registration for the Nauvoo Retreat Open
Cost Set at $55.00
 Register Today!     Facebook Invite
 by Hugo Salinas
 December 2013
 Registration for the Nauvoo retreat is now open! Sponsored by Affirmation, this retreat is not just for LGBT people, but for all those who desire to serve in the LGBT Mormon community. The event will be held in historic Nauvoo the weekend of May 2-4, 2014. Stays can be extended from Thursday, May 1, to Monday, May 5.
 Rather than a full-fledged conference, this Nauvoo gathering will be a spiritual/leadership retreat. In addition to regular workshops, the program will include time to explore Nauvoo together, cook, eat, and share experiences.
 A focal point of the retreat will be the Nauvoo House. Located in the center of Historic Nauvoo and mere yards away from the Mississippi River, this is the home where Emma Smith lived til her death in 1879. The upstairs bedrooms and attic of this old house have been converted into simple, dorm-style rooms. Downstairs, we will cook in Emma’s kitchen and share meals in her parlor.
 Nauvoo is located 3 hours north of the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL). Attendees flying in will need to share the cost of renting cars. Nauvoo is 4½ hours from Chicago and 6 hours from Minneapolis.
 For more information and updates, check out nauvoo.affirmation.org.
















 
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© 2012 Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
 www.affirmation.org
 PO Box 898
 Anoka, MN 55303
    
 

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News
2013 • 2012

  
 

 Randall Thacker
 by Randall Thacker
 December 2013
 Christmas is a season of giving. We remember Mary, who gave birth to Jesus; the Wise Men, who brought gifts to the Child; Joseph, who worked as a carpenter and, as Jesus's step-father, provided for his non-traditional family. Above all, we remember Christ as God's gift to the world (John 3:16).
 The stories below suggest two basic ways to “give affirmation:” by words and love, as experienced by Justin, and by making a financial contribution to Affirmation, as indicated by Judy and Tom.
 Affirmation and its services are possible because of people like you. We invite you to give the Gift of Affirmation to others by giving a year-end tax-deductible donation. Click on the “Donate” tab or complete the form included here and return to Affirmation: P.O. Box 898, Anoka, MN 55303. If you would like to donate appreciated securities (e.g. stocks and bonds), please contact Chuck Brown at treasurer@affirmation.org.
 Sincerely,
 Randall Thacker
 President
 Affirmation: LGBT Mormons, Families and Friends



 A plea to families: one of the best gifts you can give your LGBTQ child/sibling/parent is the gift of affirmation. I know what it's like to live in fear of rejection from family. For years this fear nearly paralyzed me and severely limited my ability to have open communication. What an incredible relief it was to sit down recently with my parents and two brothers, to share with them my personal journey, and to have them tell me that they loved me and supported me in whatever life decisions I make. I plead with you, tell the LGBTQ people in your life how much you love them. Tell them how much they mean to you. Tell them that your love and support is unconditional. Tell them often. There is no greater thing you can do to create a safe space within your family!
—Justin Keyes 


 Earlier today my friend Doug and I were talking about Affirmation and our positive experiences with it. We reminisced about the September conference, each of us describing specific interactions and overall impressions. We were grateful to have been there, receiving all that love and acceptance. At this time of year when we give gifts, I am pleased to send a gift to Affirmation. It's been such a gift to me. Merry Christmas to all!
—Judy Finch   

Clarke and I donate to Affirmation because we think the math is simple: LGBT + Mormon = Happy Families and Joyful Individuals! Merry Christmas!    —Tom Christofferson 















 
WHO WE ARE
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© 2012 Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
 www.affirmation.org
 PO Box 898
 Anoka, MN 55303
    
 

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News
2013 • 2012

  
 
Students at BYU-Idaho to Wear White, Express Hope for LGBT Youth
On Wednesday, December 18, 2013
 Facebook Event
 December 2013
 On Wednesday, December 18, members of USGA-Idaho will wear white. The purpose is "to spread awareness of our LGBT brothers and sisters here in Rexburg, in the Church and elsewhere in the world."
 "White is a symbol of love, peace, purity, charity and unity," Sarah Louise Broat wrote on Facebook. "Let's show our love to our gay brothers and sisters by symbolically wearing white. Let's show we want to reach out, lift their spirits and include them in all ways we can. I hope you'll join me this day!"
 If you have a message of hope or support to share, please do so at @IdahoUSGA or share on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter with the tag #USGAID.
















 
WHO WE ARE
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© 2012 Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
 www.affirmation.org
 PO Box 898
 Anoka, MN 55303
    
 

      International Pages        Visit Us on Facebook     Visit Us on Twitter     Check Out Our Videos     Visit Our Blog     
    
    
 

Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
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News
2013 • 2012

  
 The Douglas Ballroom, at the University of Utah Guesthouse & Conference Center, will be one of the venues for the 2014 conference 
2014 Affirmation Conference Dates and Theme Announced
"This Is The Place" Conference to Be Held September 12-14, 2014
 Take Survey
 December 2013
 The 2014 Annual International Affirmation Conference will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 12-14 in Salt Lake City.
“Our 2013 conference was attended by over 400 people, many of whom said it was a transformational experience in their lives,” says Affirmation President Randall Thacker. “ We look forward to another gathering as LGBT Mormons, Families & Friends at the University of Utah Guesthouse & Conference Center this coming September.”
 “This Is The Place for celebrating our lives, our spirituality, the place to be authentic as a LGBT and Mormon, a place of joy and healing,” Randall added. “Look for future information about registration in the coming months.”
Take Survey, Volunteer to Help
 Help us make conference even better by taking this 10-minute survey about the 2013 New Frontiers Affirmation conference. The survey also provides a place for you to sign up if you would like to be part of the planning committee and/or serve as a volunteer at the 2014 conference.















 
WHO WE ARE
Who We Are
Faces of Affirmation
2013 Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Our History
Where We Are ESPECIALLY FOR YOU
Youth
Parents & Friends
Women
Missionaries
Transgender
International  EVENTS
Calendar
Conference
Newsletter
The Messenger
Newsroom RESOURCES & LINKS
 Resources
Links  BECOME INVOLVED
Renew Your Membership
Become a Member
Find Local Chapter/Group
Attend Conference
Affirmation Store
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© 2012 Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons
 www.affirmation.org
 PO Box 898
 Anoka, MN 55303