Sunday, October 26, 2014
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Scars Heal, Love Remains
Affirmation Conference 2014 – Who knew!?!
Affirmation Conference 2014 – Who knew!?!
By Emric Delton
What happened next was very unexpected. How could the same people that were oppressed and discriminated against, feel so strongly about preserving their faith tradition? How was I the one frustrated with Cognitive Dissonance and not they? Here it was, right in front of me, that humble gathering of latter-day-saints I had grown up with and grown to love. This was the church family I knew.
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Local Resources
Affirmation to Sponsor 2nd Annual Gratitude & Service Gatherings during November
Affirmation to Sponsor 2nd Annual Gratitude & Service Gatherings during November
Affirmation is sponsoring a number of gratitude and service gatherings to be held during November. LGBT Mormons, families and friends will gather in their cities for a service project and a potluck Thanksgiving dinner, sharing in a thankfulness circle and socializing. Read about the wonderful experiences last year, find an event near you this year, and sign up to help make it happen!
by admin × 0 comments
Someone To Talk To
Washington Park Ward Welcomes Gay Members
Washington Park Ward Welcomes Gay Members
In the opening of her talk, she said, “I am openly gay and an active Mormon.” I wanted to cheer! It was the first time I had heard the word “gay” spoken from a Mormon chapel pulpit. She continued to relay her story of self discovery and becoming comfortable being her authentic self.
by Randall Thacker × 1 comment
Explore Affirmation
The 2014 Affirmation Conference: Agency and Community
The 2014 Affirmation Conference: Agency and Community
Historically the LGBT Mormon community has tended to bifurcate on either side of a fault line of orthodox faith versus sexual identity and/or gender identity. LGBT Mormon organizations have generally preferred to prescribe specific solutions, either by offering to help individuals “overcome” same-sex attraction, or ease the transition out of Mormonism. Affirmation is trying to preserve a balance that empowers individuals and encourages them to self-determine within a context of loving community.
by John Gustav-Wrathall × 0 comments
Other News
What Manner of Women and Men Ought We to Be?
What Manner of Women and Men Ought We to Be?
Quite soon after I came out, they (my parents) took an opportunity to express to my brothers and their wives their determination that nothing would be allowed to break the circle of love that binds all of us together as a family.
2014 Ally Award given to Marge & Dr. William Bradshaw
2014 Ally Award given to Marge & Dr. William Bradshaw
Marge and Dr. William Bradshaw were awarded with Affirmation’s Ally Award at the closing luncheon of the Annual International Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at the University Guest House and Conference Center. Affirmation – LGBT Mormons, Families & Friends extends its fullest appreciation and honor for the dedication, love, service and sacrifice of Marge and Bill throughout almost three decades. THANK YOU!!!
The father of a gay Mormon teen reflects on the doctrinal implications of requiring celibacy
The father of a gay Mormon teen reflects on the doctrinal implications of requiring celibacy
I want every Mormon bishop to know what he is asking of the gay youth he counsels. I want him to lead with compassion and put his judgments aside. I want him to support these youth, whether they choose to stay in the Church or not. Don’t crush that youth’s hopes and dreams demanding a commitment to celibacy. Let them find themselves and work through complications that you haven’t even considered. Listen and allow the spirit to edify both you and the gay youth in front of you.
A gay Mormon teen tells his story of finding hope
A gay Mormon teen tells his story of finding hope
Once I had accepted myself, the self esteem issues melted away. I came to terms with my religion. I realized I could never leave the church. I am a Mormon; being gay will not change that. I am gay; being a Mormon will not change that. I am not some mistake that God made, he knows me and he wants me to be happy.
Seattle Mormon leaders to gays: Come back to church
Seattle Mormon leaders to gays: Come back to church
“That means LGBT individuals are welcome to come to church regardless of where they are in their personal lives — single and living under the confines of the policy as we understand it today, married to a partner of their same gender, or dating someone new every night. There is no Bishop’s interview to sit in the pews on Sunday. There is no test to take to come to Sacrament or any of our meetings or events. Everyone is welcome, just as they are.”
Affirmation Community Members Share Thoughts about SCOTUS Refusal to Hear Marriage Ban Appeals
Affirmation Community Members Share Thoughts about SCOTUS Refusal to Hear Marriage Ban Appeals
The recent Supreme Court refusal to rule on four appeals in cases where lower courts had struck down same-sex marriage bans (and the subsequent legalization of same-sex marriage in the four appealing states) has elicited strong responses across the country, but especially in the states affected. We asked a few within the Affirmation community to share their thoughts and feelings with us.
Marriage: Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Seek Empathy with Those Who Don’t
Marriage: Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Seek Empathy with Those Who Don’t
We are grateful for the official LDS church response to the ruling, which rejects persecution of people on the basis of sexual orientation, and enjoins respect toward and dialogue with those with whom we may disagree. We are also grateful for Gospel teachings, along with reminders at recent general conferences that the first and great commandment to “love one another” takes precedence over the things that may divide us.
Testimony & Spiritual Story Sharing Meeting from 2014 Affirmation Conference
Testimony & Spiritual Story Sharing Meeting from 2014 Affirmation Conference
Enjoy listening to or watching the Testimony / Spiritual Story Sharing meeting from the 2014 Affirmation Conference. Almost 400 LGBT Mormons, family members, friends and church leaders attended. Consider sharing with your family, friends and church leaders.
A Message for Those Who Attended the 2014 Annual Conference
A Message for Those Who Attended the 2014 Annual Conference
It’s hard to imagine it’s been two weeks since we gathered together for our annual conference in Salt Lake City. What a wonderful opportunity we had to be together in the spirit of friendship and acceptance. Thank you for adding your presence and love. As you encounter challenges in the coming year, remember the spirit you felt during this conference to help you move forward with confidence and joy in your life.
1 2 3 … 29 Next →
Search
Calendar
Upcoming Events
October 24
Utah Millennials Haunted Forest Activity
October 25
Utah Halloween Costume Party
October 26
My Faith Weekly Activity
Weekly FHE in Salt Lake City
November 14-16
"Vivir en Armonía" LGBT Mormon Conference in Mexico City
November 16
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Washington, DC (Potomac, MD)
Various Dates in November
Gratitude/Thanksgiving Dinners & Service Gatherings Nationwide
Winter 2015
Millennial Retreat - Date TBD
Spring 2015
Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Date TBD
May 15-17, 2015
Palmyra Spiritual & Leadership Retreat
September 2015
Annual International Conference in Salt Lake City, UT
Click here to see all Affirmation Calendar events
Subscribe
Connect
Tags
2013 Affinity Affirmation Allies California Church Community Conference Discussion Equality Faith Families Family Film Film Festival Food Friends Fun Gathering Gay General Conference God Healing LDS LDS LGBT Leadership Lesbian LGBT LGBT Mormons Love Mormon Mormons Mormons Building Bridges Newsletter Phoenix Pride Religion Salt Lake City Service Social Spiritual Spirituality Support Utah Women
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Calendar
2014 New Frontiers Conf.
Newsletters
Nauvoo Leadership Retreat
Become Involved
Renew Your Membership
Become a Member
Find Local Chapter/Group
Attend Conference
Donate
Donate
Copyright © 2014 Affirmation
Site by Chuckwalla Design
footer_logo
http://affirmation.org/
Affirmation
Home
Who We Are
»
Especially For You
»
Events
»
Become Involved
»
Donate
Reaching out to Transgender Mormons via Family Home Evening
Reaching out to Transgender Mormons via Family Home Evening
A few months ago, the Spirit moved upon me to do something to fellowship my transgender and gender variant brothers and sisters. I wanted to provide a safe, non-judgmental, loving way to help my brothers and sisters continue to live a spiritual life, even when circumstances may have closed them out of the circle of fellowship within the church.
Scars Heal, Love Remains
Affirmation Conference 2014 – Who knew!?!
.
Previous
Next
Local Resources
Affirmation to Sponsor 2nd Annual Gratitude & Service Gatherings during November
Affirmation to Sponsor 2nd Annual Gratitude & Service Gatherings during November
Affirmation is sponsoring a number of gratitude and service gatherings to be held during November. LGBT Mormons, families and friends will gather in their cities for a service project and a potluck Thanksgiving dinner, sharing in a thankfulness circle and socializing. Read about the wonderful experiences last year, find an event near you this year, and sign up to help make it happen!
by admin × 0 comments
Someone To Talk To
Washington Park Ward Welcomes Gay Members
Washington Park Ward Welcomes Gay Members
In the opening of her talk, she said, “I am openly gay and an active Mormon.” I wanted to cheer! It was the first time I had heard the word “gay” spoken from a Mormon chapel pulpit. She continued to relay her story of self discovery and becoming comfortable being her authentic self.
by Randall Thacker × 1 comment
Explore Affirmation
The 2014 Affirmation Conference: Agency and Community
The 2014 Affirmation Conference: Agency and Community
Historically the LGBT Mormon community has tended to bifurcate on either side of a fault line of orthodox faith versus sexual identity and/or gender identity. LGBT Mormon organizations have generally preferred to prescribe specific solutions, either by offering to help individuals “overcome” same-sex attraction, or ease the transition out of Mormonism. Affirmation is trying to preserve a balance that empowers individuals and encourages them to self-determine within a context of loving community.
by John Gustav-Wrathall × 0 comments
Other News
What Manner of Women and Men Ought We to Be?
What Manner of Women and Men Ought We to Be?
Quite soon after I came out, they (my parents) took an opportunity to express to my brothers and their wives their determination that nothing would be allowed to break the circle of love that binds all of us together as a family.
2014 Ally Award given to Marge & Dr. William Bradshaw
2014 Ally Award given to Marge & Dr. William Bradshaw
Marge and Dr. William Bradshaw were awarded with Affirmation’s Ally Award at the closing luncheon of the Annual International Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at the University Guest House and Conference Center. Affirmation – LGBT Mormons, Families & Friends extends its fullest appreciation and honor for the dedication, love, service and sacrifice of Marge and Bill throughout almost three decades. THANK YOU!!!
The father of a gay Mormon teen reflects on the doctrinal implications of requiring celibacy
The father of a gay Mormon teen reflects on the doctrinal implications of requiring celibacy
I want every Mormon bishop to know what he is asking of the gay youth he counsels. I want him to lead with compassion and put his judgments aside. I want him to support these youth, whether they choose to stay in the Church or not. Don’t crush that youth’s hopes and dreams demanding a commitment to celibacy. Let them find themselves and work through complications that you haven’t even considered. Listen and allow the spirit to edify both you and the gay youth in front of you.
A gay Mormon teen tells his story of finding hope
A gay Mormon teen tells his story of finding hope
Once I had accepted myself, the self esteem issues melted away. I came to terms with my religion. I realized I could never leave the church. I am a Mormon; being gay will not change that. I am gay; being a Mormon will not change that. I am not some mistake that God made, he knows me and he wants me to be happy.
Seattle Mormon leaders to gays: Come back to church
Seattle Mormon leaders to gays: Come back to church
“That means LGBT individuals are welcome to come to church regardless of where they are in their personal lives — single and living under the confines of the policy as we understand it today, married to a partner of their same gender, or dating someone new every night. There is no Bishop’s interview to sit in the pews on Sunday. There is no test to take to come to Sacrament or any of our meetings or events. Everyone is welcome, just as they are.”
Affirmation Community Members Share Thoughts about SCOTUS Refusal to Hear Marriage Ban Appeals
Affirmation Community Members Share Thoughts about SCOTUS Refusal to Hear Marriage Ban Appeals
The recent Supreme Court refusal to rule on four appeals in cases where lower courts had struck down same-sex marriage bans (and the subsequent legalization of same-sex marriage in the four appealing states) has elicited strong responses across the country, but especially in the states affected. We asked a few within the Affirmation community to share their thoughts and feelings with us.
Marriage: Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Seek Empathy with Those Who Don’t
Marriage: Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Seek Empathy with Those Who Don’t
We are grateful for the official LDS church response to the ruling, which rejects persecution of people on the basis of sexual orientation, and enjoins respect toward and dialogue with those with whom we may disagree. We are also grateful for Gospel teachings, along with reminders at recent general conferences that the first and great commandment to “love one another” takes precedence over the things that may divide us.
Testimony & Spiritual Story Sharing Meeting from 2014 Affirmation Conference
Testimony & Spiritual Story Sharing Meeting from 2014 Affirmation Conference
Enjoy listening to or watching the Testimony / Spiritual Story Sharing meeting from the 2014 Affirmation Conference. Almost 400 LGBT Mormons, family members, friends and church leaders attended. Consider sharing with your family, friends and church leaders.
A Message for Those Who Attended the 2014 Annual Conference
A Message for Those Who Attended the 2014 Annual Conference
It’s hard to imagine it’s been two weeks since we gathered together for our annual conference in Salt Lake City. What a wonderful opportunity we had to be together in the spirit of friendship and acceptance. Thank you for adding your presence and love. As you encounter challenges in the coming year, remember the spirit you felt during this conference to help you move forward with confidence and joy in your life.
1 2 3 … 29 Next →
Search
Calendar
Upcoming Events
October 24
Utah Millennials Haunted Forest Activity
October 25
Utah Halloween Costume Party
October 26
My Faith Weekly Activity
Weekly FHE in Salt Lake City
November 14-16
"Vivir en Armonía" LGBT Mormon Conference in Mexico City
November 16
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Washington, DC (Potomac, MD)
Various Dates in November
Gratitude/Thanksgiving Dinners & Service Gatherings Nationwide
Winter 2015
Millennial Retreat - Date TBD
Spring 2015
Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Date TBD
May 15-17, 2015
Palmyra Spiritual & Leadership Retreat
September 2015
Annual International Conference in Salt Lake City, UT
Click here to see all Affirmation Calendar events
Subscribe
Connect
Tags
2013 Affinity Affirmation Allies California Church Community Conference Discussion Equality Faith Families Family Film Film Festival Food Friends Fun Gathering Gay General Conference God Healing LDS LDS LGBT Leadership Lesbian LGBT LGBT Mormons Love Mormon Mormons Mormons Building Bridges Newsletter Phoenix Pride Religion Salt Lake City Service Social Spiritual Spirituality Support Utah Women
Videos
×
×
Who We Are
Who We Are
Faces of Affirmation
Our Vision
Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Membership Directory
Our History
Contact Us
Especially For You
Resources
Affinity Groups
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Women
Church Leaders
Friends & Family
Transgender
International
Events
Calendar
2014 New Frontiers Conf.
Newsletters
Nauvoo Leadership Retreat
Become Involved
Renew Your Membership
Become a Member
Find Local Chapter/Group
Attend Conference
Donate
Donate
Copyright © 2014 Affirmation
Site by Chuckwalla Design
footer_logo
http://affirmation.org/
Affirmation
Home
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»
Especially For You
»
Events
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Become Involved
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Opinion Recent News
The father of a gay Mormon teen reflects on the doctrinal implications of requiring celibacy
October, 2014 at
On the “No More Strangers” blog, Thomas Palani Montgomery discusses the difference between “celibacy” — a concept alien to Mormon doctrine and practice — and life-long “abstinence.”
“For those who do chose celibacy, I cannot express enough respect. You are living a law not asked of anyone else in the Church. It’s beyond the laws of sacrifice, the gospel and marriage. You have laid your hopes, dreams, future and family on the altar and given it all to the Lord.”
“I want every Mormon bishop to know what he is asking of the gay youth he counsels. I want him to lead with compassion and put his judgments aside. I want him to support these youth, whether they choose to stay in the Church or not. Don’t crush that youth’s hopes and dreams demanding a commitment to celibacy. Let them find themselves and work through complications that you haven’t even considered. Listen and allow the spirit to edify both you and the gay youth in front of you.”
Read the full essay here:
http://www.nomorestrangers.org/the-doctrine-of-celibacy/
Share on FacebookShare on Google+Tweet about this on Twitter
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Who We Are
Who We Are
Faces of Affirmation
Our Vision
Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Membership Directory
Our History
Contact Us
Especially For You
Resources
Affinity Groups
Teens
Women
Church Leaders
Friends & Family
Transgender
International
Events
Calendar
2014 New Frontiers Conf.
Newsletters
Nauvoo Leadership Retreat
Become Involved
Renew Your Membership
Become a Member
Find Local Chapter/Group
Attend Conference
Donate
Donate
Copyright © 2014 Affirmation
Site by Chuckwalla Design
footer_logo
http://affirmation.org/father-gay-mormon-teen-reflects-doctrinal-implications-requiring-celibacy/
Affirmation
Home
Who We Are
»
Especially For You
»
Events
»
Become Involved
»
Donate
Opinion Recent News
The father of a gay Mormon teen reflects on the doctrinal implications of requiring celibacy
October, 2014 at
On the “No More Strangers” blog, Thomas Palani Montgomery discusses the difference between “celibacy” — a concept alien to Mormon doctrine and practice — and life-long “abstinence.”
“For those who do chose celibacy, I cannot express enough respect. You are living a law not asked of anyone else in the Church. It’s beyond the laws of sacrifice, the gospel and marriage. You have laid your hopes, dreams, future and family on the altar and given it all to the Lord.”
“I want every Mormon bishop to know what he is asking of the gay youth he counsels. I want him to lead with compassion and put his judgments aside. I want him to support these youth, whether they choose to stay in the Church or not. Don’t crush that youth’s hopes and dreams demanding a commitment to celibacy. Let them find themselves and work through complications that you haven’t even considered. Listen and allow the spirit to edify both you and the gay youth in front of you.”
Read the full essay here:
http://www.nomorestrangers.org/the-doctrine-of-celibacy/
Share on FacebookShare on Google+Tweet about this on Twitter
Leave a Reply
Your Name *
Your Email *
Your Website
Comment
Who We Are
Who We Are
Faces of Affirmation
Our Vision
Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Membership Directory
Our History
Contact Us
Especially For You
Resources
Affinity Groups
Teens
Women
Church Leaders
Friends & Family
Transgender
International
Events
Calendar
2014 New Frontiers Conf.
Newsletters
Nauvoo Leadership Retreat
Become Involved
Renew Your Membership
Become a Member
Find Local Chapter/Group
Attend Conference
Donate
Donate
Copyright © 2014 Affirmation
Site by Chuckwalla Design
footer_logo
http://affirmation.org/father-gay-mormon-teen-reflects-doctrinal-implications-requiring-celibacy/
Affirmation
Home
Who We Are
»
Especially For You
»
Events
»
Become Involved
»
Donate
Who We Are
This post is also available in: Spanish
006_520
We Are Affirmation
◾Affirmation supports LGBTQ/SSA Mormons and their families, friends and Church leaders in seeking to live productive lives consistent with their faith or heritage.
◾We provide a loving, inclusive community for all LGBTQ/SSA people, and those who love them, regardless of how they identify in their sexual orientation, gender identity, or faith.
◾We encourage spirituality and empower LGBTQ/SSA Mormons to make valuable contributions within and outside of the Church.
◾We organize local gatherings and international conferences, provide informational resources, and work for dialogue within the Church.
Affirmation Purpose (Mission) Statement
From the founding Affirmation Charter
Affirmation does charter itself for the purpose and position herein stated, as a charitable, service, educational and religious oriented association:
As members and friends of the gay and lesbian community, it is our intention to work for the understanding and acceptance of gays and lesbians as full, equal and worthy persons within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and society, and to help them realize and affirm self-worth.
Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons is a welcoming community and welcomes all persons regardless of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Affirmation supports and encourages its members by assisting them in dealing with the Church, their families, employers, work associates and social contacts. The association offers its members strength and support in solving personal problems through mutual acceptance and fellowship.
The association is organized to:
◾Encourage spirituality, prayer and the practice of all Christ-like and charitable behavior in the recognition of members as whole and complete children of God.
◾Provide support for people experiencing difficulty reconciling their sexual orientation with traditional Mormon beliefs and other belief systems about homosexuality.
◾Provide a forum for communication and education for members and leaders of the Church and our peers concerning homosexuality.
◾Provide support and opportunity for social interaction, intellectual development, emotional stability and cultural exposure with those of similar heritage and background.
0001_600
Search
Calendar
Upcoming Events
October 24
Utah Millennials Haunted Forest Activity
October 25
Utah Halloween Costume Party
October 26
My Faith Weekly Activity
Weekly FHE in Salt Lake City
November 14-16
"Vivir en Armonía" LGBT Mormon Conference in Mexico City
November 16
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Washington, DC (Potomac, MD)
Various Dates in November
Gratitude/Thanksgiving Dinners & Service Gatherings Nationwide
Winter 2015
Millennial Retreat - Date TBD
Spring 2015
Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Date TBD
May 15-17, 2015
Palmyra Spiritual & Leadership Retreat
September 2015
Annual International Conference in Salt Lake City, UT
Click here to see all Affirmation Calendar events
Subscribe
Connect
Tags
2013 Affinity Affirmation Allies California Church Community Conference Discussion Equality Faith Families Family Film Film Festival Food Friends Fun Gathering Gay General Conference God Healing LDS LDS LGBT Leadership Lesbian LGBT LGBT Mormons Love Mormon Mormons Mormons Building Bridges Newsletter Phoenix Pride Religion Salt Lake City Service Social Spiritual Spirituality Support Utah Women
Videos
×
×
Who We Are
Who We Are
Faces of Affirmation
Our Vision
Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Membership Directory
Our History
Contact Us
Especially For You
Resources
Affinity Groups
Teens
Women
Church Leaders
Friends & Family
Transgender
International
Events
Calendar
2014 New Frontiers Conf.
Newsletters
Nauvoo Leadership Retreat
Become Involved
Renew Your Membership
Become a Member
Find Local Chapter/Group
Attend Conference
Donate
Donate
Copyright © 2014 Affirmation
Site by Chuckwalla Design
footer_logo
http://affirmation.org/who-we-are/
Affirmation
Home
Who We Are
»
Especially For You
»
Events
»
Become Involved
»
Donate
Who We Are
This post is also available in: Spanish
006_520
We Are Affirmation
◾Affirmation supports LGBTQ/SSA Mormons and their families, friends and Church leaders in seeking to live productive lives consistent with their faith or heritage.
◾We provide a loving, inclusive community for all LGBTQ/SSA people, and those who love them, regardless of how they identify in their sexual orientation, gender identity, or faith.
◾We encourage spirituality and empower LGBTQ/SSA Mormons to make valuable contributions within and outside of the Church.
◾We organize local gatherings and international conferences, provide informational resources, and work for dialogue within the Church.
Affirmation Purpose (Mission) Statement
From the founding Affirmation Charter
Affirmation does charter itself for the purpose and position herein stated, as a charitable, service, educational and religious oriented association:
As members and friends of the gay and lesbian community, it is our intention to work for the understanding and acceptance of gays and lesbians as full, equal and worthy persons within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and society, and to help them realize and affirm self-worth.
Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons is a welcoming community and welcomes all persons regardless of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Affirmation supports and encourages its members by assisting them in dealing with the Church, their families, employers, work associates and social contacts. The association offers its members strength and support in solving personal problems through mutual acceptance and fellowship.
The association is organized to:
◾Encourage spirituality, prayer and the practice of all Christ-like and charitable behavior in the recognition of members as whole and complete children of God.
◾Provide support for people experiencing difficulty reconciling their sexual orientation with traditional Mormon beliefs and other belief systems about homosexuality.
◾Provide a forum for communication and education for members and leaders of the Church and our peers concerning homosexuality.
◾Provide support and opportunity for social interaction, intellectual development, emotional stability and cultural exposure with those of similar heritage and background.
0001_600
Search
Calendar
Upcoming Events
October 24
Utah Millennials Haunted Forest Activity
October 25
Utah Halloween Costume Party
October 26
My Faith Weekly Activity
Weekly FHE in Salt Lake City
November 14-16
"Vivir en Armonía" LGBT Mormon Conference in Mexico City
November 16
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Washington, DC (Potomac, MD)
Various Dates in November
Gratitude/Thanksgiving Dinners & Service Gatherings Nationwide
Winter 2015
Millennial Retreat - Date TBD
Spring 2015
Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Date TBD
May 15-17, 2015
Palmyra Spiritual & Leadership Retreat
September 2015
Annual International Conference in Salt Lake City, UT
Click here to see all Affirmation Calendar events
Subscribe
Connect
Tags
2013 Affinity Affirmation Allies California Church Community Conference Discussion Equality Faith Families Family Film Film Festival Food Friends Fun Gathering Gay General Conference God Healing LDS LDS LGBT Leadership Lesbian LGBT LGBT Mormons Love Mormon Mormons Mormons Building Bridges Newsletter Phoenix Pride Religion Salt Lake City Service Social Spiritual Spirituality Support Utah Women
Videos
×
×
Who We Are
Who We Are
Faces of Affirmation
Our Vision
Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Membership Directory
Our History
Contact Us
Especially For You
Resources
Affinity Groups
Teens
Women
Church Leaders
Friends & Family
Transgender
International
Events
Calendar
2014 New Frontiers Conf.
Newsletters
Nauvoo Leadership Retreat
Become Involved
Renew Your Membership
Become a Member
Find Local Chapter/Group
Attend Conference
Donate
Donate
Copyright © 2014 Affirmation
Site by Chuckwalla Design
footer_logo
http://affirmation.org/who-we-are/
Affirmation
Home
Who We Are
»
Especially For You
»
Events
»
Become Involved
»
Donate
Our Vision
This post is also available in: Spanish
006_750
Our 3-Year Vision – By January 2016
◾Affirmation will be a strong, viable and financially sound organization. It will be an inclusive LGBTQ/SSA Mormon organization serving tens of 1000s of LGBTQ/SSA Mormons, their families, and friends worldwide.
◾Many non-LGBTQ Mormons will know about Affirmation and choose to turn to Affirmation to learn more about how to support their LGBTQ Mormon family and friends.
◾Larger numbers of LGBTQ/SSA Mormons will be comfortable attending their wards as singles and couples.
◾Our stories and voice will have transformed non-LGBTQ/SSA Mormons’ understanding of our experience and relationships.
Our Shared Leadership & Organizational Values
◾Christ-like love, respect, optimism, humility, patience, non-judgment
◾Authenticity, openness, diversity and integrity
◾Living by the Spirit to foster increased learning and understanding.
◾Model/be an example for others of a happy gay Mormon life.
◾Supporting all affected by the nexus of homosexuality and Mormonism, the interests of the individual being above the needs of the church. ◾Avoid taking positions on church doctrine.
◾Avoid taking positions on how people choose to act on their sexuality or not.
◾Provide a sounding board for those who are hurting.
◾Become a place of healing. Honor each individual’s path and help them process through it.
◾Own our faith, following our own inspired agenda as we welcome conversation with the church.
◾Encourage church activity among LGBT Mormons who are interested, creating a world where both homosexuality and LDS faith coexist.
◾Avoid duplicating anything being done by other groups but develop cooperative relationships to support others and bring us to unity
Search
Calendar
Upcoming Events
October 24
Utah Millennials Haunted Forest Activity
October 25
Utah Halloween Costume Party
October 26
My Faith Weekly Activity
Weekly FHE in Salt Lake City
November 14-16
"Vivir en Armonía" LGBT Mormon Conference in Mexico City
November 16
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Washington, DC (Potomac, MD)
Various Dates in November
Gratitude/Thanksgiving Dinners & Service Gatherings Nationwide
Winter 2015
Millennial Retreat - Date TBD
Spring 2015
Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Date TBD
May 15-17, 2015
Palmyra Spiritual & Leadership Retreat
September 2015
Annual International Conference in Salt Lake City, UT
Click here to see all Affirmation Calendar events
Subscribe
Connect
Tags
2013 Affinity Affirmation Allies California Church Community Conference Discussion Equality Faith Families Family Film Film Festival Food Friends Fun Gathering Gay General Conference God Healing LDS LDS LGBT Leadership Lesbian LGBT LGBT Mormons Love Mormon Mormons Mormons Building Bridges Newsletter Phoenix Pride Religion Salt Lake City Service Social Spiritual Spirituality Support Utah Women
Videos
×
×
Who We Are
Who We Are
Faces of Affirmation
Our Vision
Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Membership Directory
Our History
Contact Us
Especially For You
Resources
Affinity Groups
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Our 3-Year Vision – By January 2016
◾Affirmation will be a strong, viable and financially sound organization. It will be an inclusive LGBTQ/SSA Mormon organization serving tens of 1000s of LGBTQ/SSA Mormons, their families, and friends worldwide.
◾Many non-LGBTQ Mormons will know about Affirmation and choose to turn to Affirmation to learn more about how to support their LGBTQ Mormon family and friends.
◾Larger numbers of LGBTQ/SSA Mormons will be comfortable attending their wards as singles and couples.
◾Our stories and voice will have transformed non-LGBTQ/SSA Mormons’ understanding of our experience and relationships.
Our Shared Leadership & Organizational Values
◾Christ-like love, respect, optimism, humility, patience, non-judgment
◾Authenticity, openness, diversity and integrity
◾Living by the Spirit to foster increased learning and understanding.
◾Model/be an example for others of a happy gay Mormon life.
◾Supporting all affected by the nexus of homosexuality and Mormonism, the interests of the individual being above the needs of the church. ◾Avoid taking positions on church doctrine.
◾Avoid taking positions on how people choose to act on their sexuality or not.
◾Provide a sounding board for those who are hurting.
◾Become a place of healing. Honor each individual’s path and help them process through it.
◾Own our faith, following our own inspired agenda as we welcome conversation with the church.
◾Encourage church activity among LGBT Mormons who are interested, creating a world where both homosexuality and LDS faith coexist.
◾Avoid duplicating anything being done by other groups but develop cooperative relationships to support others and bring us to unity
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The 2014 Affirmation Conference: Agency and Community
October, 2014 at
By John Gustav-Wrathall
affirmation_conference1
Observers of the American religious scene, and observers of Mormonism within that scene, are talking about a burgeoning “crisis of faith.” The question of what place there is within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is one of a constellation of issues that are identified in relation to this faith crisis. However central or peripheral issues of sexual orientation and gender identity may be to the larger Mormon faith crisis, a crisis of faith is almost inevitable for LGBT Mormons. No organization or conference claiming to address the needs of LGBT Mormons could do so successfully without acknowledging the reality of this crisis of faith, and without taking an open ended approach to it, without preconceived notions of how to deal with it. The recent Affirmation Annual International Conference, held in Salt Lake City September 12-15, 2014, attempted to do just that, by providing opportunities to approach both Mormonism and being LGBT from a wide range of perspectives, both in terms of how individuals identify themselves as LGBT, and how they seek answers to urgent questions of ultimate meaning.
this_is_the_place
Historically the LGBT Mormon community has tended to bifurcate on either side of a fault line of orthodox faith versus sexual identity and/or gender identity. You could be LGBT and ex-Mormon, or Mormon and struggling to overcome same-sex attraction and/or gender confusion. The realities of people’s individual lives have, of course, always been more nuanced and complex. But LGBT Mormon organizations have generally preferred to prescribe specific solutions, either by offering to help individuals “overcome” same-sex attraction, or ease the transition out of Mormonism. These approaches exacerbated the bifurcation. Community organizations have found it difficult to find and preserve a balance that empowered individuals and encouraged them to self-determine within a context of loving community. Affirmation has tried to do this in the past with varying degrees of success, and in recent years has renewed efforts at greater neutrality and balance, despite pressures to lean one way or the other in relation to that fault line of orthodox faith versus sexual or gender identity. Whether Affirmation’s current efforts are durable remains to be seen, but the 2014 Annual Conference represented perhaps our best effort yet toward achieving balance and providing options that could empower individuals to determine their own course through difficult terrain.
darius_gray
The opening keynote speaker, Darius Gray, spoke from a perspective firmly grounded in LDS faith. Gray is an African-American Mormon, who could speak to the experience of being a faithful, active Mormon from the era before the 1978 revelation allowing blacks to hold the priesthood until the present, who played a pioneering role within the Mormon Church and has served as a leader within the black Mormon community. Given this experience, Gray was able to speak to issues of inclusion and exclusion, the difference between LDS doctrine and Mormon culture, and the dynamic, nuanced relationship between personal revelation and official church teaching, all issues of vital relevance to LGBT Mormons today.
spencer_day clark_johnson reeser_stouts eri_hayward
Other keynote speakers included Spencer Day, a jazz vocalist, Clark Johnson, a member of the original cast of The Book of Mormon: The Musical, Spencer and Dustin Reeser-Stout, known for their viral Home Depot marriage proposal YouTube video, and Eri Hayward, who was featured in the acclaimed documentary Transmormon. These speakers were all individuals who had wrestled with their faith as Latter-day Saints, and eventually found it necessary to leave or distance themselves from the LDS church. They described a landscape with which many LGBT Mormons are familiar, exploring questions of whether one should trust oneself over what one is being told by trusted family, church members and church leaders; how to make sense of seeming contradictions between deeply held beliefs and one’s personal experience; and dealing with acceptance or rejection from family and friends.
10_min_talks1
At this year’s conference, a much more deliberate and focused approach was taken to workshops and discussion forums. Experienced counselors and/or therapists held workshops specifically geared toward helping individuals navigate the different challenges of reconciling faith and sexual or gender identity. The focus was on the individual journey, and individual empowerment, rather than speaking for or against the merits of particular, possible outcomes. An open forum of TED – style talks was also offered. A call for papers was put out, and individuals were invited to propose 10-minute talks on the variety of topics relevant to the LGBT Mormon experience. The purpose of this forum was to rollout a wider diversity of individuals and topics to be presented to a larger number of conference participants than was possible in previous years under the traditional workshop format.
youth
First ever youth activities at an Affirmation conference
Also new at this year’s conference was a time devoted to affinity groups. There were groups for active LDS, for former and/or faith transitioning Mormons; for individuals in mixed-orientation marriages, for celibate individuals, for individuals in or seeking same-sex relationships; for women, for men, for transgender individuals; for people of color; for millennials and youth. Each group was permitted to structure their time together, and address questions or issues in ways that they felt were most relevant to their particular needs.
affirmation_choir
As at conferences of recent years, this year’s Affirmation conference included devotional activities such as prayers, the singing of hymns, a spiritual story-sharing/testimony meeting, and organized attendance at the Sunday-morning “Music and the Spoken Word” performance at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. At the broadcast, Affirmation was given VIP seating and asked to stand and be recognized as a visiting group. As in previous years, participants were encouraged to pray or share stories in whatever way they felt most comfortable, whether it fit within a framework of traditional Mormon orthodoxy or not, and whether it fit within the framework of any faith at all or not.
james_kent
Feedback about the conference was overwhelmingly positive. Over 400 individuals registered and participated. Many who have participated in previous conferences said they felt this was the best conference that had ever been organized. Newcomers to Affirmation expressed their sense that this was the best organized event they had ever participated in for LGBT Mormons.
berta_marquez
This conference provided more opportunities to understand transgender within a Mormon faith context than ever before at an Affirmation conference. It included larger numbers of heterosexual family members, friends and other allies than ever before. It included larger numbers of LGBT youth accompanied by their families than ever before. All of these were seen as tremendous positives.
bus
As always, there were glitches. The affinity groups were probably not structured in an optimal way, because they forced individuals to choose between multiple affinities/identities. For instance, would a black, gay LDS-church-active man in his 20s go to the group for people of color? For men? For millennials? For the active LDS LGBT group? Some of the feedback about the keynote speakers reflected the tensions that seem to naturally come with trying to foster an environment that affirms those who choose Church activity, while also affirming those who choose to distance themselves from the Church.
paul_mortensenjulie_de_azevedo
Still, much of the feedback confirmed increasing maturity of the Affirmation community, a growing recognition that we need safe spaces for all of us, that none ought to be excluded or marginalized. Affirmation must foster an environment where individuals are able to wrestle with and explore the principles of LDS faith from a believing perspective, but it must also provide a safe place for people who no longer adhere to LDS belief, and for everyone everywhere in between. All – regardless of where they are in relation to faith, or regardless of how they identify (whether as LGBT, SSA, queer, allies, etc.) – deserve a place of unconditional love, acceptance and healing. Perhaps our support for each other ultimately will be more effective across our differences than it can possibly ever be exclusively among those who see eye-to-eye with us. In future conferences, we hope to continue to build on what we’ve learned from this conference. It is doubtful there will ever be a time when we can just rest on our laurels and create an inclusive, healing community without good old-fashioned hard-work that empathy and inclusion require. But what we’re doing seems to be working and we’re learning how to do it better.
affirmation2
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Copyright © 2014 Affirmation
Site by Chuckwalla Design
footer_logo
http://affirmation.org/2014-affirmation-conference/
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Become Involved
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The 2014 Affirmation Conference: Agency and Community
October, 2014 at
By John Gustav-Wrathall
affirmation_conference1
Observers of the American religious scene, and observers of Mormonism within that scene, are talking about a burgeoning “crisis of faith.” The question of what place there is within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is one of a constellation of issues that are identified in relation to this faith crisis. However central or peripheral issues of sexual orientation and gender identity may be to the larger Mormon faith crisis, a crisis of faith is almost inevitable for LGBT Mormons. No organization or conference claiming to address the needs of LGBT Mormons could do so successfully without acknowledging the reality of this crisis of faith, and without taking an open ended approach to it, without preconceived notions of how to deal with it. The recent Affirmation Annual International Conference, held in Salt Lake City September 12-15, 2014, attempted to do just that, by providing opportunities to approach both Mormonism and being LGBT from a wide range of perspectives, both in terms of how individuals identify themselves as LGBT, and how they seek answers to urgent questions of ultimate meaning.
this_is_the_place
Historically the LGBT Mormon community has tended to bifurcate on either side of a fault line of orthodox faith versus sexual identity and/or gender identity. You could be LGBT and ex-Mormon, or Mormon and struggling to overcome same-sex attraction and/or gender confusion. The realities of people’s individual lives have, of course, always been more nuanced and complex. But LGBT Mormon organizations have generally preferred to prescribe specific solutions, either by offering to help individuals “overcome” same-sex attraction, or ease the transition out of Mormonism. These approaches exacerbated the bifurcation. Community organizations have found it difficult to find and preserve a balance that empowered individuals and encouraged them to self-determine within a context of loving community. Affirmation has tried to do this in the past with varying degrees of success, and in recent years has renewed efforts at greater neutrality and balance, despite pressures to lean one way or the other in relation to that fault line of orthodox faith versus sexual or gender identity. Whether Affirmation’s current efforts are durable remains to be seen, but the 2014 Annual Conference represented perhaps our best effort yet toward achieving balance and providing options that could empower individuals to determine their own course through difficult terrain.
darius_gray
The opening keynote speaker, Darius Gray, spoke from a perspective firmly grounded in LDS faith. Gray is an African-American Mormon, who could speak to the experience of being a faithful, active Mormon from the era before the 1978 revelation allowing blacks to hold the priesthood until the present, who played a pioneering role within the Mormon Church and has served as a leader within the black Mormon community. Given this experience, Gray was able to speak to issues of inclusion and exclusion, the difference between LDS doctrine and Mormon culture, and the dynamic, nuanced relationship between personal revelation and official church teaching, all issues of vital relevance to LGBT Mormons today.
spencer_day clark_johnson reeser_stouts eri_hayward
Other keynote speakers included Spencer Day, a jazz vocalist, Clark Johnson, a member of the original cast of The Book of Mormon: The Musical, Spencer and Dustin Reeser-Stout, known for their viral Home Depot marriage proposal YouTube video, and Eri Hayward, who was featured in the acclaimed documentary Transmormon. These speakers were all individuals who had wrestled with their faith as Latter-day Saints, and eventually found it necessary to leave or distance themselves from the LDS church. They described a landscape with which many LGBT Mormons are familiar, exploring questions of whether one should trust oneself over what one is being told by trusted family, church members and church leaders; how to make sense of seeming contradictions between deeply held beliefs and one’s personal experience; and dealing with acceptance or rejection from family and friends.
10_min_talks1
At this year’s conference, a much more deliberate and focused approach was taken to workshops and discussion forums. Experienced counselors and/or therapists held workshops specifically geared toward helping individuals navigate the different challenges of reconciling faith and sexual or gender identity. The focus was on the individual journey, and individual empowerment, rather than speaking for or against the merits of particular, possible outcomes. An open forum of TED – style talks was also offered. A call for papers was put out, and individuals were invited to propose 10-minute talks on the variety of topics relevant to the LGBT Mormon experience. The purpose of this forum was to rollout a wider diversity of individuals and topics to be presented to a larger number of conference participants than was possible in previous years under the traditional workshop format.
youth
First ever youth activities at an Affirmation conference
Also new at this year’s conference was a time devoted to affinity groups. There were groups for active LDS, for former and/or faith transitioning Mormons; for individuals in mixed-orientation marriages, for celibate individuals, for individuals in or seeking same-sex relationships; for women, for men, for transgender individuals; for people of color; for millennials and youth. Each group was permitted to structure their time together, and address questions or issues in ways that they felt were most relevant to their particular needs.
affirmation_choir
As at conferences of recent years, this year’s Affirmation conference included devotional activities such as prayers, the singing of hymns, a spiritual story-sharing/testimony meeting, and organized attendance at the Sunday-morning “Music and the Spoken Word” performance at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. At the broadcast, Affirmation was given VIP seating and asked to stand and be recognized as a visiting group. As in previous years, participants were encouraged to pray or share stories in whatever way they felt most comfortable, whether it fit within a framework of traditional Mormon orthodoxy or not, and whether it fit within the framework of any faith at all or not.
james_kent
Feedback about the conference was overwhelmingly positive. Over 400 individuals registered and participated. Many who have participated in previous conferences said they felt this was the best conference that had ever been organized. Newcomers to Affirmation expressed their sense that this was the best organized event they had ever participated in for LGBT Mormons.
berta_marquez
This conference provided more opportunities to understand transgender within a Mormon faith context than ever before at an Affirmation conference. It included larger numbers of heterosexual family members, friends and other allies than ever before. It included larger numbers of LGBT youth accompanied by their families than ever before. All of these were seen as tremendous positives.
bus
As always, there were glitches. The affinity groups were probably not structured in an optimal way, because they forced individuals to choose between multiple affinities/identities. For instance, would a black, gay LDS-church-active man in his 20s go to the group for people of color? For men? For millennials? For the active LDS LGBT group? Some of the feedback about the keynote speakers reflected the tensions that seem to naturally come with trying to foster an environment that affirms those who choose Church activity, while also affirming those who choose to distance themselves from the Church.
paul_mortensenjulie_de_azevedo
Still, much of the feedback confirmed increasing maturity of the Affirmation community, a growing recognition that we need safe spaces for all of us, that none ought to be excluded or marginalized. Affirmation must foster an environment where individuals are able to wrestle with and explore the principles of LDS faith from a believing perspective, but it must also provide a safe place for people who no longer adhere to LDS belief, and for everyone everywhere in between. All – regardless of where they are in relation to faith, or regardless of how they identify (whether as LGBT, SSA, queer, allies, etc.) – deserve a place of unconditional love, acceptance and healing. Perhaps our support for each other ultimately will be more effective across our differences than it can possibly ever be exclusively among those who see eye-to-eye with us. In future conferences, we hope to continue to build on what we’ve learned from this conference. It is doubtful there will ever be a time when we can just rest on our laurels and create an inclusive, healing community without good old-fashioned hard-work that empathy and inclusion require. But what we’re doing seems to be working and we’re learning how to do it better.
affirmation2
Share on FacebookShare on Google+Tweet about this on Twitter
Leave a Reply
Your Name *
Your Email *
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Comment
Who We Are
Who We Are
Faces of Affirmation
Our Vision
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Board of Directors
Membership Directory
Our History
Contact Us
Especially For You
Resources
Affinity Groups
Teens
Women
Church Leaders
Friends & Family
Transgender
International
Events
Calendar
2014 New Frontiers Conf.
Newsletters
Nauvoo Leadership Retreat
Become Involved
Renew Your Membership
Become a Member
Find Local Chapter/Group
Attend Conference
Donate
Donate
Copyright © 2014 Affirmation
Site by Chuckwalla Design
footer_logo
http://affirmation.org/2014-affirmation-conference/
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