A couple years ago, a member of the Bishopric in a previous ward shared how happy he is in the Church. He shared how happy the gospel makes him and his family. He finished it off with, “I don’t even…
Sadness
Category: Family issues
Seeing Through My Tears
I live about two hours from the Los Angeles Temple. Recently, I made my first trek there since my son came out gay about almost three years ago. I have always instinctively kept my temple recommend active and remained worthy…
Things You Should Know When Watching TLC’s “My Husband’s Not Gay,” Joining North Star, or Considering a Mixed-Orientation Marriage
Due to the significant controversy surrounding the upcoming TLC show entitled, “My Husband’s Not Gay,” and (more importantly) due to the very high stakes surrounding the topic of LDS Mixed-Orientation Marriages (defined in this case as a gay, lesbian or bisexual…
The Doctrine of Celibacy
When Mormons speak of the Law of Chastity, they often define it as remaining celibate until marriage. In actuality, it would be more properly defined as remaining abstinent until marriage. Today, the words abstinent and celibate are frequently used interchangeably,…
There are no closed off souls
By Diane Oviatt (a speech given in Berkeley, California Sep, 2014) There are no closed off souls. No one is impervious. Story, unlike anything else, can change the heart. I learned this first hand five years ago this month, when…
What Manner of Men and Women Ought We to Be?
by Tom Christofferson (Address given at ALL Are Alike Unto God, 2014 Arizona LDS LGBT/SSA Conference April 26, 2014) At this tender time for my family, I am grateful to my brothers for their willingness to plan our father’s funeral…
Like Dragons Did They Fight – Mosiah 20:11
By Diane Oviatt In his powerful book, “Far From the Tree”, Andrew Solomon explores the experience of parenting a child who is very different from you. The overarching theme gleaned from the real stories he presents of parents raising…
A Difference of Opinion
Over the past few years, I have had dozens of conversations with friends and family members who are active members of the LDS Church on the subject of homosexuality. Most active members feel misunderstood and maligned by the ‘world’ and…
Shame and Affirmation
I am the father of a teenage gay son and the sun never sets on the drama and trouble that that boy can get into. As such, there is a continuous need to touch base and talk about the things…
Dressing Wounds–Showing Love at Pride
By Doree Burt Last Sunday was the third time I walked with Mormons Building Bridges in the Utah Pride parade. It is a Sunday I look forward to, and then I mourn its passing. This year I, along with other…