It’s common to talk about condoning as it applies to LGBTQ people (whether they’ve actually done anything wrong or not), but why is this the thing that people feel they are obligated to judge, when there is an endless list of our neighbor’s actions and beliefs we could potentially choose to condone or not condone…
Read MoreWHY ARE SO MANY FAMILIES WITH LGBTQ CHILDREN LEAVING THE CHURCH?
Most visibly "out" individuals in past decades were adult gay men. Because homosexuality was considered a choice and viewed as a threat to family and religious values, most were pushed out or left family and religious communities and existed on the wild edges of society. Too many struggled to feel worthy of God's love...
Read MoreRespecting Pronouns - A Simple Way to Help Save Lives
Lift+Love Transgender Mama Specialist Anita Ervin has compiled an easy-to-understand resource titled “Transgender and Non-Binary Education” that covers many of the basic facts about being transgender or non-binary. It’s great for beginners or anyone who has questions about what it means to be transgender or non-binary…
Read MoreWhat can i do to prepare for Sunday lessons about the temple?
If you are a Young Women Leader, a member of the Bishopric, or other youth leader involved with the Sunday lessons, please take special care to remember that this could be a sensitive topic for many of the youth (whether you are aware of their concerns or not). Love and teach like the Savior, and let the Spirit guide you in teaching these important (but sensitive) lessons…
Read MoreGO AND SIN NO MORE (RIGHT?)
In the last little while, I’ve heard many people use this phrase as a reason to withhold support or condemn LGBTQ people. How did this happen?…
Read MoreLGBTQ FOSTER KIDS
42% of LGBTQ youth in foster care say they aren’t able to be themselves in their foster home. LGBTQ-friendly foster parents are desperately needed in every state…
Read MoreIs "Conversion Therapy" still a thing?
Is “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ individuals still happening? According to the recent Trevor Project LGBTQ Mental Health Survey, 17% of current LGBTQ youth have been threatened with or have been forced to undergo these types of therapies. Did you know that LGBTQ kids who are threatened with and/or undergo these conversion therapies are more than TWICE as likely to attempt suicide? What is the church* policy on “conversion therapy”?…
Read MoreDo your friends, relatives, and church leaders know about Lift+Love?
There are so many Latter-day Saint LGBTQ individuals & families, ward & stake leaders, and friends & allies who are LOOKING for resources & support, but just don’t know WHERE to find it! …
Read MoreIS EVERY INTERACTION AT CHURCH A TEMPLE RECOMMEND INTERVIEW?
“Every interaction at church isn’t a temple recommend interview, our job isn’t to determine worthiness!”
My dear friend, a ward YW president, brought this up during ward council where the group was discussing how to create a place of belonging and safety for all to worship the Lord…
60% of LGBTQ youth lack access to mental health care
*LGBTQ youth are at higher risk for depression & anxiety (largely because of the added stresses of bullying and lack of family/community acceptance), yet they are one of the groups with the least access to mental health care. They might not know where to get help, may not be able to afford it, may be worried about confidentiality, or may be afraid of being discriminated against…
Read More45% of LGBTQ teens have considered suicide in the past year - What can we DO?
45% of LGBTQ teens have considered suicide in the past year. We have to do something - we need every one of those wonderful kids and their unique talents & perspectives in our families, our neighborhoods, our schools, our churches, and our workplaces. But what can we DO?
Read More5 WAYS TO HELP EVERYONE FEEL WELCOME & INCLUDED AT CHURCH
5 ways to help everyone feel welcome & included at church…