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.
A few families bravely maintained healthy, loving connections with their LGBTQ children; fewer openly supported them.
Of the many changes over the last five decades, I believe the most important is happening inside families. Equipped with vocabulary and "out" peers, children are more comfortable coming out to parents as they begin to understand their differences often when they are still in Primary or YM/YW.
These children are so young, and innocent parents are fiercely protective of their emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Parents have heard tragic first-hand accounts of pain experienced by LGBTQ friends or family. Many parents report sacred, personal revelations guiding them to listen to and support their children.
The parents I work with daily are desperate for a healthy and whole life for their children.
The impact of this shift cannot be understated; it is seismic!
As the family adjusts to their new reality, they attend church for the same love, support, and religious nourishment they have always received. They may now experience awkwardness or marginalization from long-time friends and leaders. They attend church meetings and seminary classes where some teachers and others say being LGBTQ is not part of God's plan, or worse, it's part of Satan's. When a family can't find a safe and supportive place, they will leave broken-hearted. Often before anyone in the ward is even aware of the LGBTQ child.
The Lift and Love Foundation exists to help LGBTQ Latter-Day Saint families stay connected to each other and to the Savior. Join us as we work to make our wards and homes safe places for all our Heavenly Parent's children, including (and maybe especially) their LGBTQ children. - Allison
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