The wedding of Devin and Jake was literally full of loved ones who flew from all over the world to celebrate their marriage. It was a perfect day.
Many of the people pictured here are not active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and some are not members at all. WHAT IF they had purposefully not come to the wedding because they didn’t want anyone to think they approved of where (or how) the happy couple were getting married?
I hear about so many members who question if they should go and support the weddings of their LGBTQ family or friends.
What if some of these people in this wedding photo had decided not to come to this traditional LDS temple wedding because they were worried about the message their attendance would send? Was their attendance ever interpreted by us to mean that they agree with our beliefs and where the marriage was taking place? Or did it simply mean that they love my family? Without each of them, would this photo still be a reminder of a perfect day, or would the holes of those missing loved ones forever remind us of those who stayed away because of differences in beliefs?
I am grateful for those, not of our faith tradition, who waited on the grounds of the temple as my baby was sealed to her honey inside, and then joined us on those gorgeous stairs for a priceless memory of our greatest day ever - Allison
Read MoreIn this video, Lift+Love Founder Allison Dayton explains why Latter-day Saints Support Gay Marriage. Her explanation includes quotes and video clips from Elder D. Todd Christofferson.
Read MoreIn this video, Lift+Love Founder Allison Dayton answers a common question - Why does Pride Month lasts an entire month (when many other celebrations/holidays like Mother’s Day only last one day)?
Read MoreDale G Renlund: Suicide and Same-Sex Attraction. In this video, Elder Renlund explains that LGBTQ people are often isolated, but we should treat them the way that the Savior would - with more love, care, and inclusion - not exclusion.
Read MoreElder Ronald A. Rasband taught that (people who experience gender dysphoria)… “need to be encircled in the arms of their Savior and know they are loved. So often the Lord calls on us; He expects us to be His welcoming, loving arms. We need to encourage their friends to do the same” Ronald A. Rasband, “Jesus Christ Is the Answer” (evening with a General Authority, Feb. 8, 2019)
Read More“Come tell us what is saving your life now” the wise old priest said to a visiting speaker. Meghan talks about what is saving her life today. She explores the various ways God expresses love for us and compassionately surrounds us with “gods with skin on.” Meghan also discusses the origin of the new Janice Kapp Perry song "All Are Alike Unto God" (which she co-authored with Janice).
Free sheet music for "All Are Alike Unto God" is now available on the Gather Conference website
Read MoreBree Borrowman (she/her/hers) shares her personal experiences growing up with gender incongruence and gender dysphoria, while wondering for decades why her faith, prayer, church service, and marrying a woman didn't "fix her". She explains how she found an unexpected ally in her wife Kit, moved past shame and guilt to be happy living authentically, and ultimately has found hope in Christ.
Read MoreMost Americans do not know a transgender person which means most people know little to nothing about transgender people and consequently can be susceptible to misinformation that fuels social division based on fears about transgender people. This is similar to when fear was stoked about gay people in the 20th century. But the antidote to division, strife, misinformation, and fear about transgender Americans is building relationships and sharing our lives with transgender people. Michael shares how with greater understanding and fellowship as Americans and Christians, we can recommit ourselves to pluralism and to God’s greatest commandments. Topics: LGBTQ, LDS, transgender, understanding, trans, gender
Read MoreThe Of One Heart Initiative is one stake's effort to create a more welcoming, inclusive, loving community of Saints for LGBTQ+ persons and their families. This presentation will discuss the collaborative development effort involving many levels of councils with the goal of reaching every member of the stake through existing delivery channels, such as Teachers' Councils, Devotionals, and Ward Youth Discussions. Participants will have access to Of One Heart Initiative materials and slide decks that may be used for reference as they develop similar local LGBT initiatives. Q & A with an Of One Heart Initiative organizer and a gay member of their stake.
Read MoreValerie Nicole Green and Carson Perez share personal stories as LGBTQ saints. Specifically, Valerie shares her experiences with local leaders during her initial transition and as they are currently constituted. Both Valerie and Carson share their personal interactions with ward members, what they have taught their wards about the LGBTQ experience, and what they have learned from their ward families. Topics: LGBTQ, LDS, trans, personal stories, church leadership, transgender
Read MoreDr. Ben Schilaty discusses the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard and how each of us is called to build the kingdom and care for another.
Read MoreGay Latter-day Saint Charlie Bird shares how exercising faith in the Plan of Salvation and the power of Jesus Christ leads to healing, hope, and resolution. Presented at the 2023 Gather Conference.
Read MoreThis short video (produced by Encircle) has a Christmas theme, but the message is applicable all year. This video depicts a parent’s journey to accepting and supporting their trans youth. Features Miles McKenna.
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