Throughout Mormonism’s history there have been a series of “rescues” where grassroots members, teamed with local church authorities, band together to rescue Saints in despair.
Are we seeing an LGBTQ+ rescue in Mormonism? We’re digging in…and talking about it.
Inspired by Elder M. Russell Ballard’s charge to “better understand the LGBTQ community,” Ben Schilaty and Charlie Bird, gay Latter-day Saints, have been training ward and stake leaders/members on LGBTQ inclusion and love.
Through these efforts, Ben and Charlie aim to change the tradition and culture surrounding queer experiences in Mormonism and creating a space of better understanding regarding sexuality in the church (not much is being said about gender identity).
In this special episode hosted by Latter Gay Stories and Mormon Stories, a panel of queer voices, moderated by John Dehlin, tackles this topic by analyzing a recently recorded fireside in a Surrey British Columbia Stake.
Is this new method of training effective? Does it move the needle?
#LatterGayStories #BenSchilaty #CharlieBird #GayMormonRescue #LGBTQMormonism