These resources are a good starting point whether you’re a gay Mormon, the parent or an ally of a gay Mormon, or a church leader trying to better understand how you can help.
At a high level, these links are critical to understanding LGBT youth/young adults and helping families and caregivers respond to them in a way that keeps them safe and helps keeps families together. It’s also a great starting point for gay Mormons who are looking for support.
Family Acceptance Project
The Family Acceptance Project™ is the only research, intervention, education and policy initiative that works to decrease health and related risks for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth, such as suicide, substance abuse, HIV and homelessness – in the context of their families. You can download a free copy of their booklet for Mormon families and get access to their other research that helps keep our kids safe, happy, and in our families. This organization needs your support. Consider donating today!
PFLAG
Parents, families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons who celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Affirmation
Affirmation (for LGBT Mormons) consists of individuals at different places in the coming-out process, as well as families, friends and allies. Their mission is to provide a safe space where LGBT individuals, as well as those questioning their orientation, can associate with like individuals, ask questions, and know that they are not alone. They strive to help LGBTQ people reconcile with their spirituality within the context of a common Mormon background.
Mormons and Gays
A collection of conversations with leaders of the Mormon church, as well as conversations with Church members who are attracted to people of the same sex and conversations with the loved ones of gay spouses, children, or grandchildren who are dealing with the effects of same-sex attraction in their own lives.
I’ll Walk With You
Promoting understanding, support, and love for LGBT Latter-day Saints.
Mama Dragons
Mama Dragons is a space of support for women navigating the waters of LGBTQ issues within their family or community. They strive to make this space free of judgment between members and to create a safe place for conversation and support for individuals regardless of their beliefs or participation in religious community.
Utah OUTreach Resource Centers
Since our beginning in 2005, Outreach Resource Centers has been focused on helping youth. A decade ago, the wonderful people of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden took notice of the incredible amount of rejected and often homeless LGBTQ youth and they took action. It was this action that grew into Ogden OUTreach. Since then, Ogden Outreach has expanded to become the Outreach Resource Centers and we now operate drop-in centers from Logan to Clearfield. This organization needs your support. Consider donating or volunteering today!
Dr. Bill Bradshaw’s Podcast on the Biological Origin of Homosexuality
Dr. Bradshaw is a former mission president, former member of a stake presidency, has written about the biology of homosexuality elsewhere, and was covered by BYU’s Daily Universe. He is a respected authority on homosexuality within the community, and his podcast can help you better understand how homosexuality fits within the natural order. He is also the host on a short video entitled, “Embracing our Homosexual Children.”
Family Fellowship Support Group on Facebook
You’ll find a collection of supportive straight Mormons, family members, and many LGBT Mormons who can help you better understand how to parent your gay child–or build a community of support if you’re a gay Mormon. If you can’t access the group, send me a friend request on Facebook and I’ll be happy to add you to the group. It is a private and closed group, which means your anonymity will be protected. Only other members from the groups will know you belong, and no one outside the group will see your posts and comments.
LGBT Mormon Allies Facebook Support Group
Another great way to build an online support community and connect with Mormons and former Mormons who support LGBT children, equality, and inclusiveness. If you can’t access the group, send me a friend request on Facebook and I’ll be happy to add you to the group. It is a private and closed group, which means your anonymity will be protected. Only other members from the groups will know you belong, and no one outside the group will see your posts and comments.