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In this episodes we continue the conversation with leaders from North Star as we focus on Brigit Pack’s story of finding peace and faith in her home and in her Church. Her spouse was born Ryan, but now prefer the name Ann. Ann is a transgender Mormon and Brigit tells her story of how leaders are working on finding a place for Ann in their LDS ward. It’s an inspiring discussion that will definitely help other leaders understand available resources and where to start in loving transgender members of their ward. Editor’s Note: Throughout this interview I use the term transgender-ed. Brigit was kind enough to correct me after the episode had been edited. I hope you can all learn from my mistake and refer to these individuals as transgender.
Voices On This Episode:
Brigit Pack, North Star Conference Co-Chair
Brigit’s story is a story of inspiring faith. As she tells the story of her spouses journey through gender identity, she helps leaders understand how they might find a place for transgender Mormons in their ward.
Greg Harris, President-Elect of North Star
At the time of this recording Greg Harris is the incoming president of North Star. He shares a unique story of coming to terms with is sexual orientation soon after his brother announced to his family that he was gay. There is a lot to learn from Greg and Church leaders will find he is a remarkable resource to helping navigate the SSA world. Read more of his bio HERE.
Joseph Stith, Director of Talent for North Star
I hope everyone gets the opportunity to meet Joseph in person. I consider him a wonderful friend and he is doing wonderful things for North Star. Joseph shared the details of his story in PART 1 and continues in the conversation in this episode talking about his experience working with youth that experience SSA. Read more of his bio HERE.
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Lots of question after listening to this. Why do these individuals fixate on dressing as a woman as opposed to feeling the overwhelming urge to act like a woman I.e. Trying to be more nurturing for example. It seems one of the core characteristics of a woman is her capacity for love and nurturing of others, but all we ever hear about is these individuals overwhelming desire to dress and appear as a woman.
How is this gender dysphoria different than say anorexia or other body perception disorders. Why are we not trying to treat anorexia with surgery to make one look skinny?
I am very uneasy with her attempts to twist the proclamation on the family to fit her beliefs.
This was very helpful for me to create understanding of how people may feel. I do have one question. How do you handle Relief Society and priesthood? If a man is dressing and identifying as a woman does he attend RS? Do you assign visiting teachers?
As this world continues to tear itself apart we tend to hear words and phrases like “be accepting” or the top buzz word of the day, Tolerance.
I came to a conclusion years ago; the devil loves Tolerance it makes his job easier.