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For LGBT Latter-day Saints, no two experiences are alike. However, in this interview, we hope to explore what the gay or same-sex attraction experience is like for women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kurt Francom sits down with Quinn Kelly, Bailey Savage, and Deb Hutchins who each experience same-sex attraction. They discuss their personal experience being raised in the Church, serving missions, being active in their wards, and striving to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and maintain their covenants and beliefs in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Highlights
06:00 Quinn’s background growing up in the Church and finally admitting her SSA to herself 08:40 Deb’s background, burying her SSA until her mission experience, and coming home early 10:30 Connected to a group at BYU working with students and administrators to make the campus a better place for LGBT individuals 16:30 Bailey’s background of figuring out she is attracted to women 19:30 Bailey meeting her husband Jared 22:00 Clarifying that being same-sex attracted is not a choice 25:00 What the same-sex attraction experience is like for women 28:00 The power of connecting with other women 31:00 Seeing same-sex attraction as a gift 32:00 Being open about your story with others in the church and why leaders need to have their back 34:30 Other ways leaders could support sisters who are same-sex attracted 35:30 The process of “coming out” 37:00 Being forced to “come out” again and again 40:30 The importance of allowing people to be vulnerable about their story 43:00 Being single vs. being same-sex attracted and single 46:00 When leaders create false hope 46:46 How important it is for a leader be proactive in learning more about the same-sex attracted experience 47:30 Why leaders should attend the North Star conference for free 48:30 Considering the concept of eternity and hope 52:00 What a bishop should consider when someone “comes out” to them 58:00 How North Star has helped each one of these women 1:02:00 How has the same-sex attraction experience helped you become a better disciple of Jesus Christ
Links
northstarlds.org (register for the free leadership sessions)
I am the bishop in my ward. For this years Northstar Conference if you had to recommend one day, what one day would you recommend for me to attend?