Identity
Exclude Not Thyself
In an effort to show compassion to our LGBT+ brothers and sisters, we should resist the urge to enable them in excluding themselves from the Plan of Salvation.
Skyler Sorensen
November 8, 2021
In an effort to show compassion to our LGBT+ brothers and sisters, we should resist the urge to enable them in excluding themselves from the Plan of Salvation.
It’s common to see people focus almost exclusively on advocating “love” or defending “truth” in the LGBTQ+ / Latter-day Saint conversation. It’s far less common to see people holding both – a practice that involves a lot more stretching, discomfort, and potential breakthroughs for us all.
The topic of identity and associated symbols has been much discussed of late, especially by those harboring substantial concerns. I wonder what else could be learned if we listened more deeply to what these identities and symbols mean to those who have come to find value and importance in them?
An open letter to Latter-day Saint parents of teens who have recently announced a transgender identity.
It seems at times that American discourse is so engrossed in the intersectional categories of people (e.g., “that gay BYU student”), that we hardly see the unique person underneath the label anymore.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s remarks at BYU revealed an already-existing conflict over how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its critics conceive of identity. As prophets affirm repeatedly, our true identity existed long before any of our present experiences, and is remembered, more than discovered.
You’ve probably only ever heard one answer for why so many LGBT+ identifying brothers and sisters are walking away. But the full truth is rarely so popular—or so simple.
In the wake of Elder Holland’s BYU talk, I can’t help but wonder—what would LGBT+ Advocacy “bathed in the light of the gospel” look like?
Many Americans rightfully crave unity right now. The Fairness for All Act, not the Equality Act, is a better path to get there on one of the most sensitive and challenging questions of our time.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision on LGBT+ employment protections combined with existing religious rights could eventually lead to a “fairness for all.”
Suicide is tragic—and shouldn’t be leveraged for ideological ends. A superficial reading of LGBT+ suicide stats can cause more harm than good.
To disagree strongly, even about sensitive, important questions, is not the same as hatred. To read some news about BYU’s honor code changes this month, however, you could be forgiven for presuming they were the same.