A couple of weeks ago I went to a regional public affairs meeting, which was awesome. These happen about quarterly, and we get trained, which is really needful, since I am trying to learn what I am supposed to be doing. And they are run by faith-filled people who are smart and resourceful and very, very good. The part that made the biggest impression though was when the public affairs director from Lenexa stood up and talked to us about the release of the mormonandgay.org website, and told us how excited he was about it because it is an issue he struggles with in his life. He has been a bishop and he is married and has four kids. It was really powerful when his stake president told us that he was so proud of him and that he is a great example of being gay and keeping covenants and keeping the commandments. It was the bravest thing I've seen all week. Maybe all year.
I have wanted to save and share a couple of videos that relate to this. I'm not absolutely certain my blog is the correct venue for this, but here they are.
One of Alan's colleagues just gave a TEDx talk about the biological basis of homosexuality. It's short (8 min or so), personal (he has a gay son) and very good.
https://youtu.be/4Khn_z9FPmU
Dr. William Bradshaw, one of my most admired professors at BYU and a member of the stake presidency when Alan and I were living in our first married ward at BYU, has a gay son and has this very long (almost an hour) video about his experiences and viewpoints about homosexuality and the Mormon church. It's a little older, from 2010, but still very relevant, and I thought inspiring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRF0Ep9lWE
I have wanted to save and share a couple of videos that relate to this. I'm not absolutely certain my blog is the correct venue for this, but here they are.
One of Alan's colleagues just gave a TEDx talk about the biological basis of homosexuality. It's short (8 min or so), personal (he has a gay son) and very good.
https://youtu.be/4Khn_z9FPmU
Dr. William Bradshaw, one of my most admired professors at BYU and a member of the stake presidency when Alan and I were living in our first married ward at BYU, has a gay son and has this very long (almost an hour) video about his experiences and viewpoints about homosexuality and the Mormon church. It's a little older, from 2010, but still very relevant, and I thought inspiring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRF0Ep9lWE
What a bold step. I'm glad you posted this.
ReplyDeleteMore and more my life is guided by a quote from Aunt Mignon.
"Respond with love."
The new website does just that.
Wow! It took awhile to get back to you on this because I had to watch and listen. Thanks so the education. It's amazing how true it is that we must "Love one another!"
ReplyDeleteWow that’s awesome. I’m sure you’ve visited the church’s new website but it brought me to tears. Love how the church is handling this very very difficult issue.
ReplyDeleteAngi