Editorial: Corazones Knit Together in Unity

By Hugo Salinas, Associate Director

If you haven't yet made plans for the Affirmation conference in Mexico, you need to know that you still have time to register for this historic event--the first Affirmation conference planned and carried out in a bilingual and bicultural setting. But there is another important reason why this conference will be historic: With the attendance of representatives from Chile, this conference will be a "mini summit" for Affirmation chapters in the Hispanic world--a setting where the Mexico and the Chile chapters can share experiences and exchange ideas.

The theme of this conference. "Hearts Knit Together in Unity," comes from the Book of Mormon. At this time when so many people in the world and in the Church are preaching doctrines of discrimination and passing laws for exclusion, it is more important than ever that we, as gay and lesbian Mormons, help build bridges with those who are different. With the presence of men and women, Anglos and Hispanics, the young and the not-so-young, the single and the married, this conference will be a true celebration of the cultural, linguistic, and sexual diversity one can find in the Mormon world. And in what other Mormon setting can you find such a diverse group of people "look[ing] forward with one eye," with "hearts knit together in unity," and "love one towards another" (Mosiah 18:21)?

My gratitude goes to those who supported the Chile fund that will allow Brus Leguás Contreras to attend the event from his native Chile (we are still accepting donations, as we have not yet reached the goal). For Brus, this will be a chance in a lifetime. And I have no words to express my admiration for the team we have in Mexico City: Esteban Obregón, Carlos Peralta, and so many others are putting together a superb conference program.

With corazones knit together in unity, let's fly to Mexico and let's have the time of our lives.


Event Reminder

Join us April 11, 6:00 pm PST, for a session of Affirmation chat. Information on how to register and log in is permanently posted at <www.affirmation.org/chat>.

Creevey Commons at Portland's Menucha Center

Join Us for a Women's Retreat!
Portland, OR, June 11-13, 2004

By Alyson Bolles

An Affirmation Women's Retreat will be held just outside of Portland, Oregon, from June 11 to June 13, 2004. The price for the retreat ($231 per person) includes two nights accommodation, 5 yummy meals (vegetarian options available), and all activities. Menucha Retreat Center rests on a ridge overlooking the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. We have reserved Creevey Hall, which is very comfortable with all the conveniences of a modern hotel (including accessibility). We'll hike, swim, talk, eat, hang out, and have fun!

Please at alysonaffirmation.org or (971) 506-7540 if you are interested in attending. We'd love to have you there!

Mary Ann Benson (center) with daughters

Mary Ann Benson Will Conduct Workshop at San Francisco Conference

Mary Ann Benson will conduct a workshop on how we can find personal spirituality outside of the LDS Church structure. Born the eighth of nine children in a Mormon family from Preston, Idaho, Mary Ann (Christensen) Benson grew up in the LDS Church and attended BYU from 1975 to 1977. Married for over 25 years to Steve Benson, grandson to Ezra T. Benson, Mary Ann is the mother of two daughters and two sons.

Mary Ann is a composer and pianist working on her first CD. As a past president of the Gilbert Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association, she guarded crime scenes, raised funds for bulletproof vests and emergency medical kits for the K9 unit, and participated in crime prevention events.

Mary Ann was a featured devotional speaker at the 2002 Affirmation National Conference in Las Vegas.

She loves the outdoors and her four cats. She also enjoys reading and drinking coffee on the patio while watching her husband feed his small zoo. He has over 40 small animals in their back yard! Words she lives by: "Live one day at a time, and make it a masterpiece."

For more information on the conference, please visit <www.affirmation.org/SanFrancisco2004>.




Gay Mormons Launch “El Boletín”

By Hugo Salinas, February 2004

Brus Leguás Contreras and other members of Affirmation Chile have just launched El Boletín, a monthly periodical for gay and lesbian Mormons in South America. This is the first Affirmation periodical in Spanish.

"We intend to reach every day more and more people who need Affirmation--especially those who need support, comfort, and liberation," says the charter issue. "Some of us will sow and open up new paths, others will see the harvest; together, we will complete this work of loving, of saving lives, of giving comfort and support, and of opening eyes."

The editors invite Spanish-speaking members to contribute stories, short articles and essays. To subscribe, or to send contributions, please to afirmaxionhotmail.com. The newsletter will soon be posted at <www.elboletin.tk>.



Sound Bites on Same-Sex Marriage

Compiled by Hugo Salinas, February 2004

“Allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry, I'm pleased to say, will not impact the sanctity of my marriage. Any married couple which thinks that legalizing gay marriage will hurt their relationship needs a marriage counselor.” --U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo.
	“What would happen if we legalized marriage for gays? Well, probably nothing more than a bunch of gays getting married.” --Salt Lake Tribune columnist Robert Kirby
“This is an actual marriage license. It looks the same as any other marriage license. This may confer more benefits, and if not, since the Utah Legislature seems bound and determined to pass more laws that we will never recognize same-sex marriage here, at least it makes a statement.” --Utah resident Jane Marquardt, after marrying her partner Tami Marquardt in San Francisco
	“I'm not a pedophile. I'm not a pervert. I'm human, created by God, just like all of you, with a loving, giving heart. I'm not the only lesbian you know. [Utah] Senate Bill 24 is more about politics than people.” --State Rep. Jackie Biskupski, D-Salt Lake
“I can only hope that Congress and the Supreme Court will again guarantee a minority the rights which America's majority refuses to confer. In the meantime, I applaud the charity which individual states (like Vermont) have begun to demonstrate in guaranteeing the civil rights of gays and lesbians.” --Mormon historian D. Michael Quinn