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Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons—Serving Gay & Lesbian Mormons and Their Family and Friends Since 1977
Join Us for a Conference in Phoenix
It Will Be Held April 17-18 in Conjunction with Phoenix Pride
by Tony Gale
A Cornerstone Conference is a local gathering of Affirmation members and the first one in years is scheduled to be held right here in the Southwest. The conference is open to all, but we are focusing on amembers from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and southern California. This conference will be held in beautiful Phoenix, AZ on Friday April 17th and Saturday April 18th.
This will be a mini conference with seminars, food, friendship and acquaintances you haven’t seen in years. It will be an opportunity to meet the entire executive committee of Affirmation. It is small enough to meet and know everyone and large enough to be fun and informative.
As an added bonus, this year’s conference is being held in conjunction with Phoenix Pride, and the conference schedule is being set up to allow time for those who would like to attend the parade and other Pride festivities will be able to. There is also a fundraiser Pride Run/Walk scheduled for Sunday morning—more information to follow.
Conference Tentative Schedule
| Friday April 17th |
8:00 pm -
10:00 pm |
Opening Session (informal format)
David Douglas and Tony Gale: Welcome (10 min)
George Cole: What is Affirmation Doing? (15 min)
Micah Bisson: Opportunities in Affirmation (15 min)
Light refreshments served |
| Saturday April 18th |
| 8:00 am |
Continental Breakfast Plus |
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8:30 |
Welcome by executive committee and local leaders |
| 9:00 |
First Session: “Growing Up with Gay Parents.” A panel discussion with Mormon children of gay parents |
| 10:00 |
Leave to watch the Phoenix Pride Parade. Parade starts at 11:00. |
| 12:30 pm |
Phoenix Pride |
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2:00 |
David Melson and George Cole: “Characteristics of a Successful Chapter” |
| 3:00 |
Olin Thomas: “Resources for Building a Successful Chapter” |
| 4:00 |
Conference adjournment |
How to Register
You can register online by mailing in the attached form with you registration fee of $20.00 to: AFFIRMATION: Gay & Lesbian Mormons, P.O. Box 1435, Palm Springs, CA 92263-1435.
We are working to make this a memorable event. If you live in the Southwest you will be getting registration forms in the mail. It is an opportunity to meet with good friends at Affirmation and experience the Phoenix Pride, one of the biggest pride events of the country.
Affirmation Calendar 2009
March 4
“No on 8” Vigil in San Francisco
March 19 - April 5
“Facing East” staged in San Diego
March 27-28
Sunstone West Symposium in Cupertino, CA
April 17-19
Cornerstone Conference in Phoenix
June
Pride celebrations held across the world
June 8
Anniversary of the revelation that lifted the ban on African-Americans males holding the priesthood (1978)
June 11
Anniversary. Affirmation was organized on this day in Salt Lake City (1977).
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July 18
Young Adult Cornerstone in San Francisco
July 24
Pioneer Day
August
Deadline for submissions to the Affirmation Writing Awards
September 18-20
Affirmation's Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, UT
October 11
National Coming Out Day
December 1
World AIDS Day
December 8-9
Anniversary. Affirmation was organized nationally in Los Angeles (1979).
December 25
Christmas
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Paul Mortensen (right) with husband Robert Jacob in 2008 |
Affirmation Pioneer: A Tribute to Paul Mortensen
Paul Mortensen is an Affirmation icon and one of the great pioneers in the gay community; but more importantly, Paul Mortensen is a decent, humble, human being whom I have the privilege of calling “friend.”
Ben Jarvis
Change is a part of life, that is one of the few things that is constant. This year, Affirmation bids farewell to a stalwart supporter; and for those of us here in Los Angeles, it is a farewell to the father of our chapter. After more than three decades, Paul Mortensen is taking a long overdue, and much deserved, step back. He and his husband, Robert Jacob, are retiring from Affirmation and handing over the reigns to the next generation.
I first met Paul Mortensen in 1994. Like many others, the I was terrified to knock on his apartment door thereby acknowledging my Mormon gayness. Many of us laugh at those stories now, and we’ve heard them all. We had people drive from an hour away only to circle the block and head home. One friend actually walked up the stairs and stood in front of the door before chickening out and leaving. For those of us who did make it into Paul’s apartment on our first attempt, we often sat there stunned as we realized that we were not alone and that far from being different, we were very much like those sitting around us. Paul Mortensen was a big reason for that.
I know that Paul Mortensen hates receiving praise and recognition for what he has down over the last three decades. That gives me all the more pleasure to use his name (Paul Mortensen) as many times as possible in such phrases as “Paul Mortensen was the person who was there for me when I called Affirmation for the first time;” or “Paul Mortensen comforted me and helped me realize that I wasn’t alone;” and my all time favorite “Paul Mortensen thought that Oscar acceptance speech was dull . . . and what the hell was Bjork thinking with the swan dress?” Okay, so I made that last one up. Nonetheless, Paul Mortensen is an Affirmation icon and one of the great pioneers in the gay community; but more importantly, Paul Mortensen is a decent, humble, human being whom I have the privilege of calling “friend.”
When Paul Mortensen founded the Affirmation Los Angeles Chapter in 1978, there were no resources for the Gay LDS community. Paul nurtured the chapter and was a driving force in the national organization. In the early days so many people attended Affirmation meetings that they all couldn’t fit in Paul and Robert’s apartment—a hall had to be rented to accommodate everyone. Paul saw the number of Affirmation members increase; and sadly, as the horrible epidemic of HIV/AIDS swept through Los Angeles, he mourned the loss of many dear friends and loved ones. There are many Affirmation greats who passed away before I found the organization. Paul took the time to sit down and tell me about their lives and how sad it is that they were no longer with us in the world. Paul Mortensen taught me about these great pioneers and impressed upon me the importance of carrying on their legacy.
Paul Mortensen helped me feel at home with myself and to embrace both my Mormon and gay sides. In the beginning I thought those two sides of my being were forces pulling me in opposite directions. Paul helped me understand that both identities were important to my whole being and that they were complimentary, not polar opposites.
When I first met Paul Mortensen a large part of me still wanted to be straight. I was scared about what the gay world held for me and much preferred to remain in the familiar territory that I knew. I wanted a family, a marriage, a life to share with another; maybe even kids. Paul Mortensen introduced me to family members I never knew I had—Affirmation members who, like me, were struggling to find themselves. Through the years I watched as different members of our chapter found love. Families were created all around me. Later on, Paul Mortensen expressed all the jubilant emotion of a proud grandfather when Kassandra and Jered were born. These two children—now young adults—spent many hours in Paul and Robert’s apartment on Hollywood Boulevard. To them, gay people weren’t scary or abnormal. They had two Moms who loved them and whenever they went to an Affirmation function at Paul and Robert’s place, there were plenty of other people who fawned over them as well.
Pat and I had the honor to have Paul and Robert attend our own wedding last year in downtown Los Angeles. When Paul pronounced the evening as being FABULOUS, Pat and I knew we had pulled of a successful social event. A few weeks later we returned to Paul and Robert’s apartment where we watched as Robert married our long-time friends Jacki and Tere. Their children, Kassandra and Jered, watched as their mothers were legally married, opening another chapter of their lives with Paul there cheering them on.
Paul Mortensen was a major influence in my life, creating within me a drive to reach out and help others who are struggling along the trail. After experiencing so many uplifting, wonderful, and life changing moments through the people he has introduced me to, it is almost funny to think back to when I sat in his apartment for my very first Affirmation meeting, remembering my fear and trepidation.
It is impossible to overstate my gratitude for Paul Mortensen. He has helped shape the modern Gay LDS community and my life specifically. In fact, Paul Mortensen has positively impacted the life of my entire family, from Hawaii to Louisiana to Brazil. I would love to have Paul involved with Affirmation forever, but that just is not realistic. All of us will move on eventually and I fully support Paul in this next chapter of his life. In fact, I am more than a little envious.
Paul, best of luck to you and Robert. You’ve left your mark and you can take a breather now and watch as those of us you trained and mentored step in to shoulder the burden for the next thirty years!
David Nielson
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Salt Lake City 2009: The View from Here
“Affirmation conference is one of the most worthwhile things I’ve ever done in my life”
David Nielson, 2009 Conference Director
I get asked lots of questions as conference director, but the one I’ve been thinking most about is: “Why?”
It's a question I’ve had a hard time answering. If someone asks me if I want to go to conference, the answer is yes, without hesitation. For those who have been to conference, “yes” is enough. They already know that Affirmation conference is an amazing gathering, and a weekend they'll never forget. They already know that they’re going to see old friends who they haven’t seen in years, and that they will get to hear and see some of the most interesting and relevant programming, all in one place. They already know what’s there for them.
Before I ever went to an Affirmation conference, I asked a few people what was so special about it and why I needed to go. They would think for a moment, and then say something like “it's an experience you need to have, and you'll find out why when you get there.”
Find out when you get there, indeed.
When I think about that weekend and everything that happened, I have a hard time writing it down. My fingers just stop moving. Yes, I met dozens of new people and heard and saw amazing presentations and was touched and inspired by the devotional and we all laughed and cried together. It doesn’t do the experience of conference justice to just say that, though. The people at conference are so different; so varied and diverse, in ways we don’t usually think about. The presentations are so unique and powerful that they literally change my outlook on life permanently, every year. The devotional... how does one even describe the devotional? As a life-long Mormon, having had “spiritual” experiences all my life, none of them prepared me for the magnitude of the devotionals at Affirmation conference.
I know this may seem cheesy, but when people ask me why they should come to Affirmation conference, I always think of Alma 32, and the “experiment” of faith that we Mormons drill into our brains from an early age. Affirmation conference is one of the most worthwhile things I’ve ever done in my life, and I didn’t know it would be when I signed up. I found out the value because I tried it. I found out when I got there, that it’s where I wanted to be.
This year’s Affirmation Conference will be held in Salt Lake City, September 18-20. More information, including registration and hotel accommodations, may be found at www.affirmation.org/conference. The conference web page is updated weekly.
Young Adult Cornerstone Announced
Event to Be Held in San Francisco on July 18
The Executive Committee of Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons has announced plans for a Young Adult Cornerstone Conference to be held in San Francisco on Saturday, July 18. The conference will focus on the needs of gay adults under age 30, including interactions with family, political leadership opportunities, making Affirmation more relevant, college and university environments, being heard, safe spaces, and faith needs. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunity for social activity and to enjoy a summer weekend in San Francisco. Although some activities and sessions will be limited to those 30 and younger, there will be plenty for everyone to do.
Affirmation’s Executive Committee will also be meeting separately in San Francisco, July 17, 18, and 19th. All Affirmation members are welcome to attend meetings of the Executive Committee, and this is a great way to become involved in the leadership of Affirmation.
Mark you calendar now for the weekend of July 18 in San Francisco. Registration will be available in April through www.affirmation.org. And if you would like to be involved in the conference planning or in the Affirmation Young Adults Committee, please contact Executive Director David Melson at Dave_Melson affirmation.org.
2009 Affirmation Writing Awards
Submission Deadline Is August 3
The Executive Committee is pleased to announce the largest and most diversified writing competition in Affirmation’s history. The Tenth Annual Affirmation Writing Awards recognizes writing this year in two categories, non-fiction writing and editorial writing, with cash and recognition awards in each category. In addition, recognition is also being given for video production, although no awards will necessarily be given.
For six years, the Affirmation Writing Awards recognized non-fiction writing, in any form, on subjects of importance to the LGBTI Mormon community. We continue that format in 2009. The Affirmation web site contains dozens of stories of personal experiences, beautifully told, that were submissions to the Writing Awards competition. Entries can also be historical, biographical, or even humorous. Who are your heroes? What happened when you ran into an old missionary companion and you suddenly discovered that you were both gay? Or when you and Mom discovered a golden moment of truth while making Chicken Tetrazzini? This is your chance to share your story, to tell the world.
If you want to change the world, on the other hand, there is an opportunity for that as well, in our second category. In 2008, the Affirmation Writing Awards were given to published works intended to affect public opinion on matters of concern to gay and lesbian Mormons. The pen is a powerful sword, and so we continue this category. There is a lot going on this year: the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8, legislative action on LGBT issues in almost every state, and something new from the LDS Church almost every month. Let the world hear your voice on these issues. Write an editorial, letter to the editor, or op-ed piece, get it published, and enter it in the Editorial portion of this year’s Affirmation Writing Award competition.
Not the pen and ink type? In a third category, we are seeking videos that can be posted on the Affirmation website, or on YouTube or similar media. This is a wide open competition; the only limiting criterion is that the subject must be something that would be of interest to LGBT Mormons. There are no rules, but also no guaranteed awards. We are looking for a way to structure a competition in future years, and using your entries this year to guide us in doing so.
Rules and entry forms are available at www.affirmation.org/awa. We have some amazing literally talent in Affirmation, both professional and amateur; please note that while all may enter, there is a difference in recognition in order to keep our fantastic writing pros from becoming a source of intimidation for our great amateurs. You do not need to be a member of Affirmation to enter or be recognized, but cash awards are limited to members.
The contests are open now; submission deadline is August 3. You have some great stories, compelling stories, inside of you, and we want to hear them. Let the writing begin!
Members of the Task Force’s National Religious Leaders Roundtable who read the statement (R-L): Nicole Garcia, representative of Lutherans Concerned; George Cole, Assistant Executive Director of Affirmation; Howard I. Solomon, President of the World Congress of LGBT Jews; the Rev. Dr. Yvette A. Flunder, Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship. |
Affirmation Leaders Attend LGBT Equality Conference
“Sexuality is the Divine invitation to find ourselves, not in loneliness, but in deep connection”
January 28 through February 1, Affirmation’s assistant directors Micah Bisson and George Cole participated in “Creating Change,” the 21st National Conference on LGBT Equality held in Denver. Put on annually by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Creating Change is the leading educational and networking forum for leaders, volunteers and other activists in the LGBT equality movement.
George Cole attended an all-day session focused on expanding our understandings our sexuality, gender identity and expression, and our spirituality. “We addressed the lack of understanding in all our faith communities that cause and perpetuate inequalities, and how to work to bring understanding of all people and spiritual and sexual beings,” wrote George in a report to Affirmation members. “In the words of presenter and Task Force Faith Work Director Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, ‘Sexuality is the Divine invitation to find ourselves, not in loneliness, but in deep connection.’ By bridging the gap between ourselves and our straight brothers and sisters, we can all become whole.”
In addition to participating in a number of workshops, George Cole joined the Task Force’s National Religious Leaders Roundtable, which drafted a statement calling progressive LGBT and allied people of faith to include LBGT faith-based groups in their campaigns for full equality, especially to “assure the presence of LGBT faith leaders with an equal and fully empowered seat at the table.”
“Affirmation is proud to be signatory to this statement,” George wrote.
Dustin Lance Black Wins Academy Award
“No Matter What Anyone Tells You, God Does Love You”
A gay man of Mormon background took home an Oscar at the 2009 Academy Awards. Dustin Lance Black, 34, wrote the screenplay for Milk, a film based on the life of gay activist Harvey Milk. Black is also one of the writers for Big Love, an HBO drama series about contemporary Mormon polygamy.
During his acceptance speech, Black made reference to his Mormon background, sent a powerful message of hope to gay youth, and predicted the day will come when every American will be allowed to marry regardless of their sexual orientation.
Dustin Lance Black
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“When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas, to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk,” said Black during his acceptance speech. “And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and then maybe even I could even fall in love and one day get married.”
Black added: “I want to thank my mom, who has always loved me for who I am even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey [Milk] had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he'd want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ‘less than’ by their churches, by the government, or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally, across this great nation of ours.”
“Thank you,” Black concluded. “And thank you, God, for giving us Harvey Milk.”
Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons
P.O. Box 1435
Palm Springs, CA 92263-1435
National Phone Line: (661) 367-2421
To see a directory of current Affirmation chapters, visit www.affirmation.org/chapters
Executive Director: Dave Melson
Senior Assistant Director: Micah Bisson
Assistant Director: George Cole
Associate Director & Affinity Editor: Hugo Salinas www.affirmation.org/contact/affinity
Send Us Your Submission!
AFFIRMATION GAY & LESBIAN MORMONS is a non-profit support group serving
Gay and Lesbian Mormons, their families and friends since 1977. AFFINITY
is the official publication of the Affirmation National Executive Committee.
Submissions are welcome and should be limited to 250 words. To contact us, visit www.affirmation.org/contact/affinity. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, national committee or publisher, but rather
the individual writers. The Editor reserves the right to edit any material
deemed offensive, libelous, grammatically incorrect or lengthy.
About AFFINITY
AFFINITY is available both as an email text and as a web-based document.
Although both versions are free of charge, we encourage you to become
a dues-paying member and thus help us advance Affirmation's important
mission.
If you wish to receive a text version of AFFINITY by email, simply send a request to Hugo Salinas by visiting www.affirmation.org/contact/affinity. If you are a dues-paying member and do not have Internet
access, you may request a printed version that will be sent to you by
mail.
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