Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Affirmation 1984 Conference Report

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Excerpts from the August 1984, September 1984 and November 1984 issues of Affinity.

From all over the country, Gay and Lesbian Mormons converged on Phoenix, Arizona, October 12-14, 1984 for the 6th National Convention of Affirmation. This year's theme was "Gay - Gospel - Affirmation and You."

There was much excitement and activity in and around the Kon Tiki Hotel as Affirmation members swam, sunned, mingled, dined, talked, laughed and discussed topics with each other ranging from relationships with parents, spouses, children, mates, friends and, of course, the Church, to Gospel topics, politics, business and romance. The Phoenix Chapter went to great lengths to see that all the conference facilities and accommodations were first class, from the information packets and printed programs to the receptions, the food, and their hospitality.

Friday

There was an open house reception Friday evening at the home of one of the host chapter's members in Mesa.

Saturday

Saturday discussions and workshops were held at the Metropolitan Community Church in Phoenix.

The General Council conducted much important business, not the least of which was the election fo Ina Mae Murri as the new General Coordinator for the coming year. We all look forward to working with and supporting the programs Ina Mae has suggested.

The seminars were excellent. The seminar leaders were well prepared, and the participation by members was very informative. Topics revolved around the theme of how Gay and Lesbian Mormons can apply the principles of the Gospel in their lives and how Affirmation can be a vehicle to help us maintain both our spirituality and our pride and self-worth as Gay and Lesbian Children of our Heavenly Parents.

There was an afternoon pool party. After dinner, there was dancing and the Gay night life, or just visiting with friends back at the Hotel.

Sunday

The Sunday morning devotional, held at Pioneer Park, across the street from the Mesa Temple, was a touching, spiritual feast. As we closed the conference with the hymn, "God Be with You," few eyes were dry. We all departed with a feeling of deep spirituality and a determination to work even harder to archive the organizations goals during the coming year.