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Affirmation 1986 Conference Report

From the June 1986 issue of Affinity and Conference Program

See Photo Gallery

150 strong, Affirmation members, friends, parents and other relatives and guests gathered for our 8th Annual Conference June 27-29, 1986 at The San Franciscan Hotel. This year's theme was "1 in 10: A Family Matter." Ina Mae Murri was Affirmation's General Coordinator and Ron Kershaw was the Conference Chairperson. The San Francisco chapter did a yeoman job with all the arrangements. Everyone pitched in to see that everything went smoothly. Members and friends volunteered to help when needed.

Friday

The opening reception was held in the Corinthian Room, with greetings by San Francisco Supervisor Harry Britt and entertainment by FLIPS, to the rousing participation in the Gay & Lesbian Freedom Day Parade, we had a wonderful time. Members of the United States Congress, California State legislators, and other special guests were in attendance.

Saturday

The reception and seminars were held at the San Francisco Hotel. Saturday seminar topics: 2nd Annual meeting of Parents of LDS Gays & Lesbians conducted by Sister Margot Cheney, 1st Annual meeting of non-LDS companions, partners and/or friends of Gay & Lesbian Mormons discussion led by Chris and Aurora Alexander, Parenting for LDS Gay & Lesbian Couples or Individuals discussion led by Mel Barber, Gay legal concerns group led by Gay LDS attorney Patrick Prinster, Physical Health and Fitness discussion, Mental Health for Gay & Lesbian Mormons led by professional LDS Suicide & AIDS Counselor Chris Alexander, Family Structures discussion led by Ina Mae Murri, and Homosexuality and LDS Theology discussion.

A special guest was Rev. Sylvia Pennington, a heterosexual born-again pro-gay Christian minister who spoke in one of our seminars about her turn around from anti- to pro-gay, and offered her experience in seeking out Biblical verification for her actions.

The keynote address was given by a noted Mormon author at the San Francisco Women's Building, followed by dinner and entertainment. Emmett Foster performed his famous parody of a typical Mormon family. A Road show was provided by the Los Angeles chapter, "Fatter-Day-Saint" ditty by Salt Lake Wasatch, and a dance capped off the long day.

Sunday

Rainbow flags and windsocks decorated the Women's Building which added a distinctive touch. There were superb feelings in all the meetings, especially the ending devotional which brought tears and a lump to the throat to many. We gathered Sunday morning for an emotional farewell devotion, then kicked up our heels and participated in the San Francisco Pride Parade with as many as 60 riding in a pickup truck and marching down Market Street greeted with much applause by the crowds along the way.