Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Affirmation Leaders to Visit Salt Lake City
They Will Meet with Local Chapter, Present at Sunstone Symposium

Dave Melson
July 2008

Is the LDS Church relevant to the world of the rising generation of students and young professionals?

A group of Affirmation leaders will be speaking and conducting a panel discussion at the Sunstone Symposium being held in Salt Lake City this August. The theme of the symposium is “The Spirituality of the Rising Generation,” focusing on ways in which the challenges and interests of today’s high school and college students and young professionals differ from those of past generations. What issues animate their spiritual lives? How well does today’s LDS church meet the realities and the needs of this rising generation? The group from Affirmation will be speaking specifically to the topic of “The Expression of Spirituality of the Rising Gay Generation.” Their presentation is scheduled for Saturday morning, August 9.

We are planning to meet on the same weekend with local Affirmation leaders and members. Please stay tuned for more information on opportunities to meet with us.

The Salt Lake Sunstone Symposium describes itself as “an annual gathering of Latter-day Saints, scholars, and others interested in the diversity and richness of Mormon thought and experience and who enjoy pondering the past, present, and future of the unfolding Restoration. Hosting discussions from all disciplines and presentations of all kinds, the symposium is based upon the principles of an open forum and the trust that both the cause of truth and the society of the Saints are best served by free and frank exploration and discussion.”

Representing Affirmation will be Executive Director Olin Thomas and Assistant Executive Director David Melson, who will be discussing the history, accomplishments, and the changing role of Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons over the past three decades. They will be joined by Young Adult Director George Cole, Youth Affairs Director Micah Bisson, and Reconciliation President David Nielson, who will address some of the puzzles, trials, and hopes associated with being young, gay, and Mormon in the twenty-first century. The presentation will include both prepared statements and an interactive discussion with the audience. Although Affirmation has long been a supporter of Sunstone, this marks the first time in many, many years for a presentation by the active executive leadership of Affirmation.

This presentation is particularly timely coming just two days before the planned historic meeting between leaders of Affirmation and representatives of the LDS church. That event will take place on Monday, August 11, also in Salt Lake City. The weekend will also include the final scheduled meeting of the Affirmation Executive Committee prior to the Annual Conference in Los Angeles this October.

Tickets and registration material for the 2008 Salt Lake Sunstone Symposium are available at www.sunstonemagazine.com/symposium.html. You may register for the entire symposium or for a single day, and students with a valid ID may attend many sessions at no cost. Additional information is available on the Sunstone website. You may call the Sunstone office and request a printed program that will be mailed to you. The Symposium will take place at the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel; special room rates are available for conference attendees.