Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Mini-Conference to Be Held in Phoenix April 17-19
First of Three Conferences Scheduled for 2009

An Affirmation tradition, the Cornerstone Conference returns after four years, as Affirmation members gather this April in sunny Phoenix, Arizona.

“A Cornerstone Conference is a mini-conference, as opposed to the full Annual Conference. A Cornerstone event may be limited in scope, such as the Women’s Cornerstone Conference held in 2005, or by geography, as was the case with the Mexico City Cornerstone Conference held in 2004,” explained Executive Director David Melson.

Affirmation’s Executive Committee has announced three conferences for 2009, starting with the Southwest Cornerstone conference in April 17-19 in Phoenix, Arizona, followed by a Young Adult Cornerstone Conference in San Francisco on July 18, and capped off by the Affirmation Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, October 18-20.

“More Affirmation members will attend a conference in 2009 than any year in Affirmation’s history,” said Assistant Executive Director Micah Bisson.

The Southwest Cornerstone Conference in Phoenix will feature an intense program of meetings, fun, sun, and party, and will be held in conjunction with the 2009 Phoenix Pride Festival. The Conference itself will focus on gay Latter-day Saints in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and Southern California. Conference Directors David Douglass and Tony Gale are promising a unique and exciting program designed to strengthen Affirmation’s presence in the southwest United States. And, you will be able to party down and enjoy all of the festivities and events of Phoenix Pride. The Executive Committee will also be meeting in Phoenix simultaneously.

Although the conference will focus on members in the Southwest, all Affirmation members and friends are welcome to attend. Registration forms and lodging and travel information will be available on the Affirmation web site later this month, but mark your calendar now for the April 17-19.

The 2009 Young Adult Cornerstone will be held in the heart of San Francisco on July 18. Although some activities and sessions will be limited to those 30 and younger, there will be plenty for everyone to do. The Executive Committee will be meeting nearby, July 17-19, and when you get tired of meetings, it’s San Francisco!

All of this leads up to the 2009 Annual Conference in September. Sites under consideration for 2010 Cornerstones include Florida, Brazil, Chile, California, Ohio, and Missouri.

“The Cornerstone Conference is one more way to experience Affirmation, and is something that David promised when he ran for Executive Director last fall,” stated Assistant executive Director George Cole. “I see it as one more means to revitalize Affirmation and to add to the membership experience.”

Think that you would like to help host a Cornerstone in your area? Contact Executive Director David Melson at Dave_Melson

affirmation.org.