Dale Barton

Suicide Prevention: This Action Group will be focused on understanding more about the issue of suicide, particularly among LGBT youth, and working on prevention. We will be joined by the Trevor Project and other organizations currently working on suicide prevention to complete a project that will start having an impact NOW! For example, a project may include mailing an information package to all LDS bishops on how to counsel gay kids in their congregations.

Reducing Homelessness: A large percentage of the young people on the streets are LGBT. Too many families are rejecting their children and forcing them out of the home, either directly or indirectly, because they are gay. This action group will focus on helping kids with no place to go and reducing the number of kids who believe living on the streets is their only option. An example of a project for this group may include putting together care packages for helping them survive on the streets.

Political Activism: As everyone is aware, the lack of marriage equality is just one major issue affecting LGBT Americans. Following what happened with Proposition 8 in California, and what has happened in Maine, and around the country, it is essential that we play a part in the fight for equality. In addition to marriage equality, we need to be involved in issues such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the repealing of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. We will have experts from Courage Campaign, Equality California, and others to work with those who select this action group on projects to help promote LGBT equality and repeal Prop 8.

Building Bridges: One of the greatest factors in people changing their hearts and their minds on LGBT equality issues is simply getting to know us. If our LDS families, relatives, friends and coworkers heard our stories, it would be much more difficult to discriminate against someone they know. Those involved in the this action group will join with representatives from Mormons4Marriage, Reconciliation, Family Fellowship, and other organizations to coordinate strategies and complete a project in building those bridges of understanding within both the Mormon and the greater community.