Chella: I came out to myself only 7 months ago. I was too homophobic to go to the Stonewall Center or the clubs. The people at Affirmation have become my surrogate family during my coming-out process. They've provided a safe environment for my personal growth and a friendly sounding board for my doubts and fears. They've opened my eyes to the diversity and beauty of my new-found-culture.

Rick: When I first accepting my homosexuality, a local support group was a tremendous help in dealing with all of the issues I faced. Now that I've dealt with many of those issues, I don't often need a support group, but I feel an obligation to give support to those who are just starting to deal with these issues, just as others gave me support when I came out.

Darren: I enjoy the camaraderie of Affirmation's national conferences. I enjoy socializing with people who have a similar background as I do. And the background I'm talking about is not the Mormon religious background, but the Mormon cultural background. I understand these people and they understand me.

Esther: After being excommunicated, my partner and I did not attend any group affiliated with the Church. But I needed my church and my people. We came across Affirmation, where we were met with great compassion and love. I was back in my "family" with the greatest support I could ever have hoped for. I belong.

Ed: I came out two years ago, and at that time I went inactive to avoid dealing with the issues of the Church and homosexuality. Over time I have missed many aspects of the Church: one of these was the fellowship. Affirmation provides me with opportunities to meet and talk with others of a similar religious background and helps me come further to terms with who I am.

Jeff: I knew I was gay before I married my wife, but I thought God wanted me to change. So I got married, but it didn't change my feelings. Finally this conflict got the best of me and I slowly began to lose my grip on reality. Affirmation allowed me a place to be my real self and talk to others like me. There was one man there in particular who used to hug me and hold on until I could relax.

Heather: I felt very alone, as if I were the only Lesbian Mormon. I wanted to meet people who understand me. I wanted to acknowledge myself as a Lesbian, but not forget my Mormon background and heritage. I wanted a safe place to be myself and not have people put a guilt trip on me.

Bart: When I was first "coming out" I found the local gay paper and saw an advertisement for Affirmation. I was stunned. Others like me? The very knowledge that I wasn't alone was like a cool drink on a hot day. I'm trying to rope together a group now in Denver: I just remember that someone out there is wondering if they're the only one.

Joan: My husband Bill and I participate in Affirmation because we find love, understanding, and a great source of comfort. Affirmation was a healing place for us. It afforded us a place to air our hurts, concerns, and trials. We received advice, hugs and a great many listening ears. It is like our family: we rejoice with them, we cry with them, and we walk the path with them as they heal and grow.