When Mormons speak of the Law of Chastity, they often define it as remaining celibate until marriage. In actuality, it would be more properly defined as remaining abstinent until marriage. Today, the words abstinent and celibate are frequently used interchangeably,…
Over the past few years, I have had dozens of conversations with friends and family members who are active members of the LDS Church on the subject of homosexuality. Most active members feel misunderstood and maligned by the ‘world’ and…
I am the father of a teenage gay son and the sun never sets on the drama and trouble that that boy can get into. As such, there is a continuous need to touch base and talk about the things…
Christmas has come and gone. It is now that carefree time between Christmas and New Year’s. The Christmas tree is still up and Christmas lights still adorn the house. There is a bit of a food hangover from family parties,…
(Also published at RationalFaiths.com) I am not an expert on pain. I am not even sure I have a very high tolerance for pain. My experience has largely been within the protective circle of a loving family and the doctrines…
My son came out to us (his parents) a little over a year ago. My wife and I, for some blessed reason, were able to rapidly traverse the landmine ridden, 180 degree, whiplash inducing evolution from Prop 8 campaigners to…
I am the father of a young gay son. I am also a lifelong member of the LDS Church, a temple recommend holder and the Elder’s Quorum President in my ward. Having been thrown into the teeth of one of…
This past Saturday, I met with a local group of LGBT Mormons and Allies. As I and another facilitator of the group used that term, “ally,” one (heterosexual*) member of the group spoke up and said he wasn’t sure if…
While shadowing Dr. Norm Spack in his work with the GeMS clinic at Children’s hospital Boston, I couldn’t help but wonder what my Mormon pioneer ancestors would think if they could see me now. Dr. Spack is one of…
I’ve always had an excellent memory. This is both a blessing and a curse. Some of my earliest memories are feelings of frustration, inferiority, and wanting to be someone different that I was. I learned very young that I didn’t…