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It Is Okay to Be Gay and Latter-day Saint – My letter to Elder Holland – By Dennis Schleicher

If we are to be true to our beliefs and live by the teachings of our Savior, all of us need to be willing to accept people who differ from us in appearance, behavior, and identity.

I know it’s not easy being gay and Latter-day Saint, and I know many stereotypes about the LGBT community. As members of the church, we should always do our best to live correct, virtuous lives and respect others. Stigma and prejudice against the LGBT community can lead to isolation and disenchantment with life.

That’s why I wrote this article: to encourage gay and Latter-day Saint brothers and sisters. Who is struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity to trust in the gospel? Live by its principles and find joy in their lives.

I am openly gay and Latter-day Saint. I was raised in a diverse and excellent family. Not as a member. After much prayer and study. I determined that it was not my place to voice what was right and wrong.

Being gay and Latter-day Saint isn’t a subject to be ashamed of. Some have difficulty understanding our lifestyles. Most of us are resilient and can handle the challenges life throws our way.

The gospel clearly shows that sexual attraction is only natural between a man and a woman (Moses 5:8; Doctrine and Covenants 130:18). Homophobia and negativity are rejected, not acceptable in the temple. Homosexual conduct is created in the mind of the pure and virtuous mind and is incompatible with theekeneship and self-government. (Doctrine and Covenants 88:117–24).

The Lord gives us a different view of the world than many of us. He provides us with the freedom to choose how we will live with his commandments. I think it’s beautiful that there’s a growing number of LGBTQ+ members of the church, as well as non-traditional families.

I know it’s hard for some of you to accept that some people may choose to live in a way that isn’t conventional. I encourage you to learn about LGBT people and their families. You’ll see that there is love, joy, and salvation in all kinds of families.

If I had to pick one quote that sums up the importance of being an LGBTQ person in the church, it would be this: “If we are to be true to our beliefs and live by the teachings of our Savior, all of us need to be willing to accept people who differ from us in appearance, behavior, and identity.”

Dennis Schleicher – Motivational speaker and best-selling author of; Is He Nuts?: Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ

Follow Dennis on Instagram at @DenSchleicher

Check out; LGBTQ Progressive News from the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints.

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