I have a question that is somewhat different from previous questions. I am in the Young Women’s program in my ward and I often teach quite progressive lessons. I have a very supportive Young Women’s president and a lot of leeway in what I prepare and teach. Last year I got to teach the dreaded chastity lesson. I actually really enjoyed teaching it and we had a great lesson on consent, respect and other things (I gleaned a lot if my ideas for that class from your Ask a Mormon Sex Therapist, which I also love). The one area I couldn’t decide how to address without getting myself released or into a lot of trouble was something on being LGBTQ.

  • I want the girls to know I am a safe person if they are discovering they are LGBTQ and I also want to teach chastity and relationships in a way that works gay or straight. Do you have thoughts or suggestions?
  • How can we talk about LGBTQ questions with the youth in a respectful way, especially when there is such a broad spectrum of how the LDS community feels on this (I live in a super conservative Utah ward)?
  • What can leaders do to make church more safe for LGBTQ youth?

I feel like many members never want to discuss this, but teens are seeing it every day in school and hearing about it everywhere, I just don’t know how to address this without getting in trouble since I do feel the church will come around some day and support same sex marriage.

Please feel free to edit and condense my questions. I really do love your podcast. I have some LGBTQ relatives close to me in my family and among my friends and this is a subject that is dear to my heart.

Laura answers Nicole’s questions.

Click here to learn about The Macintosh Story Laura mentioned in the podcast.

Click here to read The LDS Living article Laura mentioned.

To submit questions to Laura, fill out the form below, or email her at asklesbianmormon@rationalfaiths.com (it is NOT askAlesbianmormon@rationalfaiths).

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    Laura lives in Boise, Idaho with her 2 dogs, cat, and several chickens. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, nordic skiing, reading, and travel. Laura is single and ready to mingle.

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