Resources for LDS LGBTQIA+ Individuals, Families, and Friends
Before we dive in it is important to state the obvious. Seven years ago, Q.noor started as and is still is very much rooted in all things involving LDS temples. LDS temples and often LDS spaces are not inclusive or safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals.
At Q.noor, we hope for and are working to play our own small role in progressing toward a time when that will be different. We believe that there is a seat for everyone at the Savior's table. We believe that our LGBTQ siblings are exactly who their loving and perfect Heavenly Parent's made them to be. We long for a world and community where LGBQT individuals, both in and outside of the church, are encouraged and embraced to live their lives fully and authentically to who they are.
According to a recent poll by the Gallup Institute, 20.8% of Gen Zers identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. That means that, at least 1 in 5 young people are LGBTQIA+. Older generations are also increasing self-identifying as a part of the Queer Community.
Within the Church, it often feels as though we talk about LGBTQIA+ topics with a tone of "othering" as though no one in the room or no one within the congregation is LGBTQIA+. Statistically, this just isn't true.
Whether we realize it or not, each of us has people in our lives (people who we love dearly) who are LGBTQIA+. They are our siblings, ward members, coworkers, neighbors, family, and friends. As disciples of Christ, we all can work together to try to make our various orbits of influence safe and inclusive to all of God's children. It is especially important that we make a special effort to seek those who are normally pushed to the fringes, excluded, or minimized.
As a company that is deeply rooted in the LDS community and striving to be a part of a shift towards more Christlike treatment of our LBTQIA+ siblings, we often get ask for good LDS LGBTQ+ resources. While this is not an exhaustive list, these are a few of our favorites.
Lift + Love
Lift and Love is a wonderful source for resources and support for LDS LGBTQ families. They offer support groups, community, podcasts, education, and more.
Affirmation
Affirmation seeks to be a refuge to land where LDS LGBTQIA+ individuals can find safety, love, and hope through connection and engagement with others in the LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community.
Emmaus LGBTQ Ministry
Emmaus is a community of heterosexual/cisgender and LGBTQ Latter-day Saints who are called to ministry for the safety, well-being and happiness of LGBTQ people in and adjacent to The Church of Jesus Christ.
Flourish Therapy
Flourish Therapy offers affordable , culturally competent, evidence-base behavioral and mental health service for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families.
Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is working to build a safer, more-inclusive world. Their mission is to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning young people.
Beyond the Block
A beautiful podcast seeking to "center marginalized Mormonism." Each episode, James Jones (a Black member of the Church) and Derek Knox (a queer convert to the Church) tackle various subjects surrounding the theology and culture of Mormonism.
Questions from the Closet
Podcast hosted by openly gay members, Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty where they discuss questions they are commonly asked as gay members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A great listen for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies alike.
Listen, Learn, & Love
Encircle's mission is the bring the family and community together to enable LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. They offer drop-in hours, daily programs, friendship circles, and therapy.