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Faithful and Gay? An Evening with Jonathan Langford, Author of No Going Back

When: Tuesday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.

Where: Red Butte Garden, above the University of Utah, Salt Lake City

Who: Members of the North Star community, family, friends, and anyone else who’s interested

What: Discussion, social event, and picnic featuring Jonathan Langford, author of No Going Back, a groundbreaking novel about a same-gender attracted LDS teenager, finalist for the 2009 Whitney Award for best general fiction novel by an LDS writer. He’ll give a short presentation and answer questions about writing the book and some of his experiences (positive and negative) since its publication, followed by general discussion and mingling. It’s a great opportunity to talk, share opinions, tell Jonathan what you liked and didn’t like about his book, and spend a Utah summer evening with other North Star community members in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring a blanket/lawn chair and something food-like to share!

PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. Send emails to Doug at djb@allwest.net with RSVP in the subject line.

We would like to periodically take the opportunity to feature one of these specialized groups and invite interested and applicable individuals to participate.One group we’ve created is for Prospective Missionaries. As many men and women who experience same-gender attraction are aware, there are a variety of concerns that arise as they consider the possibility of serving a full-time mission: (more…)

…inasmuch as you desire a companion, I will give unto you my servant Eden Smith (D&C 80:2).

(more…)

We are in the process of creating several videos and podcasts that will be available on our North Star website addressing issues that many of us, as believing Latter-day Saints, face with regard to same-gender attraction or other issues related to sexuality and gender. The purpose of the videos and podcasts is to provide help and hope to those personally dealing with these issues, as well as to friends, family, and priesthood/auxiliary leaders.

We need your input on both topics to be addressed and the content of each specific video and/or podcast. We will feature real people and their personal experiences. We hope that putting faces and voices with the issues we face will help others to understand that it is not only possible to remain true to the gospel, but it is the surest way to experience lasting peace and happiness.

Please address your responses to Steven Frei at luckynowandthen@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your help.

North Star Executive Committee
Jeff Bennion
Ty Mansfield
Dian Bretones
Tyler Moore

CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET

IN RE: Couples’ summit 2010

MISSION: Possible

High command forecasts continuing assaults on every side. The Enemy’s stratagem was substantially hindered as a result of the previous base command training stint. Therefore, all veteran platoons are to re-enlist and new units are to also come join the ranks. The purpose of the training is to provide and upgrade defenses against a number of the opposition’s key deceptions. The training will occur on SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010. The training will begin at 8:30 A.M. and last through the day, concluding between 8:00 and 9:00 P.M.

A link with enlistment details will be available shortly on North Star’s homepage, please register at northstarlds.org. The cost of the training is $100.00 per couple, payment can also be made online. Base command needs your papers by July 28th, to ensure your security clearance.

These are dangerous times, and this training is not for the faint of heart. Questions regarding this mission can be directed to Tyler Moore at lostbyuguy@gmail.com.

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Finding Joy in the Journey

An evening of education and hope for individuals who experience same-gender attraction, their families, friends, and priesthood leaders

Date: Sunday June 27th, 2010
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Idaho Falls North Stake Memorial Building (Next to the Temple)

In harmony with efforts by the First Presidency to approach the challenge of same-gender attraction with a new level of compassion and understanding, everyone is invited to participate in this unique fireside to strengthen their testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You are welcome whether you experience these feelings personally, know someone who does, or just want to understand the issue better

This special fireside will include instruction and encouragement for Priesthood leaders, for those who experience same-gender attraction, and for friends and family. Presenters will include Priesthood leaders and mental health professionals. We are also honored to announce that Ty Mansfield, co-author of In Quiet Desperation, will be our feature speaker.

For more information contact:
Kevin Lindley at (208) 201-8306 or idahofalls.ssa@gmail.com

The following is an excerpt from a letter sent out to 60 Stakes in Southeast Idaho: (more…)

But that’s the same reason why I felt I needed to blog today. (more…)