Wishes

Posted on July 31st, 2009 by Kim Mack

About three years ago, I sat in Relief Society and listened to a lesson given by one of the “stalwart” members of the ward.  She was talking about trials and adversity.  She admitted in Relief Society that since a teenager, she has struggled with the desire, sometimes intense, to smoke cigarettes.  She had never revealed this before and was afraid to do so at that time.  I looked around at the faces of the women in the room and saw nothing but support and love.  I wished at that moment that I could stand up in Relief Society and tell them that since a teenager, I’ve struggled with the desire, sometimes intense, to be drawn to women. 

Some Recent Posts on My Other Blogs

Posted on July 31st, 2009 by Rex

I haven’t posted here in quite a long time. My work life got really busy. I maintain a few blogs and have a permanent spot on a couple of others. So, sometimes I don’t get a chance to post here. I think I’m just making excuses now, so I’ll get on with why I’m posting now.

From the Bloggernacle (7-19-09)

Posted on July 19th, 2009 by Northern Lights Admin

The following are recent homosexuality-related blog discussions on other popular LDS-themed blogs (see the North Star website for a more comprehensive list of blog discussions):

Church Clarifies Record on Plaza Incident
LDS Newsroom - July 17, 2009

The Rest of the Story–Church Plaza Incident
Messenger and Advocate - July 17, 2009

No smooching allowed on Mormon Main Street Plaza
LDS Law - July 14, 2009

LDS Newsroom: “Church Clarifies Record on Plaza Incident”

Posted on July 17th, 2009 by Ty Ray

Media has been abuzz with the recent story of two men cited for “unwanted behavior” (the couple reported that they had only kissed the other on the cheek). The police report indicated that there was a bit more than a simple kiss on the cheek (the officer taking the report stated that there was alcohol on their breath and their speech was slurred—they had admitted to being on their way home from the Gallavin Center where they had been drinking), and it’s likely they played down the nature of the cited offense. Whatever the story, today the Church issued a statement clarifying their perception of the incident:

There has been a good deal of publicity surrounding an incident where two men were cited for trespassing because of belligerent and profane behavior on the Church Plaza, which is an extension of the Salt Lake City Temple grounds and Church headquarters. While this property is owned by the Church, we want it to be a place of beauty and serenity in downtown Salt Lake City for everyone.

Mixed-Orientation Marriages Study

Posted on July 16th, 2009 by North Star

Dr. Mark Yarhouse is conducting a study of mixed-orientation marriages, which are defined as a marriage where one individual experiences same-sex attraction and the other does not. If you are currently or have been in a mixed-orientation marriage, or know someone who fits this description, the survey can be accessed online at MixedOrientationStudy.com. The study is completely anonymous and confidential; however, participants are given the option of sharing limited identifying information to participate in future follow-up studies if desired.

NOTE: There are separate surveys for the spouse who is a sexual minority (experiences same-sex attraction) and the heterosexual spouse.

North Star Newsletter - July 2009

Posted on July 12th, 2009 by North Star

View the July Newsletter.

Sign up to receive future North Star e-Newsletters.

From the Bloggernacle (7-12-09)

Posted on July 12th, 2009 by Northern Lights Admin

The following are recent homosexuality-related blog discussions on other popular LDS-themed blogs (see the North Star website for a more comprehensive list of blog discussions):

Gay PDA Day At Temple Square
Messenger and Advocate - July 12, 2009

LDS Support of Man-Woman Marriage
Messenger and Advocate - July 8, 2009

On Abandoning My Friend
By Common Consent - July 7, 2009

Children of Homosexuals And Their Sexual Orientation
Mormon Mentality - July 6, 2009

2nd Annual Women of Worth (WOW) Retreat for Spouses

Posted on July 5th, 2009 by North Star

2nd Annual Women of Worth (WOW) Retreat

July 17-18, 2009
Salt Lake City, UT

Determined to have successful marriages — through faith, healing and understanding — Women of Worth seeks to help those individuals in opposite-gender relationships who’s partner experiences same-gender attraction.

Little does the world know that there are many successful marriages between a man and a woman where one of the individuals in the relationship experiences same-gender attraction. These relationships have difficulties unique to their situation, but most of the issues that arise are the same as those in otherwise normal heterosexual relationships. This conference aims to strengthen ourselves, our marriages, and our relationship with God. This year we will focus specifically on boundaries.

Cost: $75

For further information, and to register (deadline: July 15), please go to: NorthStarLDS.org/WOW/.

Click here for a summary of the previous WOW Conference Retreat.

From the Bloggernacle (7-5-09)

Posted on July 5th, 2009 by Northern Lights Admin

The following are recent homosexuality-related blog discussions on other popular LDS-themed blogs (see the North Star website for a more comprehensive list of blog discussions):

2009: Is the Gay Marriage Debate Over? What the battle for traditional marriage means for Americans and Evangelicals / Mark Galli, Christianity Today
LDS Focusing on Jesus Christ - July 2, 2009

Viewpoint: A call for compassion
BYU Daily Universe - July 1, 2009

Gay Petition to the First Presidency
Heart Issues for LDS - June 28, 2009