My Nonprofit Reviews

The words “Eight stars of gold on field of blue” have a special meaning to me. So do the words “Melchizedek Priesthood”. It was in 1986 at North Pole, Alaska that these two sets of words converged together as part of my life story as I was ordained an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The state song and flag of Alaska both refer to the eight stars of the Big Dipper and the North Star on a blue background. As part of a military ward at an Air Force base, I met other military LDS members and served as the ward chorister.

I was transferred to Washington D.C. in the 1990s. At this point in my life, life was changing drastically as I began to question my sexuality. I also started attending Affirmation in Washington D.C. while stationed there. Being a member of Affirmation helped me come out as a gay man and several members of the group remain close friends and are my Affirmation family.

As I was stationed in various places throughout the U.S. and overseas, one constant in my life was Affirmation. I have been a part of Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons for over 20 years. During this time I have served in leadership roles at the chapter and national levels for many years including: local Chapter Director; Chapter-at-Large Director; Assistant Vice President for Strategy and Development; Affirmation National Board of Directors; Conference Director; and the founder and current Director of the Affirmation People of Color and Allies Group.

In my eyes, Affirmation Gay and Lesbian Mormons addresses the needs of LGBT Mormons in a ever changing world where LGBT Mormons are seeking to have someone to talk to in times of crisis, establish friendships with one another, and find resources that support their coming out process at the intersection of two often conflicting worlds, being both LGBT and Mormon. I have enjoyed my service to Affirmation and continue to "pay it forward" because of the support and friendship I have received from many people in this organization.

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