Through the power of storytelling, former YSA bishop Richard Ostler brings to life the experiences of LGBTQ Latter-Day Saints, fulfilling President M. Russell Ballard's 2017 challenge to listen to and understand what our LGBT brothers and sisters are feeling and experiencing. Richard is supportive of the Church, its leaders, and doctrine.
This book is for all Latter-Day Saints and is an extension of the Listen, Learn & Love podcast. It brings together hundreds of stories in a comprehensive review of the many topics around being LGBTQ and a Latter-Day Saint.
By sharing stories, the podcast and book help listeners better support LGBTQ members in their unique and often difficult road and better recognize their gifts and contributions in our wards and families.
Many faithful children of our Heavenly Parents find it difficult to stay in the Church, not because of doctrine or a lack of desire to keep the commandments, but because of Latter-day Saint culture. The good news is that we need not wait to be more welcoming and inclusive. We can all be part of the solution.
In these chapters, you'll find stories about improving our culture by being
- Less judgmental and more loving
- Not measuring progress by Church callings
- Better hearing and valuing women
- Acquiring a better framework for ending pornography use
- Hope-filled repentance
- Creating better understanding of mental illness and suicide
- Overcoming scrupulosity (religious OCD)
- Embracing early-release and service missionaries
- Manifesting love in political differences
- And compassionately ministering to those with questions
