Saturday October 19th, 2024
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
3313 Wade Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Keynote 7pm
3 Breakout Sessions 11 am - 5 pm
Gather is a Christ-centered conference
for LDS LGBTQ+ individuals and those who love them.
SCHEDULE 2024
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Registration tables open
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Connecting with Pride: LGBTQ Meet and Greet
Meet your community, learn that you are not alone, and build lasting connections through fun and engaging activities. Discover the vibrant and diverse community of LGBTQ Latter-Day Saints, hear stories of faith, resilience, and pride, and build a network of supportive friends and allies who understand your journey. Engage in icebreakers, creative workshops, games, and collaborative projects to foster connection and camaraderie in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether you're new to the community or looking to deepen existing connections, you'll leave this session feeling more connected, supported, and inspired.
Empowering Transgender Members: How to create understanding and support in the church
This session aims to deepen our understanding of what it means to be transgender. Discover the nuances of gender identity and the unique experiences of transgender individuals within our faith community. Learn practical ways to support and uplift your transgender friends and family members with compassion and empathy. Engage in open discussions and gain valuable insights from lived experiences.
Beautifully and Wonderfully Made: Meghan Decker discusses embracing your divine worth as a gay Latter-Day Saint
This session focuses on discovering the Savior's unconditional love and recognizing that we are loved by God just as we are. We'll explore the growth that has to take place in order to receive that truth as an LGBTQ Latter-Day Saint. This discussion will deepen your spiritual connection and sense of belonging within the faith community.
12:30 - 1:30 pm
LUNCH: catered or option to bring your own
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Creating Safe Spaces: LGBTQ+ Support and Inclusivity
In this break out members of the church will come together and learn how to create a safe space to listen to and learn from our LGBTQ+ members. Engage in meaningful conversations that fosters understanding and empathy within our faith community. Help LGBTQ+ members gain strength, acceptance, and assurance that they already are who God created them to be. This session offers a supportive environment to connect, share, and grow together in faith and identity.
Church Policy Explained: Myths vs. Truths
This session will explore the current church teachings and policies and dispells some of the myths regarding the LGBTQ+ community and their membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Engage in a thoughtful discussion to understand how these teachings impact the lives of LGBTQ members. This session provides a platform for learning, dialogue, and fostering a more inclusive faith community.
Becoming an Ally: A Guide to Supporting LGBTQ+ Latter-Day Saints
Discover how being a "safe" ally for your LGBTQ+ friends and family can make all the difference. Learn practical ways to better love and support your loved ones within our faith community. This session offers valuable insights and tools to foster acceptance, understanding, and unwavering support.
30 minute break
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Open Dialogue: LGBTQ+ Community Listening Session
Discover how being a "safe" ally for your LGBTQ+ friends and family can make all the difference. Learn practical ways to better love and support your loved ones within our faith community. This session offers valuable insights and tools to foster acceptance, understanding, and unwavering support.
5:00 - 7:00 pm dinner break
You will be provided with a list of local restaurants, and have the opportunity to be paired with other conference attendees so you can get to know your community.
7:00 pm Fireside with Richard Ostler
LISTEN, LEARN, AND LOVE
A presentation by the Listen, Learn, and Love podcast host, Richard Ostler.
Guest Speakers
Meghan Decker
Author, LGTBQ+ Community
Meghan Decker's new book, Tender Leaves of Hope: Finding Belonging as LGBTQ Latter-day Saint Women, chronicles her life as a gay Latter-day Saint and amplifies the voices of other LGBTQ women in the Church. She was interviewed on Questions from the Closet and Listen, Learn, and Love podcasts and has presented at North Star and other conferences.
Richard Ostler
Richard Ostler is deeply committed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to creating more understanding and support for LGBTQ members.
He is the host of the Listen, Learn and Love podcast which provides a platform for Latter-day Saints to share their stories to better create Zion.
Julia Bernards
In addition to providing therapy, Julia participates in LGBTQ+ affirming community groups and gives community presentations on family topics and coming to love and accept our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters in the LDS faith.
She has also written articles for a variety of publications on strengthening families.
