My friend Emily Evans (UVU grad, San Antonio/Austin, RM, plans to marry her girlfriend) joins us to share her story. Emily talks about her years prior to her mission trying to figure out her sexuality. Part of that journey was being in a relationship with her boyfriend and also falling in love with a female friend. Emily talks about the difference in these experiences helping to clarify her sexuality. She talks about the support from both her straight boyfriend and her straight female friend and how they were both open to this conversation. During this time Emily came out to some friends and family (good experience).

Emily then talks about her decision to serve a mission and her desire to live a life of celibacy. She talks about her positive mission experience and glad she served.

Emily then talks about life after her mission and rethinking her plans to be celibate and instead consider dating women. Emily talks about falling in love and hopes for their upcoming wedding. Emily talks about her love and support for her LDS family and their love and support to Emily. It is a good example of keeping the family circle together in our differences.

I also share some of my thoughts on how I hope we treat people who separate themselves from the Church and how I hope they treat us in return. The Evans family is a wonderful example of this.

Thank you, Emily, for sharing your story. You have a wonderful life ahead of you.

Podcast Links:

Ministering to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143

Richard Ostler Book: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints:

Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773