My friend Ben and Rebecca Lesue (parents of nine, recently moved from SW Missouri to Monument Valley Utah, non-binary/queer child) join us to share their story. They start with their journey to understand LGBTQ Latter-day Saints following Rebecca’s brother coming out as gay. They then share the story of their own child coming out as queer/non-binary then stepping away from the Church. Rebecca talks about learning “her job is not to cause them to turn out a certain way” but to “love and nurture”.

Ben and Rebecca then talk about the 5th Sunday lesson they gave in their Ward about faith transitions. They talk about models of faith including simplicity, complexity, and harmony. Ben talks about how he learned his own “faith crisis” is normal, healthy, and positive. He talks about the work of Jared Halverson (LDS Institute Teacher) to normalize faith transitions. Ben and Rebecca talk about how fear and doubt are not opposites of faith—but part of developing a stronger and more sustainable faith. Ben and Rebecca discuss how this whole process has strengthened their marriage and their relationship with God, enabled more love for others, and facilitated sustainable membership in the Church.

The Lesue story is a beautiful and powerful family love story. I was so moved listening to and learning from them.

If you have a family member who is queer and/or are going through a faith transition and desire to stay in the Church, their story will help you. Thank you, Ben and Rebecca, for being on the podcast and your work to bring us together and create Zion.

Links:

Lift and Love Story: www.liftandlove.org/stories/the-lesue-family

5th Sunday Lesson: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2u3jqnqfei7qbsunw2pr5/5th-Sunday-Lesson-Ben-Lesue-Podcast.docx?rlkey=3kc6xwv7tyhnf7htxatway50m&dl=0

Facebook group to support LGBTQ Latter-day Saints: www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143

Richard Ostler books/bio/etc.: www.papaostler.com