My friend Barbara Higinbotham (married mother of 5 living children including a non-binary child, transgender daughter, and gay son; early 60s; recently returned in early 2025 from serving a senior mission with her husband Dan). Barbara shares:

Assumptions should be challenged, being uncomfortable leads to growth

Being LGBTQ doesn’t make someone a predator

Why she chooses to honor the new names (Ben and Heather) and her non-binary child and transgender daughter including updated Christmas stockings

Focus on the temple (current temple workers) and our Savior to find revelation, hope, and peace—and anchoring in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Trusting/believing her children

We are not better church members by distancing ourselves from the LGBTQ people in our lives

Processing unkind comments in Church and on social media

Managing grief with changing expectations

Thank you, Barbara, for being on the podcast. I wish I could have listened to you 10-20 years ago—your insights would have helped to be a better disciple of Christ. I encourage everyone to listen/share this episode, as we work to “hasting the work” by “gathering Isreal”—which includes our LGBTQ friend, family and church members.

Links:

Barbara on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.morrellhiginbotham