My friend Aiden Kelly (he/him, trans man, age 23, future in theatre) and my friend Annalee Kelly (married mother of 4, RM, active LDS, from Idaho Falls) join us to share their story.

Aiden starts and talks about:

* Immense pain of gender dysphoria

* Writing in his journal—and sharing that journal entry with his mother as a way to come out as a boy

* Knowing sharing his pain with others would be key to getting help and making his future possible

* How hormone treatment and top surgery ended the pain and have him hope

* Parents support

* Glad he is alive. Has hope and a future.

* Advice to others who are suicidal/have no hope.

Annalee then shares about:

* The long-term hatred Aiden had for his body (hair pulling, pounding on his chest, etc)

* Asking advice from his Bishop (good experience)

* Had to put Aiden’s life ahead of my original dreams/hopes

* Generally positive ward and family support

* Starting Open Arms of Idaho

* Pain of the August 2024 transgender handbook policy update

* “Aiden is a masterpiece”

* Aiden’s Father support

Aiden is one of my heroes—a brave, talented, a good man—with a wonderful future. I’m glad you are alive Aiden and thank you for your courage to share your story. You give hope to others.

And thank you Annalee for helping us know we can love and support our LGBTQ friends and family—and how that is part of responsibility as Latter-day Saints and followers of Jesus. Thank you for all the work you and your team is doing in the Idaho Falls area to bring more love and understanding. You are all some of my heroes.

You are a beautiful family. And your story will help so many.

Links:

Open Arms of Idaho: openarmsidaho.org/

Open Arms of Idaho Instagram: @openarmsidaho

Open Arms of Idaho Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089047401155