54: Why Science May Pressure Policy Change on Homosexuality

In this episode Valerie talks to those of you out there whose faith and trust crises are at least in part due to issues around the LDS church's doctrine, policies, and consequent treatment towards our sexual and gender minority friends and family members.  This episode focuses especially on scientific findings that clearly explain that sexual orientation is not a choice and therefore cannot be condemned or changed. 

Valerie analyses Gregory Prince's info-packed lecture titled "Science Vs. Dogma: Biology Challenges the LDS Paradigm of Homosexuality."

This episode covers:

1. The prevalence of homosexuality both in humans and other animals
2. Lack of scientific understanding around the origins of homosexuality until relatively recently
3. Preliminary research findings in the fields of genetics and epigenetic that prove that gayness is in-born
4. The LDS church's historic attempts at encouraging "cures" for homosexuality and its consequent damage
5. 2 reasons why the church may be compelled eventually to change its doctrine and policy
6. What we at the grassroots can and must do to love, protect, and champion this change to protect our gay loved ones as respectful but courageous reformers

Books mentioned and recommended:

• Gay Latter-day Saint Crossroads: My Journey, Your Journey, and a Scripture-based Path Forward, by Evan Smith
• Tabernacles of Clay: Sexuality and Gender in Modern Mormonism, by Taylor Petrey

Helpful Links for Listeners:

• Facebook Support Group:  I'll Walk With You – A Support Group for LDS Parents of LGBTQ+ Children