HRC Releases New 'Coming Home' Faith Guide for LGBTQ Mormons

Thursday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released "Coming Home to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to Self," a guide for LGBTQ Mormons. HRC worked with an advisory team of Mormon scholars and activists to develop and shape this resource.

Across the nation, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people are having important conversations about the role of faith in their lives. While Mormon parent groups have become strong advocates for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people, many LGBTQ Mormons remain closeted and are wondering if and how they might be open about who there are in their wards and stakes.

The guide provides advice and resources to help Mormons in the United States looking to engage more deeply with their faith, even in the face of significant challenges. Coming Home to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to Self offers strategies for the LGBTQ faithful seeking enriching and meaningful lives in the Mormon faith.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fasting-growing churches in the country, and we hope this guide will encourage important conversations of inclusivity for the LGBTQ faithful," said Mary Beth Maxwell, HRC Senior Vice President for Programs, Research and Training. "We are greatly indebted to the Mormon scholars and activists who helped to create this document, and send encouragement to all LGBTQ Mormons working to reconcile their identity and their faith."

Coming Home to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to Self is the fifth in a series of faith-specific "coming home" guides released by the HRC Foundation. Earlier editions include Jewish, Muslim, Catholic and general faith guides.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

For more information on HRC's Religion & Faith Program, visit hrc.org/religion.