I remember opening my eyes during the opening prayer to look around the room at everyone who was there to support me: Derek & Shelby Hall, my ward members, many other close friends, and my parents.
I remember the feeling I had while immersed in the water and immediately afterwards. I was lightheaded, refreshed, with a new sense of well-being and a revitalized purpose in life. I felt peace. I had a new start to my life, a second chance to find true joy and meaning in life!
August 19, 2017 forever changed my life!
❓❓ How long ago was it and what do you remember about your baptism day that made it special?
I believe in my heart through personal revelation, that our church is by far the most accepting of LGBTQ+ members. Based on what I’ve experienced. This may not be the case for past members or people who left the Church. All churches have experienced a lack of understanding or tolerance for people who are different, that was in the past. I have witness times have changed. Have you?
I understand that a lot of people may not comprehend or approve of me being gay and a worthy temple recommend holder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that a lot of my LGBTQ+ friends will never understand why I became a Latter-day Saint, or will distance themselves from me. It’s okay! I choose to love and care deeply for all my brothers and sisters! That’s the difference between someone who is striving to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ and someone who needs to do a little more work loving and accepting those they may not understand. I’m writing this at the risk of losing friendships and work relationships and upsetting my family for divulging my innermost secrets and struggles. Nothing can change this if it needs to be done.
After years of searching, I unexpectedly discovered a new family in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now secure in his relationship with the Church and with God. Now I share the story of how a gay man, found his home in the Church. Determined to be a survivor, not a victim, I use my life’s journey as a source of inspiration to help others in similar situations and to foster a better understanding of God’s many LGBTQ brothers and sisters in the world. I now love serving as a Ward Mission Leader, assisting sisters and elders throughout New England and the world.
“No matter your religion, faith background, sexual orientation, or race, I challenge you to choose love!”
Turn Up The Love Devotional – June 2 at the Pasadena Stake Center from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Join Dennis Schleicher as he shares his story as a gay man that was welcomed into the fold of God with open arms and was taught about the true nature of God’s love for everyone. Follow Dennis’ journey from hate-crime victim to a Ward Mission Leader that helps hundreds of missionaries better reach the LGBTQ community.
vpnMentor conducted a survey in which we asked 695 LGBTQ+ people worldwide about their experiences online as they relate to their sexual orientation and gender identity. The
73 percent of LGBTQ+ have reported being personally attacked or harassed on social media sites
results – referenced throughout this article – illuminated the unique challenges faced by the many LGBTQ+ communities.
Here are some of our key findings:+
Alarming 73% of all who identify as LGBTQ, or any form of gender identity, sexual orientation have been personally attacked and harassed online.
50% of all respondents in all categories of gender identity and sexual orientation have suffered sexual harassment online.
When it comes to sexual orientation, gay, lesbian, bisexual and the transgender communityfeels the least safe online.
When it comes to gender identity, many transgender women feel the least safe when harassed online. Gay men the safest.
Transgenders are most likely to be outed and bullied on social media platforms. Unfortunately, against their will. With gay men are least likely, outed but still suffer many forms of harassment.
Experts in the field of cybersecurity it’s their mission to provide practical strategies for coping with all kinds of adversity, bigotry, and abuse on the web, which is why they created this guide.
Whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or are a straight ally, I hope you’ll find this guide informative.
Thank You to Stephany Huneidy at vpnMentor for emailing me the statistics through this blog.
If you’re a victim of online harassment please share it with a friend, loved one, and family members.
Please, be safe when posting on any social media online website or platform.
I know without a doubt that there’s a place for all LGBTQ children within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As fellow brothers and sisters, everything that I’ve studied in our doctrine displays zero evidence that I am not allowed to be an active member of our church. I can’t find anything that says, I don’t have a home or place to worship. It’s the media and those who are judgmental. Or have left our gospel that continuously tells me that I don’t have a home in Mormonism. Our doctrine, along with scripture tells me differently.
Episode 108: Dennis Schleicher, Gay LDS Convert, Author, National Personality
My friend Dennis shares his life story including life as a gay man (including appearances of Larry King Live and Sally Jessy Raphel), joining the Church in 2017, and now serving as the Ward Mission Leader and helping missionaries church wide on LGBTQ issues.
Dennis’ book ‘Is He Nuts, Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ’ is being released by church book publisher Cedar Fort in August 2019. I encourage everyone to read his book (for more information go to www.DennisSchleicher.net).
Thank you, Dennis, for sharing your story. You are one of the most courageous persons I know. Thanks for blessing 1000s
Missionaries are awesome! Meet a few I’ve worked with.
Just a few of the released missionaries I’ve worked with on the East Coast.
I am an openly gay man who feels nothing but love from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was told my entire life that God rejected me and I was going to hell merely for my sexual orientation. I needed to change my entire persona and become straight. This left such a bad taste in my mouth about organized religion in general that I refused to attend any church for many, many years.
It was Latter-day Saints who taught me that Heavenly Father loves ALL of His children, regardless of their sexual orientation. We are all children of God, and we should leave judgment to the Savior. It is not our place. We are asked only to love. Let’s all Turn Up The Love.
Ten Tips for Parents from Mormon and Gay from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Understanding Our LGBTQ Children of God
As a parent, you may sometimes feel inadequate. Although you may not always know how to respond to the struggles your children face, you will never regret reaching out with love and understanding.
You will never regret saying “I love you.”
You will never regret throwing your arms around your child and hugging him or her. You will never regret listening. You will never regret trying to understand.
You have been entrusted with the care of a precious soul.
Learning to be a parent on this journey will stretch you. As you seek the companionship of the Spirit, you will draw near to God, your child, and, if applicable, your spouse. Remember to honor agency. If your spouse disagrees with how you want to handle things, work it out respectfully. If your child makes choices you disagree with, kindly let them know how you feel. Never try to control or manipulate them. Give them your time and assure them of your love.
Did you overreact, get angry, or say things you regret? Don’t be discouraged.
This is one moment in a lifelong conversation. It’s never too late to apologize.
If you learn about your child’s same-sex attraction secondhand, don’t take it personally.
Talking about one’s same-sex attraction can be terrifying and confusing. Your child may not have known how to talk to you about it.
It’s natural to grieve.
Do you feel your dream of the “perfect” LDS family slipping away? Do you fear losing a close relationship? Are you afraid your child won’t be treated with kindness? These feelings are natural. There is no shame in grieving.
Don’t blame yourself
for your child’s same-sex attraction.
This is no one’s fault. Blame is neither necessary nor helpful.
As a parent, the least productive prayer is “why?”
A close second is “please, take this away right now.”
The most helpful question you can ask is “how?”
How can I help? How can I be the mom or dad my child needs? How can we learn from this?
Some people care. Some people are curious. Answering questions can help build understanding but can also be exhausting. Be sure to charge your spiritual battery by spending quality time in sacred places. And no one cares more than your Father in Heaven.
Peace and perspective go hand in hand.
Seek knowledge, and learn all you can. Speak with your bishop or branch president and receive counsel from an authorized servant of the Lord. If you feel impressed, ask him for a priesthood blessing to help you meet the needs of your child. Some people find perspective in support groups or through temple attendance. In fact, there is no better place to find peace and perspective than in the temple.
Loving and Understanding – Not Judging Our Fellow LGBTQ Brothers & Sisters Hymn “Lord, I Would Follow Thee”
This morning after praying I fell prompted to open our hymn book. This is what I opened to; #220
Lord, I Would Follow Thee
“Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown,
Pause to help and lift another,
Finding strength beyond my own.
Savior, may I learn to love thee–
Who am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can’t see.
Who am I to judge another?
I would be my brother’s keeper;
I would learn the healer’s art.
To the wounded and the weary
I would show a gentle heart.
I would be my brother’s keeper—
Savior, may I love my brother
As I know thou lovest me,
Find in thee my strength, my beacon,
For thy servant I would be.
Savior, may I love my brother—”
