Was I the Only Gay Convert to the LDS Church?

Did you think I was the only gay convert? Do you think I am the only LGBTQ active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

NOT. Hundreds of gay converts and thousands of LGBTQ full temple recommend holders do exist.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

You can be gay like me and be an active member of our Church.

“It’s called agency.”

Meet Derek Knox from Boston. He joined our Church as an openly gay member one week after the November 2015 announcement. He had faith and a strong testimony into our gospel.

Jesus Christ love’s all. He loves you, your neighbor, your friends, your coworkers, and your family.

And, I LOVE you…

Dennis Schleicher Best selling author of Is He Nuts?: Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ 

Follow Dennis on Instagram @DenSchleicher

Strive to be Persons of Goodwill Toward All – Root Out Racism

I was excited to read the new policies on racism, and loving all of God’s children to our Latter-day Saint handbook.

“The church calls on all people to abandon attitudes and actions of prejudice toward any group or individual. Members of the church should lead out in promoting respect for all of God’s children. Members follow the Savior’s commandment to love others (see Matthew 22:35–39). They strive to be persons of goodwill toward all, rejecting prejudice of any kind. This includes prejudice based on race, ethnicity, nationality, tribe, gender, age, disability, socioeconomic status, religious belief or nonbelief, and sexual orientation.”

Peter Moosman – Dennis – Hug a Gay Latter-day Saint

President Dallin H. Oaks said during October’s conference that church members should “root out racism.” A few weeks later, he encouraged BYU students to “heed our prophet’s call” to end racism.

I love what it says in (Matthew 22:38-39) This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Meet my friend Peter, who’s gay and LDS. He started an awareness project of going to general conference and holding colorful signs out side the Conference Center saying, “Hug a Gay Latter-day Saint!” 🏳️‍🌈

What did you like about the update❓

I am sending all of you virtual hug’s. ❣️

~ Dennis Schleicher

Find more inspiration by following him on Instagram @DenSchleicher

Judging Someone’s Worthiness! Are you a Real Member of the Church Of Jesus Christ?

Judging Someone’s Worthiness! Are you a real member? OH-My-GOsh, have I cried. Have I screamed at God? Have I asked, why? 

Dennis Schleicher – Manti Temple, Utah

Yesterday I posted a comment on Strive To Be. Sharing my testimony about Come Follow Me. Someone replied; “are you actually a member of the church? All honesty, I am really just curious because a lot of what you post really goes against what the church believes in.” 

Are my post really that bad? There is still a lot of room for growth in our Church. The mindset amongst church members and hopefully what I am posting is helping with that. Every time YOU share one of my posts asking your friends and family to follow me, I am forever grateful.

I find that people are quick to accuse when they have the Church, mapped out in their mind that it should only be a certain way. Their hearts and minds are not open to change. (This is ironic because this Church changes and only becomes better because of revelation). 

They forget that this church includes everyone, and everyone is on a different level in their own personal spiritual journey. We all learn and teach differently. People forget there are converts from all backgrounds, from all over the world.

First, it sounded sincere, then it says, “goes against the church”! I’d say we got a lot of work to do!! Ugh! Almost appears that they go to church, and don’t learn while at church or listen to general conference. And by listen I’m talking about listening with the heart.  

It’s bad enough I receive hateful comments from anti-church non-members. I receive death threats from those who have left our church. Now, from our members? This is new to me. 

Many times I hear, this Church needs you and your voice. You are making a difference. Well, I NEED this CHURCH… I need our Gospel. And we need more LGBTQ’s attending church. Filling our wards with charity and the pure love of Christ. Wouldn’t you agree? 

I can testify, more people need our church. More people need our Savior, Jesus Christ. No one should judge. No one should question anyone’s worthiness to be a member. It is between our bishop and stake presidency.

We have to leave judgment to the Savior.

Love, Dennis

Follow Dennis on Instagram @DenSchleicher 

First This Gay Man Wanted to Protest the Mormon Church-Now He’s a Member

First This Gay Man Wanted to Protest the Church-Now He’s a Member. He steals the Book of Mormon. Who is Dennis? 

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; 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. I refused to attend any church for many, many years.

Latter-day Saints taught me; 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. Having received First Presidency approval to have my endowment early, is a constant reminder, He knows all of us by name. #SpreadLove

I serve as an Elders Quorum First Counselor, Ward Mission Leader. Assisting Church leaders, Mission Presidents, sisters, and elders to better understand how to work and deal with the LGBTQ community, creating a better understanding amongst all people.

I pray that my story, Instagram post, etc. Strengthens your faith in our church and in our savior, Jesus Christ. As I post scripture study, thoughts, and my life journey. As we all @strivetobe 💗 & @comeuntochrist

Love, Dennis -Best-selling author of “Is He Nuts? Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of The Church Of Jesus Christ.” @deseretbook @cedarfort & @seagullbook

To find out more follow Dennis on Instagram at @DenSchleicher

Order his book, on Amazon “Is He Nuts?”

☎️To speak directly with a missionary, call 1-888-573-6600 24/7

Gay’s at the Mormon Temple

Spending the morning at the temple with 20+ Gay, LGBTQ, and full temple recommend holders doing a session was incredible. I’m actually lost for words. This is further proof that you can be gay and enter the House of the Lord.

For those who say that you cannot be gay in a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints. Tell them. Tag your friends. Share our love for all. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Love, Dennis Schleicher

Let’s All Love Boldly – Embracing Your LGBTQ Friends

Becky Mackintosh and Dennis Schleicher at Deseret Books

Let’s All Love Boldly – Embracing Your LGBTQ Friends

Others outside our church feel I don’t fit the mold to be a full temple holder. Others assume I don’t deserve holding a calling working with missionaries. Others believe I am not going to last-leave our church.
I’m exhausted with people questioning my worth, I’m exhausted justifying to others that I am worthy to be a full temple holder. I’m exhausted with people who have left our church constantly questioning my motives. Questioning why would you join the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? My answer is simple; I couldn’t imagine living without this gospel.

We all deserve the full blessings that one receives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We must leave judgment for our Savior.
Becky Mackintosh shares a much-needed journey of teaching others how we all can Love Boldly, love like Christ. After all, we could learn more about loving everyone. “Love Boldly Embracing Your LGBTQ Loved Ones and Your Faith.”

“No matter your religion, faith background, sexual orientation, or race, I challenge you to choose love.”
—-Dennis Schleicher
Devotional Speaker, Best-Selling Author of: “Is He Nuts? Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ”

By Nancy Ayry – Dennis teaches me how to love, forgive. He teaches me that sometimes you’ll do things you NEVER thought you’d do! Shows me what true ministering is.

Nancy Ayre September Shoutout for Dennis Schleicher

September Shoutout by Nancy Ayry – Every day in the month of September I would like to give a shoutout to one person that I see is making a positive difference in the world. 🌎 ❤️
Dennis Schleicher – he is everyone’s best friend. You can’t help but love him the minute you connect with him. He’s full of enthusiasm and love, kindness and sincerity. Dennis is a writer, lifestyle reporter, crisis counselor, network marketer, and motivational speaker.
When Dennis was a teenager in the 1980’s, he was brutally attacked by several boys in the men’s room at school because they figured he was gay. They took turns punching his face, jaw, and stomach and calling him a “f****** f***** that should not be allowed to live.” The school administration oddly took the side of the attackers. Shortly after the attack, the media began to contact Dennis and he appeared on seven talk shows, including Larry King Live, and Sally Jessy Raphael. in 1990, Dennis testified in court to help pass a hate crimes bill that included minorities and LGBT individuals.
“Dennis’ life has not been easy. The growing realization that he was gay coupled with his parents’ use of religion to justify abuse and neglect led Dennis to have a very complicated relationship with love, God, and organized religion. After suffering from the violent attack, forced institutionalization, and heartbreak after heartbreak, Dennis was desperate for love and acceptance – he just didn’t know where to find it.”
“After years of searching, Dennis unexpectedly discovered a new family in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his book, “Is He Nuts? Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ” he shares the story of how he, a gay man, found his home in the church.”
Dennis now serves as a ward mission leader, assisting sisters and elders throughout New England to better understand how to work and deal with the LGBTQ community, creating a better understanding amongst all people.
In his book Dennis explains, “I am many things. I am a people person, a talker, a networker. I am a gay man, a survivor of a hate crime, an advocate for the LGBT community. I am a friend, a hugger, a Christian who has always believe in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I am a son, a brother, a cousin. All of this and more collectively defines who and what I am.” ( ”Is He Nuts?” Cedar Fort Publishing, Schleicher)
Dennis teaches me how to love and how to forgive. He teaches me that there are new starts. He teaches me that sometimes you’ll do things you NEVER thought you’d do! And he shows me what true ministering is. In his own words, “Turn up the Love!”

Come Follow Me (provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

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This week I was studying the New Testament from the study guide, Come Follow Me (provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). I was studying about Paul and the horrible persecutions that many of those church members faced anciently. ⁣

⁣Today, we as followers of Christ, encounter many of the same hardships that they did. When people say harsh words to me and when Satan attacks, I have found that I forget my own challenges by serving others.  This week, the benefits of studying Paul’s teachings is that:⁣

1️⃣ I want to strive every day to provide random acts of kindness⁣
2️⃣ Be more receptive to listen to others⁣

❓What have you found best helps you to manage and tackle your daily challenges? When you get knocked down, what picks you back up again?⁣

Love, Dennis Schleicher

I’m Not a Gay Mormon Convert I am a Proud Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Who Happens to Be Gay and LGBTQ+

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!”

~ Dennis Schleicher 

Motivational Speaker, Fireside, Devotionals Relief Society

 

Gay Convert Devotional and Fireside Pasadena Stake Center


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.