Three Books Every Latter-day Saint Should Read In Order to Listen, Learn, and Love our LGBTQ Brothers and Sisters

President M. Russell Ballard counseled, “We need to listen to and understand what our LGBT brothers and sisters are feeling and experiencing. Certainly, we must do better than we have done in the past so that all members feel they have a spiritual home where their brothers and sisters love them and where they have a place to worship and serve the Lord.”

Cedar Fort Publishing and Media has strived to give voice to members of the Church with LGBTQ backgrounds and experiences and have published several books to support those in the community. 

Here are 3 titles that EVERY Latter-day Saint member, regardless of their preference, should read to learn how to listen, learn, and love our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

1) LOVE BOLDLY

“Mom, Dad, I’m gay.” One Facebook message completely changed Becky Mackintosh’s life in the blink of an eye. Though she had often wondered about her son Sean when he was young, she had never entertained the possibility that her suspicions could be true. And just like that, battle lines were drawn—between siblings, parents, friends—with the Church somewhere in the middle. A choice was before the Mackintosh family. Just not the one they were expecting. Experience Becky’s journey and witness how her faith allowed her to embrace her religion and her gay son. She’ll tell you that the answer to every question and conflict is love.

2) IS HE NUTS? Why a Gay Man Would Become a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ

Dennis Schleicher's life has been anything but 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 a violent hate crime, forced institutionalization, and heartbreak after heartbreak, Dennis was desperate for love and acceptance-he just didn't know where to find it. Walk a mile in Dennis's shoes and see from his eyes how the only love that can truly make you whole is that of the Savior.

3) Listen, Learn, and Love: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints

Through the power of storytelling, former YSA bishop Richard Ostler brings to life the experiences of LGBTQ Latter-day Saints, fulfilling President M. Russell Ballard’s 2017 challenge to “… listen to and understand what our LGBT brothers and sisters are feeling and experiencing.” Richard is supportive of the Church, its leaders, and doctrine.

This book is for all Latter-day Saints and is an extension of the Listen, Learn & Love podcast. It brings together hundreds of stories in a comprehensive review of the many topics around being LGBTQ and a Latter-day Saint. By sharing stories, the podcast and book help readers better support LGBTQ members in their unique and often difficult road—and better recognize their gifts and contributions in our wards and families.