OCR Text |
Show COLLEGE OF SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ABSTRACTS GAY MORMON IDENTITY 1980 - PRESENT Jace Fowles (Kim Hackford-Peer) Gender Studies Program University of Utah It was June of 2012 when 300 Latter-Day Saints marched through the streets of the Mormon Mecca leading Salt Lake City's annual Pride Parade. In the name of gay pride for some, and for others pride in their gay family members, neighbors, friends, and colleagues, the moment was a sign that there has been a shift. These "Mormons Building Bridges" represent a new era in the tug-of-war relationship between the gay and LDS communities that has existed for the better part of the 20th century. Since the beginnings of the modern gay rights movement, gay members of the LDS church have been interacting with leaders of the LDS religion with both positive and frustrating results. Within the past 30 years the voice of a gay Mormon identity has begun to speak out in support of peace and understanding between the radically different views of the two communities of which it is comprised. In our present research w e are seeking to document and present the statements, reactions, and voices of the two communities as they have debated and come to terms with one another in order to shape the gay Mormon identity. In regard to methodology, w e will be collecting and critically reading historical artifacts and documents, such as news articles, official church declarations, and statements made by community groups in order to follow the trail of the gay Mormon. Our aim in so doing is twofold: firstly we will be constructing a timeline of significant events in gay Mormon history, and secondly we will be presenting this history with a focus on moments in time that have had particular significance for the formation of gay Mormon identity. Our hope is to spread awareness of these issues, as well as promote understanding between these groups by publicly sharing important information. Jace Fowles Kim Hackford-Peer |