Get Educated

In His wisdom, our Father in Heaven has advised us to seek “out of the best books words of wisdom [and to] seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118). There are many sources both scholastic and inspired through which to view our experiences in supporting a loved one who experience same-gender attraction. Increasing your understanding through a variety of sources can help you better understand your own experiences and know how to act in a way which will help you be happiest while living in accord with a life enabling you to receive everything God wants for you.

We present below a wide variety of articles and resources, including some with varying and occasionally contrasting views. You’ll find some articles and pamphlets produced directly by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as a number of other scholarly opinions and articles.

From Church Leaders

As you’re trying to better understand your feelings of attraction to other men, it’s important to understand what those whom the Lord has called as His prophets and apostles have taught concerning the God’s plan for all of His children and how He expects us to navigate our lives with regard to homosexual attractions. This section includes official information from Church, as well as articles from Church leaders and articles published by other Latter-day Saints in Church publications, such as the Ensign or Liahona magazines. These are some of the big ones, but for a full list visit our Church Publications and General Authority Articles pages in the Resource Library.

	2010 Church Handbook 2 Relevant sections from the official, online 2010 Church Handbook 2 include Policies on Moral Issues (21.4): “Chastity & Fidelity” (21.4.5), “Homosexual Behavior & Same Gender Attraction” (21.4.6), and “Same-Gender Marriages” (21.4.10). “Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality, and deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the gospel. Those who persist in such behavior or who influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline. Homosexual behavior can be forgiven through sincere repentance… “If members feel same-gender attraction but do not engage in any homosexual behavior, leaders should support and encourage them in their resolve to live the law of chastity and to control unrighteous thoughts. These members may receive Church callings. If they are worthy and qualified in every other way, they may also hold temple recommends and receive temple ordinances.”

	God Loveth His Children Released in July 2007, this booklet provides counsel for Latter-day Saints who experience same-gender attraction. It is also helpful for their priesthood leaders and family members. “A number of Latter-day Saints with same-gender attraction are moving forward with their lives by carefully adhering to gospel standards, staying close to the Lord, and obtaining ecclesiastical and professional help when needed. Their lives are rich and satisfying, and they can be assured that all the blessings of eternal life will ultimately be theirs.”

	Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Ensign, October 2007 “Some members exclude from their circle of fellowship those who are different. When our actions or words discourage someone from taking full advantage of Church membership, we fail them—and the Lord. The Church is made stronger as we include every member and strengthen one another in service and love (see D&C 84:110).”

	Same-Gender Attraction Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Ensign, October 1995 “Some kinds of feelings seem to be inborn. Others are traceable to mortal experiences. Still other feelings seem to be acquired from a complex interaction of ‘nature and nurture.’ … Different persons have different physical characteristics and different susceptibilities to the various physical and emotional pressures we may encounter in our childhood and adult environments. We did not choose these personal susceptibilities either, but we do choose and will be accountable for the attitudes, priorities, behavior, and ‘lifestyle’ we engraft upon them.”

	He Heals the Heavy Laden Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Ensign, November 2006 “The Atonement also gives us the strength to endure ‘pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind,’ because our Savior also took upon Him ‘the pains and the sicknesses of his people’ (Alma 7:11). Brothers and sisters, if your faith and prayers and the power of the priesthood do not heal you from an affliction, the power of the Atonement will surely give you the strength to bear the burden.”

	Church Public Affairs Interview on Same-Gender Attraction Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Elder Lance B. Wickman of the First Quorum of the Seventy LDS Newroom, August 2006 “The following interview was conducted in 2006 with Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, and Elder Lance B. Wickman, a member of the Seventy. These senior Church leaders responded to questions from two members of the Church’s Public Affairs staff. The transcript of the interview appears below in order to help clarify the Church’s stand on these important, complex and sensitive issues.”

	Compassion for Those Who Struggle Name Withheld Ensign, September 2004 “Contrary to being morally deficient, many of us are developing spiritual muscles through the calisthenics of adversity. This is a fight that can forge a profound closeness with Heavenly Father and the Savior because victory hinges on our ability to rely on Them completely. For me, these words of the Savior have personal meaning: ‘They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick’ (Matt. 9:12).”

	Relating to Your Son or Daughter Experiencing Same-gender Attraction: Advice to Parents M. Catherine Thomas This article in LDS Living magazine is an except of a chapter by M. Catherine Thomas, “A Gift of Love: Perspectives for Parents,” in the book Voices of Hope: Latter-day Saint Perspectives on Same-Gender Attraction–An Anthology of Gospel Teachings and Personal Essays (Deseret Book, 2011), compiled by Ty Mansfield. “Our child will likely be suffering from shame and feelings of unworthiness, even if he has not chosen to express his same-gender attraction sexually. He may have felt directly or indirectly the negativity, sometimes amounting to hatred and vitriol, being poured out, even by some members of the Church, on people dealing with same-gender attraction. His feelings of shame will interfere with his ability to draw close to the Lord for comfort.”

	A Guide for Latter-day Saint Families Dealing with Homosexual Attraction Robert A. Rees, Ph.D.; Ron Schow, Ph.D.; Marybeth Raynes, LCSW; William Bradshaw, Ph.D. “This guide is designed to help LDS families in which a family member experiences homosexual attraction. Such attractions are generally romantic in nature and often, but not always, involve sexual feelings. When such attraction occurs, it requires consideration for every family member as well as understanding, supporting and nurturing the family member who experiences homosexual feelings.”