I am a seventh-generation member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, descended from early pioneers. For 60 years, I followed the counsel of the brethren: priesthood, mission, temple marriage and commitment to raising eight children.
One of my daughters was born with a birth defect which required four major back surgeries prior to age 12. While I love all my children dearly, a special bond was created through this adversity. Since the last surgery she suffers from near daily migraine headaches. She is also gay and is among the approximately 5% of God’s children who identify as LGBTQ.