The new generation of those who follow the Mormon religion are speaking out about their sexual preferences. In a recent conference held at the Salt Lake City Main Library, gay Utah residents took the time to get to know those members of the Mormon Church who share their sexual preference.
For the last year, programs have been held in Salt Lake City to bring together gay members of the community with their Mormon counterparts in an effort to eliminate harmful stereotypes of the gay and lesbian community. Mormons Building Bridges is a group that was formed in Salt Lake City to support gay members of the church. The group began with 300 straight residents of Salt Lake City marching alongside gay and lesbian church members.
Since its inception, Mormons Building Bridges has grown to include 3,142 members, with more people joining on a regular basis. Part of the reason this group meets regularly is to fight for a statewide policy banning discrimination against gay and lesbian members of the community. With the exception of 17 municipalities, gay and lesbian Salt Lake City residents can currently be kicked out of a house they are renting or fired from their job simply for being gay or a lesbian.
Mormons Building Bridges has been meeting with the Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays Salt Lake City chapter to facilitate open and honest discussions. At this point, Mormon Church leaders still feel that practicing a gay lifestyle is a sin. Mormons Building Bridges hopes to change that notion.