Since announcing that the Spring 2012 issue of Exponent II would be devoted to exploring LGBTQ themes, I’ve been asked by numerous people what exactly Exponent II ‘s objectives are with this edition. As one friend put it, “after all the exposure LGBTQ issues got throughout the Prop 8 debate, what’s the point of a whole publication devoted to more discussion of this issue?”
In many ways, the debates surrounding Prop 8 and the Church’s involvement in that discussion have served to highlight how much we really need to continue shedding light on the LGBTQ members of the LDS community. This issue will be devoted not to rehashing the legal and theological issues surrounding the Prop 8 debate, but will rather be an opportunity to hear more about how members of the LGBT community are actually living their lives, solidifying relationships and navigating their faith.
In that spirit we are hopeful to hear from women and men who are finding joy in committed relationships, who are dating members of the same sex for the very first time, or have chosen to remain celibate. We are looking for stories about how aspects of Mormon theology may have been a contributing factor in a person’s self-discovery as well as stories about how that same theology may have sometimes felt spiritually stunting. We are hoping to hear from family members who have journeyed with their children/siblings/parents as they have followed a life course different from the one that may have been expected for them at birth. Most of all, we are hoping that the mission and history of Exponent II will liberate both our writers and readers to share their insights and experiences in a way that will expand the soul and lift the heart. The following is a list of writing prompts for our LGBTQ writers with topics and ideas to spark their writing creativity. Please send us your stories.
Submissions for the LGBTQ issue will be accepted now through January 15th at editor@exponentii.org (please contact us if you need an extended deadline).
Writing Prompts for LGBTQ contributors to Spring 2012 issue of Exponent II:
- How did your LDS upbringing influence (positively or negatively) your ability to recognize yourself as lesbian,gay, bisexual or transgendered?
- How have your relationships with family and close friends changed since coming out? What behaviors on the part of family members made for successful relationships going forward? On the flip side, what behaviors have made those relationships feel unsafe?
- If you have not been able to “come out” to your family and friends, what has prevented this?
- Once self-identifying as gay/lesbian, how did you decide whether or not to date or remain celibate?
- Some people have argued that even though it’s still difficult, the LDS Church is better set up to appeal to gay men than lesbian women. How do you feel about this statement?
- Are there any LDS doctrines or scriptural passages that have helped your embrace your sexuality?
- Share your love story–how did you meet, fall in love, make commitments?
We also have reoccurring features that may be helpful venues for stories:
1) Awakenings: how did you or a friend/family member/Church leader “awaken” when you/she/he came out?
2) Women’s Theology: this feature could be used to explore lesbian ethics in the context of Mormonism or critically examine the doctrine of the Church regarding homosexuality and/or gender.
3) Flannel Board: this feature offers information/ideas for how people can better perform in their Church callings. Do you have ideas for ways we can teach our Primary, youth or adults better, with more compassion and love and integrity on topics of sexuality?
4) Sabbath Pastorals: this feature publishes sacrament talks. Do you have one that is friendly and inclusive for Mormons who are members of the LGBTQ community?
5) Reconciliations: this feature works as a dialogue between two people on any life choice in which the two have chosen different paths.
Looking forward to reading your stories soon,
Aimee Hickman and Emily Clyde Curtis
Exponent II Co-Editors