Community with Covenant-Keeping LGBT Saints | An Interview with Jenn Curtis

Nov 23, 2025

Jenn Curtis, President of North Star, shares her journey reconciling her same-sex attraction with her commitment to the Latter-day Saints faith. She emphasizes the value of community support, describing how North Star creates a safe space for dialogue and understanding. Jenn advocates for curiosity over judgment in church discussions around LGBT topics, and highlights the transformative power of connection through conferences. Her honest reflections on marriage and personal choice illustrate the complexities many face within faith and identity.

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ANECDOTE

Sudden Self-Recognition Moment

Jenn Curtis described discovering she was gay during prayer after years of stuffing feelings and trauma.
That revelation unlocked decades of previously confusing experiences and began a decade-long journey of reconciliation.

ANECDOTE

Marriage In The Midst Of Discovery

Jenn recalled telling her husband she didn't know if she loved him while she figured herself out.
She compared surfacing past feelings to raising the Titanic and promised to be honest as she discovered answers.

ADVICE

Push Through Conference Apprehension

Attend a North Star conference even if you feel apprehensive about entering the room.
Once inside, expect warmth, listening, and opportunities to connect with people who share similar experiences.

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Jenn Curtis is the president of North Star, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBT Latter-day Saints. With a lifelong commitment to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jenn has navigated her own journey of self-discovery and faith, advocating for understanding and compassion within the Church community. She has been actively involved in creating resources and spaces for dialogue around LGBT issues and faith, helping individuals reconcile their identities with their beliefs.

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NorthStarSaints.org
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

This podcast conversation centers on Jenn’s personal journey with same-sex attraction, her experiences within the church, and the importance of community and understanding in navigating these complex issues.

Key Insights

Personal Journey: Jenn shares her experience of coming to terms with her same-sex attraction while married, emphasizing the internal struggles and the process of self-discovery.

Community Support: The North Star community provides a safe space for LGBT individuals and their families, fostering open dialogue and understanding about faith and sexuality.

Curiosity Over Judgment: Jenn highlights the importance of curiosity in conversations about LGBT issues, suggesting that church leaders should ask questions and seek to understand rather than make assumptions.

Covenant Path: The discussion emphasizes that North Star promotes a gospel-centered approach, encouraging members to strive to keep their covenants while navigating their identities.

Tension in Faith: Jenn acknowledges the tension many LGBT individuals feel between their faith and their sexual orientation, advocating for a compassionate and understanding approach from church leaders.

Leadership Applications

Foster Open Dialogue: Leaders can create environments where members feel safe to discuss their struggles and questions about faith and sexuality without fear of judgment.

Encourage Curiosity: Leaders should practice curiosity by asking open-ended questions to better understand the experiences of LGBT members, which can help reduce fear and stigma.

Promote Inclusivity: By recognizing the diverse experiences within their congregations, leaders can work towards creating a more inclusive community that supports all members in their faith journeys.

00:04:48 – Jenn’s Personal Story and Journey
00:08:36 – Discovering Same-Sex Attraction
00:10:39 – Navigating Marriage and Self-Discovery
00:12:07 – Initial Reactions to Self-Discovery
00:14:18 – The Dual Existence of Living with Same-Sex Attraction
00:16:22 – Conversations with Her Husband
00:20:42 – Coming Out to Her Husband
00:22:27 – Finding Community in North Star
00:24:21 – Advice for Attending North Star Conference
00:26:15 – The Transformational Experience of North Star
00:28:14 – Creating a Welcoming Church Environment
00:30:46 – The Role of Curiosity in Understanding
00:32:20 – The Importance of Being Open and Listening
00:34:20 – North Star’s Unique Approach to LGBT Issues
00:36:04 – Striving to Keep Covenants in the LGBT Community
00:39:35 – Navigating Tension in Faith and Sexuality
00:41:49 – Addressing Negative Experiences with North Star
00:47:10 – The Importance of Giving North Star Another Chance

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.

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