Episode 764: Austin Peterson, Gay Latter-day Saint, Gather Conference, Gather For Youth

My friend Austin Peterson (Ghana RM, BYU Grad, FSY Leader, Gather Event Coordinator) joins us to share his story. Austin starts with his journey to accept being gay and gradually coming out (including as a Bishopric member during his testimony). Austin talks about the good experiences and the painful experiences being open in his Latter-day Saint community. Austin talks his work as an FSY Leader and the principles to help Latter-day Saint youth feel needed and belonging. Austin talks about his decision to step away from the Church—following his experiences over several years of being hurt, being on the edge of the next hurt, drain of minority stress, wondering who in the congregation has said hurtful things, and finding Sunday as being his most draining day. I realize some of our best members step away and honor their decision with love and support. Austin—full of desire to help queer youth—talks about the upcoming Gather conference (Sept 2024) and the new Youth Track (Gather for Youth) and what the team hope to accomplish. Austin—who understands this group well—is doing much good to give this group more hope. Austin is one of the finest guests we’ve had on the podcast. I’m grateful for his years of service in the Church and his continue service to bless others. I’m honored to have Austin on the podcast and so grateful for his needed work in our community. You are a good man, Austin. You have a great life ahead of you! Links: Austin’s Lift and Love Story: https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=833564522137674&id=100064524019287 Austin’s 2023 Gather Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI2nIrvKduA&t=255s&pp=ygUhZ2F0aGVyIGNvbmZlcmVuY2UgYXVzdGluIHBldGVyc29u Gather 2024 Registration: https://gatherconference.regfox.com/2024-gather-conference Gatherings Information: https://www.liftandlove.org/gatherings E-mail contact: GatherForYouth@gmail.com