2023 NORTH STAR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

BREAKOUT SESSION 6 | SATURDAY | 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM | SNOWBIRD

DISCOVERING CHRIST’S PERFECTING POWER IN THE IMPERFECT SPACE OF GENDER

When it comes to our personal identity, we're all raised believing that we're sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. What happens, however, when the cultural lines between sons and daughters blur thanks to gender incongruence or expansiveness?

In this breakout session, we'll be exploring the beauty of very personal and tender journeys of identity within the gospel of Christ. What lessons can we learn from our Savior who embraced the best of both masculine and feminine attributes during his lifetime? What can His example and teachings teach us about our own personal worth as expansive souls?

Whether you're in the midst of your own gender journey, are walking alongside a loved one, or are simply wanting to gain insight and empathy for gender-expansive souls you've yet to meet, this session is perfect for you. Please come join us!

DEMOGRAPHIC: TRANSGENDER

DAVID SMURTHWAITE

David is a fortunate partner to Marisa and the father of four inspiring boys. They have lived on five continents over the past decade and love traveling to little-known corners of the world, movie nights, board games, and partying with extended family. As a gender-expansive soul, David loves every chance to educate on LGBTQIA+ topics within the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His hope with every conversation is a greater sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ members and allies, especially the youth and young adults. David’s fondest Church memories have come from serving with the youth and young adults as a bishop, a youth leader, and a seminary teacher.