Parents & Family
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You Are On a Journey Too
As parents and family members of an individual who experiences same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, you may feel like you’ve been thrust into unfamiliar territory. You have. Your journey has begun as well. We’re here to support you.
We host a moderated online community for parents and family members, where you may offer and receive support as you navigate this journey while staying close to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Explore North Star Resources
Resources for parents and family of individuals who experience same-sex attraction, gender identity, gender incongruence, or gender dysphoria. North Star has amassed a library of resources for parents and family members, and we are continuing to reorganize and present this information in the best possible way. Check back soon!
Talks for Parents
Hear directly from firesides and conference talks addressing same-sex attraction, gender identity, and gender dysphoria, shared from a place of faith, love, and understanding for parents and family members.
2017: Loving and Supporting My SSA Child
Session Description: When a child discloses that they experience same-sex attraction, this is a significant revelation. How can we, as loved ones, provide the encouragement, love and support they need to thrive? Hear from parents of SSA children and learn what has...
2017: When & How to Talk to Your Kids About Your SSA/GD
2017 conferenceSession Description: At some point in your children’s lives, it may become appropriate or necessary to discuss your same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria with them. Hear from parents who have had just such conversations. Find out what worked and how...
2018: Love, Support, Embrace: Exploring the Gift & Challenge of Having An SSA Family Member or Friend
2018 conference Session Description: When your loved one travels a path that isn’t what you expected, how should you react? Do you wonder what your role is in their journey? What should be the focus of your prayers? Come and hear one family’s experiences and how they...
2018: Love Them Today, Reach Them Tomorrow, Defining Our Stewardship
2018 conference Session Description: Spend time with Janae as she explores what it means to truly follow in the footsteps of the Savior, as we work to effectively love those in our lives who are struggling. See how beautifully we can keep our covenant to “stand as...
2018: Panel: A House Divided – Navigating Family Dynamics
2018 conference Session Description: Are SSA and gender issues splitting your family apart? Do they cause contention between family members? Do you feel uncomfortable talking to your family members about their same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria? Do you feel that...
2018: From Despair to Divine Serenity: Tools for Working Through the Grieving Process as a Parent
2018 conference Session Description: Family members often feel overwhelmed about how to best help their afflicted loved ones and themselves. How can family members be the healthiest and most effective support person for their struggling loved ones? Learn steps and...
Voices from our Community
Find inspiration and encouragement from personal experiences of parents and family of individuals who experience same-sex attraction, gender identity, gender incongruence, or gender dysphoria in the North Star community.
2025: Keynote Friday Morning: Three Choices
Session Description: For all my life I have been presented with the multiple challenges experienced by families and individuals who wrestle with SSA as my father was gay. He made three critical choices during his life that impacted his and our family's lives. It is my...
2025: Father and Son: United by Love and Law
Session Description: A father and son share how the latter's sexuality has affected their relationship, their individual faith journeys, and how they minister to others in the Church.Target Demographic:Parents, SSA Men, SSA Women, GeneralPresentersEric D. SniderRocky...
2025: My Story, Friday
Session Description: Five individuals share their different stories.Turning Life’s Complexities into Triumph: Finding Joy Through Humility and Faith Hailey Kynaston Navigating faith, identity, and purpose can feel overwhelming, especially with the complexities of...
2024: Developing a Relationship of Love and Trust With Your Child
Session Description: Parent-child relationships, which are challenging in all families, can be especially complicated when a child experiences same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria. Yet, as the voices and influence of the world grow louder and more pervasive,...
Official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Resources
How can you help a family member or friend who experiences same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria? The perfect example of balancing unconditional love and keeping God’s commandments was our Savior Jesus Christ. Use the links below to access resources for parents, family members, friends, and allies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding parents and family of individuals who experience same-sex attraction, gender identity, gender incongruence, or gender dysphoria. If you have additional questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to contact@northstarsaints.org.
What do the letters LGBTQ mean?
If you are not familiar with the meanings behind LGBTQ, here are some definitions. Many people use other terms they find more comfortable, or no terms at all. Some move from one term to another as they learn more about themselves.
L: Lesbian is a woman who is primarily attracted to other women.
G: Gay refers to men who are attracted to men, but many women use this term as well. It can be a general term meaning anyone attracted to their own gender. If someone identifies as gay, it does not necessarily mean they are in a same-sex relationship; they may just use it to describe their orientation, not their behavior.
B: Bisexual women find themselves attracted to both men and women. This is usually a consistent pattern for their lives, not generally one random episode of same- or opposite-sex attraction.
T: Transgender describes a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their sex at birth.
Q: Queer is becoming more common, and can refer to either sexual orientation or gender identity or both (or neither). It is an umbrella term that covers many different situations.