75: The Book of Queer Mormon Joy

Natasha is joined by Kerry Pray in this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast. Kerry recently wrote and edited a book, "The Book of Queer Mormon Joy." The story of queer Mormons is one that some might not expect to be joyful. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has traditionally asserted that queerness is counter to God's plan and that gender as determined at birth is eternal. Any marriage other than a monogamous pairing of male and female is "counterfeit." So called "wickedness," we are told, "never was happiness." But queer Mormons tell different stories—stories filled with joy. This collection includes essays by queer Mormons across the LGBTQ spectrum who, when they looked inside themselves, found divinity rather than sin. Stories by people who are made exactly as they are meant to be, and live accordingly. Queer Mormons who feel forced out of the institutional church don't typically find despair on the outside or abandonment by the divine. Instead, their lives are rich and beautiful—made all the more so by the struggle. The Book of Mormon tells us, "Men are that they might have joy." The Book of Queer Mormon Joy affirms that trans, nonbinary, intersex, asexual, bisexual, polyamorous, and gay people have joy. Joy is for everyone. You can find the book on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Book-Queer-Mormon-Joy/dp/1560854707/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33OVKFYI67VX8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YRC_CZZ0YUwO6QFhgGCjJDqn9HF54WHVihKSkZgc9ni_ldetq47Cfc2uv4Igd00KbXtw7qNXYuEwLk7-zHvkAoiQnr3qkIF2HGcmvBRt5p4.zwrYIQb7yp3EGLukxuthKzpwVsd8nUkkDL5_XB_tzN0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+book+of+queer+mormon+joy&qid=1724816170&sprefix=the+book+of+queer+mormon+joy%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1   To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha's channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening. And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services.