Episode 595: Autumn McAlpin, New Book, LDS Mother of a Gay Son

My friend Autumn McAlpin (married mother of 5) shares the story of her 17-year-old son, Gavin, walking into her bedroom at 3:00 am telling her and her husband and he that “he is gay, leaving the church, and really struggling with depression… like, really.” A lot has happened since that night two and a half years ago—which Autumn shares on the podcast and in her new book to support Gavin. It is a beautiful and powerful family love story. Autumn, a noted author and filmmaker, decided to write a book about their experience. In November 2022, that book, But Jesus: A Conversation, was published by Pink Umbrella Books with Gavin’s permission (see below for Amazon book link). Autumn talks about the book in the podcast, and all proceeds from sales will be donated to life-saving therapy programs for LGBTQ+ at Encircle and Flourish Therapy. I encourage everyone to listen to this podcast and read Autumn’s book. I have read it—it is a powerful family story of how we can do better so support families with LGBTQ members. I wish I had read a book like this decades ago. Autumn is also involved with Lift & Love, where she writes most of the IG family profile stories (link below). I encourage you to check out Lift & Love. Thank you for being on the podcast Autumn. I was deeply moved hearing your story. I encourage everyone to read Autumn’s impactful book. Links: Autumn’s book called “But Jesus: A Conversation”: https://www.amazon.com/But-Jesus-Conversation-Autumn-McAlpin/dp/194959825X Lift and Love: https://www.liftandlove.org/