This presentation provides information about the science of gender identity by: 1) Defining gender-relevant terminology; 2) Providing education about sex and gender—using intersexuality to illustrate the false dichotomies often associated with these terms—and, 3) Discussing what scientific research tells us about gender and gender identity. The presenter will then facilitate a conversation regarding the clash …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2017
The Kingdom Embraces All
The “kingdom” concept in Mormon theology has narrowed over the 170 years since pioneer settlement in Utah. The law book used by the first government in Utah, The Laws of the State of Deseret, consisted of the Ten Commandments alone. The Decalogue was understood to be a constitutional law document that embraced the hopes and …
Joseph Didn’t Set Out to Start a Church (Let Alone a New Religion!)
When Oliver Cowdery showed up in Palmyra with “fire in his bones” and the idea to start a new church, Joseph Smith initially resisted the idea. Even after Cowdery persuaded him, Smith thought he would get it started and then give up his leadership and pass the baton to others. Gradually he changed his mind. …
Addressing Mormon Thinking Errors
Last year Jennifer and Natasha presented a popular session called “Mormon Thinking Errors” which addressed typical ways myth and overgeneralizations usually rear their heads in LDS family and ward settings. This session will take the conversation further and offer concrete strategies and ideas to combat these types of messages in our own heads or when …
Crafting as Subversive Resistance and Problematic Myopia: The Struggle for Intersectionality
Craftivism has been defined as “the practice of engaged creativity, especially regarding political or social causes.” Some feminists are using traditionally identified “feminine” crafts to reclaim their art and empower women. By using their creativity to make the world a better place, craftivists help bring change via personalized activism. Craftivism also gives women access to …
Health Is Our Birthright
How we care for our individual bodies is a private, sacred choice. The relationship between a healer and a client is also sacred, very similar to that of a priest and parishoner. It must remain free of government, religious, or corporate intrusions. It must be available to all people, including those on the LGBT spectrum. …
Playmate Mormons: Faith and Sex Work
Mormonism has a complicated relationship with bodies and sex. Sasha Earl, a faithful, active Mormon stripper will join Playboy Playmate Kylie Johnson to discuss healthy intimacy, bodies, and faith. Kylie Johnson Sasha Earl Kristin B. Hodson
Polygamy in our DNA: is this “dead” practice preventing divine union in our marriages and families?
Even though Mormons currently don’t practice polygamy outside the temple, this practice has dramatically shaped our identities and relationships, affecting marriages, families and community interactions. If God is the divine union of the masculine and feminine in perfect harmony, polygamy has thrown that balance off, causing emotional and spiritual dysfunction, which we often perpetuate without …
The LORD’s House in the Top of the Mountains: The Diverse Mormon Readings of Isaiah 2:2
Isaiah 2 is one of the most famous chapters in the Hebrew Bible. The establishment of House of God in the last days, the peaceful gathering of all nations, and the beating of swords into plowshares have influenced western religion, prophecy, and art for thousands of years. The chapter is also central to the history …
An Introduction to MormonLeaks
MormonLeaks was founded in December of 2015 by Ryan McKnight as he gathered Mormon-related leaks and assembled a team to create and operate the website. What is the process behind gathering the leaks? How does the website work? How did each team member get involved, and what are their roles? Ryan McKnight