Description

Raised in an orthodox Mormon community, I was taught to see the world in black and white—good or evil, right or wrong, true or false. Within that framework, happiness was tied to obedience and certainty. There was only one way to obtain true joy and be with my family forever. But as my lived experience began to diverge from what I had been taught—particularly in relation to my identity and relationships—I encountered a profound awakening. This presentation explores the dissonance that arises when rigid belief systems meet complex human realities, and what it means to live in the tension of “ampersands”—where multiple truths that seem to contradict can exist at once. Drawing on my personal journey through faith, love, loss, and eventual authenticity, I examine the cost of black-and-white thinking and the transformative power of embracing nuance.

Jeanette M. Griggs is an educator of 24 years, a learning coach, and the author of Be True, a memoir exploring faith, love, loss, identity, and the journey toward authenticity. She holds an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree and is passionate about helping others navigate complexity with curiosity and compassion. A lifelong learner and lover of nuance, she writes and speaks about the intersections of Mormonism, LGBTQ identity, and authenticity. She lives in Boise, Idaho with her partner, Lindsay, and their two children.