”Mormon Mothers as Devices (Key Change-Agents) Used to Reduce the Toxicity of LDS LGBT Inertia.” Frost presents insights he gained while creating his popular character Sister Dottie S. Dixon, exploring the role of “mother” as an agent for positive change within the Mormon family. “Coming Out Mormon Style: Three Recent Plays, One by Me.” The “coming out” play is a staple of contemporary gay theatre. Three recent coming out plays, however, put a uniquely Mormon twist on a familiar subject. “How the LDS Church is Depicted in Plays and Movies Created by Non-Mormons.” Non-Mormon playwrights and screenwriters have progressed from depicting “Mormons-in-name-only” to well-researched examples of Mormon culture, doctrine, and characters. There are also descriptions of puzzling encounters with gay Mormons whom the broader gay community finds difficult to understand. The presenter will discuss six popular plays and films that portray gay Mormon characters and/or themes.

CHARLES LYNN FROST, ERIC SAMUELSEN, GERALD S. ARGETSINGER