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Latter-day Saint Leaders Advocate for LGBTQ+ Inclusion at Gather Conference
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Provo, UT – At the Gather Conference held Friday, June 27, 2025, in Provo, emeritus general authority Seventy Steven E. Snow and poet Carol Lynn Pearson called for greater empathy and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two-day event, organized by Lift + Love, focused on strengthening LGBTQ+ individuals and families within the church.
Steven E. Snow’s Evolving Perspective
Snow shared that his perspective on LGBTQ+ issues significantly changed after his granddaughters came out.”There’s nothing like having grandchildren. Do not mess with my granddaughters,” Snow stated, emphasizing the profound impact this personal connection had on his life. He delivered the opening prayer at the Gather Conference and participated in a Q&A session.
During the session, Snow expressed his belief that church members have a responsibility to create a safer and more welcoming environment. “We need to do more. We need to be more inclusive,” Snow said. “We need to find a place-hard as it may be right now-we need to find a place for our friends, our grandchildren, and our children to be at home in the church.”
Carol Lynn Pearson’s Call for Understanding
Like Snow, author and poet Carol lynn Pearson believes the church must do more to support its LGBTQ+ members. Pearson,known for writing the lyrics to the children’s Primary song “I’ll Walk With You,” has long advocated for LGBTQ+ and women’s issues.
Pearson likened the church’s evolving posture to a “pioneer journey,” with some members acting as “scouts out front,” urging the rest to move faster. she hopes events like the Gather Conference will lead to a “more immediate understanding of the hugeness of this situation.”
Did You know? A 2023 study by UCLA’s williams Institute found that LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to experience mental health conditions compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers [[1]].
Pearson shared a story about a bishop who ministers to a lesbian couple in his congregation, stating he would resign his post before disciplining them. “I’ve heard similar stories of bishops who have been that determined to make sure that everybody has a place there,” Pearson said.
Shifting Attitudes and Continuing Revelation
Snow noted that he would have had difficulty imagining himself at an event like Gather fifteen years ago. He has observed not only his own shift in perspective but also broader changes in Latter-day Saint culture. He emphasized the importance of continuing revelation, stating, “The one thing that is foundational about our beliefs is continuing revelation. I’m just hopeful.”
Pearson envisions a future where members are seen mainly as “children of our divine parents,” rather than being identified by sexual or gender orientation. She believes that members are ready for more rapid progress toward equality.
Pro Tip: Engage in respectful dialog with individuals who hold different perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues. Understanding and empathy are crucial for fostering inclusivity.
The Path Forward
Both Snow and Pearson expressed hope for the future, envisioning a church where all members feel welcome and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Their participation in the Gather Conference signals a growing recognition of the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
