Episode 504: Dr. Tyler Lefevor & Sam Skidmore

My friends Dr. Tyler Lefevor (Utah State Professor) and Sam Skidmore (Utah State PhD Student) join us to talk about their new research to help Ward/Stake Leaders better support their LGBTQ members.

If you are interested in learning more about Tyler and Sam’s research, you can find more at www.4optionssurvey.com or www.lgbtqmormonresearch.com. Tyler and Sam have also put out a one-page handout of “best practices” for ward and stake councils in ministering to LGBTQ+ members that you can find at usu.box.com/s/vpjyc7pl1yfolcm66olic0k746mytv89. They are currently recruiting LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints to be part of a 10-year study to understand how gender, sexuality, and faith impact health over time, which you can learn more at www.4optionssurvey.com. They are also looking to share what they have learned about ministering to LGBTQ+ members with ward and stake councils, which you can learn more about at lgbtqmormonresearch.com/participate-in-research/.

I wish I had read their research before a gay Latter-day Saint walked into my office in 2014 to share his story. It would have helped me better lift his burden versus possible add to his burdens because of my lack of training.

I encourage local leaders, parents and all church members to listen to this episode and connect with their research (https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wZctI2sKCGVhhs) It will help you to better minister to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints—giving them more support, understanding and hope. When we know better, we do better.

Thank you, Tyler and Sam for your great work. Look forward to learning more from both of you!