Making Sense of the Research on Homosexuality

Last updated on: November 25, 2015 at 2:44 pm By Natasha Helfer

I was recently invited to be one of the panelists on a Mormon Matters Podcast episode where I am joined by the host Dan Wotherspoon, and his other guests Dr. Daniel Parkinson (founder of the I’ll Walk With You Project) and retired BYU professor Dr. William Bradshaw (microbiologist). It is a fascinating interview that covers so many relevant factors to having a deeper understanding on homosexuality – from biological, sociological, and mental health perspectives. I am honored to have been included... Read more

Spiritual Thoughts for the Day

Last updated on: November 22, 2015 at 9:35 pm By Natasha Helfer

I find all of these inspirational quotes very applicable to how I’m feeling about the policy changes the Church made earlier this month affecting LGBTQ members and their families. “The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger–but recognize the opportunity.” ― John F. Kennedy “I finally figured out that not every crisis can be managed. As much as we want to... Read more

I’m dating and my kids saw us kissing…

Last updated on: November 21, 2015 at 7:55 pm By Natasha Helfer

I’m a widow and have started dating this great guy who my kids just adore. We’ve been dating since the summer and my kids see our affection – holding hands, hugging, rubbing backs. One of the kids caught us giving a quick peck on the lips. The word got out among the kids and they were giddy and smiley about it. They try to spy on us so they can see a little peck. Between all the kids they’ve seen... Read more

Addressing Rural Mental Health

Last updated on: November 20, 2015 at 12:03 am By Natasha Helfer

Today is National Rural Health Day. Rural communities in the United States face unique challenges that are different from those in more urban areas. And many LDS members live in rural areas. I had the opportunity to interview Nisha Patel, the director of the community based division in the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) for the Mormon Mental Health Podcast I host. In her role, Nisha provides oversight, leadership and management to programmatic, operational and fiscal activities as related... Read more

When What is Normal is Declared Sin

Last updated on: November 17, 2015 at 8:56 am By Natasha Helfer

I have made many points as to why I take the stances I do in regards to the LDS positions around LGBTQ issues. But at some level it really boils down to the following: when a religion takes a normal part of someone’s life – in this case, who they fall in love with and consequently become attached to, committed to and sexual with – and declares it a sin (playing the God trump card); there are going to be... Read more

Spiritual Thought

Last updated on: November 17, 2015 at 8:41 am By Natasha Helfer

It is sad to see so many of our fold officially resigning from the Church in response to the recent policy changes in regards to LGBTQ members. I understand and respect that for many this is a move towards boundaries and safety that are necessary for their relational, spiritual and mental health. I also see many who want to stay and try to influence things from within towards positive change, in spite of the difficulties they might face doing so.... Read more

Now We’re Blaming the Victims?

Last updated on: November 14, 2015 at 3:11 am By Natasha Helfer

Michael Otterson recently wrote an article for LDS Newsroom, Understanding the Handbook where he states: The episode demonstrates clearly the dangers of drawing conclusions based on incomplete news reports, tweets and Facebook posts without necessary context and accurate information. The Church quickly responded to many of those concerns with a video interview with Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. By the end of the weekend, that interview had been viewed by millions. No. This is a classic “blame the victim” move. There... Read more

Clarification is Deficient

Last updated on: November 14, 2015 at 1:15 am By Natasha Helfer

The First Presidency came out with a ‘clarification’ letter today regarding the policies that were released last week. I see only two slight positives. 1. Less families/children will be affected. 2. Local authority will have more leeway to act (hopefully) appropriately by ignoring these policies all together. But the fact remains that the policies are still hurtful, harmful and emotionally abusive. Members in same-sex marriages and relationships are still mandated to undergo mandatory discipline for apostasy – a traumatic experience to... Read more

Families Post #5

Last updated on: November 12, 2015 at 10:09 pm By Natasha Helfer

These stories are very personal and can be emotionally and psychologically triggering. Anonymous Last night I wrote my bishop explaining that my family would be taking a break from church due to the new policy. I then began to sob. I couldn’t push send, I made my husband do it. This hurts more and more every day. I wish I could live in denial and pretend this change never happened. All I want is to sit in those familiar pews,... Read more

Working for Change Inside our Church

Last updated on: November 12, 2015 at 5:09 pm By Natasha Helfer

A new national Ted Talk was released today featuring Chelsea Shields, an anthropologist who grew up Mormon and has been a long-time advocate within the church for issues of gender equality. The timing of this release is uncanny. So many of the things she points to are completely relevant to the circumstances we find ourselves in this week as we have faced new harmful policies within our church governance. The fact that we allow for religious organizations to get away... Read more