Body image issues seem to loom large for many of us – especially when embracing our sexual selves. And penis size tends to be an area of concern for many males. I have many who have shared early shaming experiences happening in places like middle school locker rooms with peers espousing all kinds of myths and hurtful folklore that can affect sexual self-confidence and hesitancy to be vulnerable when it’s time to be sexual. Remember – sexuality is not a... Read more
I am very interested in the kinky aspects of sex, namely, dominance and submission. Without a BDSM dynamic, I’m not really that interested in sex at all. My question is this: how do I date LDS women and determine if they would be a good fit for my sexual desires? This is an uncomfortable and very personal topic and if you have any advice on how to find an LDS partner with whom I would be sexually compatible, I would... Read more
Let’s Talk About Sex – How to talk about what we don’t know how to talk about! WHEN Thursday, Oct. 22nd, 7-10pm WHERE Utah Valley University Student Life & Wellness Center SL 101 Orem With Certified Sex Therapist, Natasha Helfer Parker MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register for the event, visit the event page on Eventbrite. This seminar is meant to be informative, light hearted and FUN!!! Some of the topics that will be discussed will include: 1.How to deal... Read more
This has been a historical week for those in the United States – with the Supreme Court ruling on what constitutes civil rights regarding marriage in our country. We now are left as a church to decide how we are going to respond to our own reactions, other’s reactions and official church reactions that are already being made readily prevalent in our conversations with friends and family, social media feeds, and many other outlets. I hope that as we face... Read more
This week the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has once again been in the news in regards to the excommunication of one of our own: this time it’s John Dehlin of Mormon Stories – only months after the excommunication of Kate Kelly of Ordain Women. There have been lesser, yet still painful ramifications (losing callings, not being able to attain temple recommends, disfellowshipment, etc.) for members of the church on a global level as we struggle with historical, doctrinal and social issues we... Read more
I love the following from Chieko N. Okazaki. What wise wisdom from one of our endeared leaders: Perhaps because I was a teacher, I knew that children had their own individuality. Whenever I saw a parent trying too hard to make one child fit the family mold, I flinched a little. I knew there would be trouble. As the gospel plan makes so beautifully plain, our agency is eternal. It seems to have existed even before we took the form... Read more
Due to the repercussions for public health and safety, I feel it is important to comment on yesterday’s LDS press conference. Our leaders spoke of the church’s support for some civil rights for LGBTQ citizens: such as housing and employment protection. This is good (and many in our church, land and abroad need to hear these types of messages coming from religious leaders). But not good enough. We can’t say things like: “how to affirm rights for some without... Read more
Natasha, I’m curious. Josh Weed’s story is similar to what the new TLC show “My Husband’s Gay” is portraying. Do you feel like Josh and Lolly’s decisions are a mistake or is there room for each gay LDS person to choose the kind of life and relationship they feel brings them the most happiness? In pushing back regarding the recent Huffington Post article by Mitch Mayne, are the issues more about dishonesty than homosexuality? I respect Mitch Mayne tremendously and support... Read more
I am looking into the possibility of hosting a full-day workshop (9am to 5 or 6 pm) for Mormon mixed-faith couples in the Salt Lake City/Park City, Utah area on December 27, 2014. I will be in town visiting family and I thought others might also be in Utah for the holidays who normally are not. This workshop will provide education, boundaries, strategies and experiential exercises that will help couples navigate the difficulty of having one member transitioning away from... Read more
As our church becomes more and more of a global entity – we are bound to come across cultural and ethical dynamics that run drastically counter to our beliefs and values as Latter-day Saints. Gender inequality is a problem that occurs in many different situations – including our own church. However, today I’d like to draw attention to the practice of female circumcision occurring mainly in African and Middle Eastern countries. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 125... Read more
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