Can You Be a Faithful Latter-day Saint and Support Pride? Navigating LGBTQ Issues in Today’s Church and Culture

Every summer, as Pride Month arrives and rainbow flags appear across communities and timelines, many Latter-day Saints find themselves in a deep tension. Can you be true to the restored gospel and still support your LGBTQ friends and family? Is there room for compromise, or is support for Pride a step too far—apostasy disguised as compassion? These aren’t just academic questions. They reach into our homes, our congregations, our schools, and our personal testimonies. They demand honesty, courage, and clarity in a world that’s changing fast.

The Unchanging Value of Each Soul

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirms that every person is a beloved child of Heavenly Parents, created in Their image with infinite worth and potential. That fundamental truth does not shift based on one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or life experiences. President M. Russell Ballard explained: “The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is.”

This distinction is at the heart of the Church’s position: being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or experiencing gender dysphoria is not, in itself, sinful. The Church’s concern arises with sexual behavior outside of marriage between a man and a woman. For those who choose to live by the law of chastity, full participation in Church life remains available. That means receiving a temple recommend, serving in callings, and holding the priesthood is fully open to LGBTQ members who honor Church standards.

President M. Russell Ballard put it simply:

“The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is.”

The unique challenges faced by LGBTQ members are real. Their efforts to live the commandments, often in the face of misunderstanding or loneliness, are recognized by both the Church and the Lord. The Church is clear: God’s love is unconditional. There is a place for all His children in His Church.

The Reality in Today’s Schools and Homes

If you are a parent today, you know the social landscape has shifted dramatically. Years ago, the school cafeteria was filled with “jocks,” “nerds,” and a handful of other classic groups. Today, LGBTQ+ groups are visible, conversations about gender and sexuality are open, and rainbow flags hang in classrooms—even at the elementary level. School libraries are stocked with books on every possible identity, and some educators see themselves as advocates for inclusivity and acceptance.

For some, this visibility means progress—a world less hostile and more supportive for those who once suffered in silence. But for many Latter-day Saint parents, it raises new questions. Are our children being influenced to experiment with new identities not because of innate orientation, but because of a powerful drive to belong? Are some adults in authority crossing a line from acceptance into outright advocacy and encouragement?

This is not a simple black-and-white issue. There are children who genuinely experience same-sex attraction or gender identity questions from a young age. These children deserve love, respect, and support. However, it is also true that, in some school and social environments, “trying on” LGBTQ+ labels can become a way for children and teens to seek inclusion or attention. That does not invalidate real experiences, but it does highlight the complex social forces at play.

Parental and Church Stewardship

As covenant-keeping parents and Church members, our responsibility is twofold. First, we are called to show Christlike love to everyone. Second, we are responsible for teaching the eternal truths of the gospel, including the divine nature of gender and the law of chastity. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is clear: Gender is eternal and central to our identity and purpose. These doctrines don’t change, even when society’s norms do.

This commitment does not mean shutting down difficult conversations. If your child approaches you with confusion or questions about their identity, the most Christlike response is patience, love, and clarity—not anger or judgment. Listen carefully, and then teach gently. The Church encourages open, honest, and loving discussion. The home should be a safe place, where children can talk about anything without fear.

Teaching gospel principles in the home is more critical than ever. Share scriptures that emphasize the worth of every soul, kindness to all, and the divine nature of gender and family. Make sure your children know they are loved no matter what, and that they can ask questions and be heard.

At the same time, do not shy away from the “why” behind Church teachings. The aim isn’t blind obedience, but a deep understanding rooted in faith, agency, and an understanding of each person’s divine identity.

The Church’s Current Stance

The Church’s position on LGBTQ issues is clear yet nuanced. Identifying as LGBTQ is not a sin. Same-sex sexual activity is not permitted by Church doctrine, and same-sex marriage is neither recognized nor performed. However, LGBTQ members who keep the commandments and the law of chastity can serve fully in the Church and are encouraged to seek personal revelation and cultivate a personal relationship with God.

The Church continues to make efforts to be a more welcoming place. Resources are available, and local leaders are encouraged to offer support. The importance of professional counseling—in harmony with gospel principles—is recognized as well. If you need help, reach out to your local leaders. Prepare for those conversations with prayer and openness. The Church is here to help, not to condemn.

Where Does That Leave “Pride” and Its Supporters?

This brings us back to the original question: Can you support Pride and remain a faithful Latter-day Saint? The answer depends entirely on what “support” means. If supporting Pride is about affirming the dignity and worth of LGBTQ individuals, the gospel requires nothing less. If it becomes advocating for doctrinal change, public opposition to Church teachings, or supporting behaviors the Church defines as sinful, that crosses a line—at least according to current Church leadership and policy.

Many members try to walk a careful line—publicly rejecting bullying and mistreatment, supporting friends and family, but stopping short of endorsing all aspects of the LGBTQ movement. Others feel compelled to advocate for more radical acceptance, believing that Christ’s love demands it. There is tension here, and no simple way to resolve it. The Church cautions against open dissent and advocacy for doctrinal change, but also teaches that kindness and compassion are always required.

The Role of Agency, Faith, and Humility

These are issues that demand personal revelation. Each member must wrestle, pray, and seek answers. It takes humility to love those who are different while standing firm in faith. It takes courage and faith to trust that God sees and loves all His children, even as we struggle to get things right. As President Russell M. Nelson taught, “As the world continues to ripple with seismic shifts and storms, the Lord expects us to continue to move forward and to use our best efforts to sustain and defend the kingdom of God.” That means teaching our families, living the gospel, and reaching out with Christlike love—even when the world disagrees.

Finding Peace in Complexity

There is no simple, one-size-fits-all answer to these questions. The path of discipleship in today’s world is filled with complexity and paradox. Yet, the foundational truths remain unshaken:

• Every person has infinite worth in God’s eyes.

• Christlike love is not optional.

• Church doctrine on chastity and marriage remains unchanged.

• The home is the most important place to teach and reinforce gospel principles.

• Open, loving, and honest conversations are vital.

• Both personal revelation and professional help have a role.

As Latter-day Saints, our calling is to love, teach, protect, and guide the next generation with both conviction and compassion. There is room for honest struggle, for differing opinions, and for heartfelt questions. The only true apostasy is to abandon love for God or for your neighbor. Everything else is part of our journey of faith, and we are all learning together.

If you need help, reach out. If you are unsure, keep praying and seeking. If you are hurting, know you are not alone. The Lord stands ready to guide you, and so does His Church.

Practical Tips for Parents, Leaders, and Members

For Parents:

• Listen deeply. When your child brings up questions or confusion, pause your reaction and really listen.

• Keep the conversation open. Let your child know that nothing is “off limits” for discussion.

• Teach the doctrine with love. Explain the Church’s teachings on chastity and marriage, but also God’s unconditional love for all.

• Share your own journey. Admit you don’t have all the answers, but you’ll seek them together.

• Stay engaged. Keep your child close with family activities, Church involvement, and healthy friendships.

• Encourage professional help. If your child is struggling, seek counseling from trusted, gospel-aligned professionals (like LDS Family Services).

For Church Leaders:

• Prepare spiritually before interviews. Pray for compassion and understanding before meeting with LGBTQ members.

• Assure confidentiality and support. Tell members you’re there to help, not judge.

• Point to resources. Share available Church materials, websites, and professional counseling options.

• Follow up. Don’t let it be a one-time conversation. Check in regularly.

For All Members:

• Reject bullying and exclusion. Stand up against unkindness in any form, inside or outside the Church.

• Be a safe person. Make it clear through your actions and words that everyone is welcome to sit with you, worship with you, and be your friend.

• Model respect for others’ beliefs and choices. As President Oaks said, “We must live peacefully with those who do not share our values.”

• Pray for personal revelation. The Spirit will help you navigate individual relationships with wisdom and love.