Our Mission
GEM Stories seeks to amplify the voices of gender-expansive Mormons: Latter-day Saints or those adjacent to it, who are also transgender, agender, genderqueer, non-binary, intersex, two-spirit, or otherwise not cisgender.
This space cultivates support for those of us who are grappling, or have grappled, with tension between our genders, and the doctrines, teachings, and behaviors of LDS Church leaders and members. We acknowledge the unique joys and pains that come with existing in any capacity as a GE Mormon, and we affirm the spiritual paths and individual agency of every gender-expansive person.
Our hope is that in getting to know us better, LDS leaders and members can gain a greater understanding of how to minister to and love their GE siblings— and that other GE individuals will know that they aren't alone.
Frequently asked questions
WHAT IS THIS?
In recent years, the existence of LGBTQIA+ people has become more widely acknowledged by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, the unique experiences of the "TI" (transgender and intersex) portion of that acronym are still relatively unknown. For many reasons, gender-expansive people don't feel free or safe to be ourselves, particularly within a conservative religious context like that of the Church. This is a space for GE people with any association or affiliation with the LDS Church/Mormonism to speak up and share their stories, while preserving anonymity for their own safety. (By default, all submissions are shared anonymously unless the author should request otherwise.)
GEM Stories claims no official affiliation with the LDS Church.
WHO RUNS THIS THING?
GEM Stories was founded as a labor of love by Aisling "Ash" Rowan, who is genderqueer-nonbinary and describes themself as "liminally Mormon." The project is also supported by a team of queer Mormon volunteers.
HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?
For questions, feedback, to submit your own story, or to otherwise get in touch, please email transgenderdaysaints@gmail.com. You can also find the project on Twitter at @GEM_Stories and Instagram at @GEMormons.