In 1989, Gary Watts' son came out to him as gay. This revelation started Watts on a journey to learn everything he could about the science behind homosexuality. But then religion reared its head when his son was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This started Watts on a new journey, spending the next 29 years writing letters to LDS leaders trying to persuade them to bring the Church's policies on LGBTQIA+ issues into line with emerging science. This book collects those letters as well as the many articles. speeches, and editorials Watts wrote during those years. It is a fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking glimpse into the struggles of the many families who had LGBTQIA+ members from 1993-2021. Watts' efforts to get Church leaders to recognize that current policy is producing more pathology than wholesomeness have, thus far, failed to produce substantive change. He continues to look forward to the day when Church leaders will reach across the divide with a warm embrace of welcome for its LGBTQIA+ members.
In 1989, Gary Watts' son came out to him as gay. This revelation started Watts on a journey to learn everything he could about the science behind homosexuality. But then religion reared its head when his son was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This started Watts on a new journey, spending the next 29 years writing letters to LDS leaders trying to persuade them to bring the Church's policies on LGBTQIA+ issues into line with emerging science. This book collects those letters as well as the many articles. speeches, and editorials Watts wrote during those years. It is a fascinating and sometimes heartbreaking glimpse into the struggles of the many families who had LGBTQIA+ members from 1993-2021. Watts' efforts to get Church leaders to recognize that current policy is producing more pathology than wholesomeness have, thus far, failed to produce substantive change. He continues to look forward to the day when Church leaders will reach across the divide with a warm embrace of welcome for its LGBTQIA+ members.
