Advertise on podcast: Lift + Love

Episode 55- "But Jesus" Episode Hosts:  Allison Dayton (Founder of the Lift+Love organization, original Lift+Love podcast co-host, parent of LGBTQ+ child) and Darice Auston (Lift+Love Director of Getting Stuff Done, Gather Director, Lift+Love Store Manager, parent of a trans child) This episode features a deeply moving conversation that episode hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston share with special guest storyteller Autumn McAlpin about her book, "But Jesus, A Conversation" a collection of poetic vignettes born from her experience as a mother when her teenage son came out as gay. Autumn shares how the book emerged through late-night prayers, conversations, memories, and moments of grief, love, and faith, and how it became a way to tell her family’s story. The discussion explores the spiritual and emotional impact on parents of LGBTQ+ children and the profound compassion, sensitivity, and gifts these children bring to the world. Woven throughout is a testimony of choosing both faith and family, following an inner spiritual compass, and discovering a deeper, more personal relationship with God grounded in unconditional love, inclusion, and the example of Jesus. "At 3a.m. one night during the quiet shade of the pandemic, a 17-year-old boy entered his parents’ bedroom to reveal a truth he’d been navigating alone for years. In his confession, he not only came out as gay, but also conveyed the depths of the mental health struggles he’d been battling as a result of conflicting messaging he’d endured in the religious institution in which he'd been raised. Autumn McAlpin’s haunting literary memoir, But Jesus: A Conversation replays the various conversations that emerge during one family’s coming out story—interchanges with loved ones who lean in and those who pull away, the back-and-forth with various LDS church authorities, and the quiet (and not so quiet) pleas of a mother as she petitions the higher power she believes in—one who offers unconditional love and hope for all. But Jesus: A Conversation takes us on a journey of a family deconstructing with the use of a compass and their conscience, and reconstructing with the salve that will help bind them most of all: love. With stunning cover art by J. Kirk Richards, this book is intended to offer an open shoulder for all families who find themselves at the intersection of the LDS and LGBTQ+ conflict, and for the loved ones trying to understand the complex choices they face."   You can find Autumn's book "But, Jesus - A Conversation" for sale in the Lift+Love online store here: www.liftandlove.org/books/p/but-jesus-a-conversation Learn more about artist J. Kirk Richards here: https://www.jkirkrichards.com/ Learn more about the resources and support available to LGBTQ+ youth and adults, parents, relatives, friends, allies, and church leaders on the Lift+Love website here: www.liftandlove.org  

Episode 54- Episode Hosts:  Allison Dayton (Founder of the Lift+Love organization, original Lift+Love podcast co-host, parent of LGBTQ+ child) and Darice Auston (Lift+Love Director of Getting Stuff Done, Gather Director, Lift+Love Store Manager, parent of a trans child) Allison and Darice are joined by storyteller Autumn McAlpin to tell the story behind the Lift+Love Family Stories. Over 150 stories of LGBTQ+ individuals and families have been shared through this project over the past few years, with Autumn as the storyteller. Darice, Allison, and Autumn discuss how this project came to be, how these stories have impacted the community of LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints for good, what the most impactful stories have been for them, and what the future holds.   Video version available on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/JBWZ9dxhttps://youtu.be/lInix1QiKU0QPnY   Resources Mentioned: Listen, Learn, Love Podcast  https://www.listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts Levi Martin's story: www.liftandlove.org/stories-2026/levis-story Elder Steven E. Snow's story: www.liftandlove.org/stories-2026/elder-steven-e-snow The Lift+Love Family Story page: www.liftandlove.org/stories Call the Lift+Love voicemail line (801) 382-8420 to share ideas for topics you’d like us to discuss in future episodes. Tags: #LGBTQ #LDS #Mormon #ParentingLGBTQ #Faith #Family #TransYouth #ChurchOfJesusChrist #QueerFaith #LiftAndLoveorg

Episode #53: Eve Episode Hosts:  Allison Dayton (Founder of the Lift+Love organization, original Lift+Love podcast co-host, parent of LGBTQ+ child), Jenie Hunter (original Lift+Love podcast co-host, LCS certified life coach, parent of LGBTQ+ child) and Darice Auston (Lift+Love Director of Getting Stuff Done, Gather Director, Lift+Love Store Manager, parent of a trans child) In this episode of the Lift+Love podcast, Allison Dayton, Jenie, and Darice delve into the story of Eve, highlighting her courage and wisdom. They discuss how Eve's choices parallel the experiences of being an LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saint or raising LGBTQ+ children within the church. The conversation touches on faith, agency, and the challenges of navigating church teachings that often leave LGBTQ+ individuals feeling ostracized. Focusing on the complexity and uncertainty of their journey, the hosts emphasize the importance of seeking personal revelation and supporting their children in a faith-based home while addressing institutional gaps and the need for inclusive spiritual guidance.   Video version available on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/JBWZ9dxQPnY   Resources Mentioned: Faith Matters Podcast - (An Episode of Sanctuary, Discovering the Temple) A Deeper Look at the Creation Story with Jared Lambert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s8ihuPlif0 Lift and Love Podcast - Episode 3 - Healthy Sexuality and Identity in LDS Youth with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hgjf7-f584d2 "The Two Trees" by Valerie Hudson https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference_home/august-2010/the-two-trees Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” October 1993 General Conference https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1993/10/the-great-plan-of-happiness?lang=eng Topic: Distinction between sin and transgression regarding Eve, explains that the transgression was a formality. Elder Patrick Kearon, “God’s Intent is To Bring You Home,” August 2024 General Confernece https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/45kearon?lang=eng Topic: "God being in relentless pursuit of you" Described as welcoming, including, not othering or excluding   Scripture References: Moses (Book of Moses) Genesis 3 The Family Proclamation (referenced in context of FSY curriculum) Connect With Us: Call the Lift+Love voicemail line (801) 382-8420 to share ideas for topics you’d like us to discuss in future episodes. Tags: #LGBTQ #LDS #Mormon #ParentingLGBTQ #Faith #Family #TransYouth #ChurchOfJesusChrist #QueerFaith #LiftAndLoveorg

In this episode, Allison Dayton, Jenie Hunter, and Darice Auston discuss where they in this journey and the new goals of Lift+Love.   The goal of Lift and Love is to create a space for BIG heartfelt conversations about faith, family, and the unique journeys of  LGBTQ individuals and their families in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each week, we gather to share insights, resources, and experiences that reflect the beauty and complexity of navigating this journey offering hope and encouragement to others along the way Episode #52: We're Back! Overview: After a hiatus, the Lift+Love Podcast returns with heartfelt conversations about faith, family, and the unique journeys of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Episode Hosts:  Allison Dayton (Founder of the Lift+Love organization, original Lift+Love podcast co-host, parent of LGBTQ+ child), Jenie Hunter (original Lift+Love podcast co-host, LCS certified life coach, parent of LGBTQ+ child) and Darice Auston (Lift+Love Director of Getting Stuff Done, Gather Director, Lift+Love Store Manager, parent of a trans child) Episode Topic Highlights: Our journey so far as parents of LGBTQ+ kids  Generational shifts in coming out (kids coming out younger/earlier) Parents are shifting from "problem to solve" to "person to love” The ongoing tension of balancing faith, covenants, and loving LGBTQ+ children. No clear "plan of salvation" for queer individuals in LDS doctrine Current church policies especially challenging for trans youth The constant companion of uncertainty Resources Mentioned: PFLAG https://pflag.org/find-resources/ Lift and Love monthly online support groups: https://www.liftandlove.org/support Coaching services available through Jenie @jeniehuntercoaching www.jeniehuntercoaching.com Lift+Love website www.liftandlove.org "Blessed be God...who comforted us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4   Connect With Us: Call the Lift+Love voicemail line (801) 382-8420 to share ideas for topics you’d like us to discuss in future episodes. Tags: #LGBTQ #LDS #Mormon #ParentingLGBTQ #Faith #Family #TransYouth #ChurchOfJesusChrist #QueerFaith #LiftAndLove    

Allison and Jenie sit down with Anita Ervin (host of the Lift and Love non-binary parenting support groups) and how to council with your children in the uncomfortable moments.  When we don't get a vote but we still want to be a voice in our children's decisions.  For instance, if your transgender child wants to seek medical affirming care but you might not agree with the decision.  How do you best help your child? Create emotional distance when possible (i.e. make sure I'm not speaking from a place of fear) Focus on the underlying questions rather than the specific situation. For example: Resolving relationship conflict Addressing relationship expectations Finding trustworthy medical and psychological care Making wise medical decisions 3. Use available (and reliable) resources: Reliable medical sources Trusted professionals Knowledgeable friends (when appropriate) Books (use with caution) Informative podcasts, especially those with guests who are open about their personal experiences Support groups 4. Seek divine inspiration. Heavenly Father understands the position we are in. He will not abandon us when we have the best interests of our loved ones at heart. 5. Don't be afraid to decline the opportunity to give counsel if it's too much for you. Let them know you don't feel like you are in a place that you can share insight with them about it, but that you love them and you're working to overcome your discomfort with the situation because they matter to you.   Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support .   If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey you can work 1:1 with Jenie at www.jeniehuntercoaching.com For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching    

Every parent wants to raise a healthy child, no matter what their sexuality is. When your child comes out this is one of the biggest fears that parents of LGBTQ children have. Will they be healthy emotionally and spiritually? In this episode Allison and Jenie talk about how they handled it with their sons and what they have learned helping 100's of families help their child If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey you can work 1:1 with Jenie at www.jeniehuntercoaching.com Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching    

Have you ever listened to a talk that everybody seems to love and you are left with feeling less hope and more fear? Allison and Jenie recently experienced this and they discuss in this episode how to process and find peace. If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey than the Lifted Together Community is the place for you.  For details on how to join go to www.liftandlove.org/community Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching  

We are back! Jenie and Allison talk about the behind the Gathering Conference.  Sharing their experience, behind the scenes moments and what they have learned. To listen to the Gathering Speakers go to Gathering Speakers Youtube If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey than the Lifted Together Community is the place for you.  For details on how to join go to www.liftandlove.org/community Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching  

Most parent's have great fear on what is going to happen with their testimony when their child comes out.  Can they stay in the church and support their LGBTQ child?  Anita Irvin, Allison and Jenie talk about how they have managed this path and share what they needed to do to protect their testimony and how they grew their faith of Jesus Christ If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey than the Lifted Together Community is the place for you.  For details on how to join go to www.liftandlove.org/community Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching      

Worry is a sneaky emotion.  It feels useful and necessary.  But that is a lie.  When we create worry about our LGBTQ child we are using up our valuable emotional energy in unproductive ways.  Taking action from worry is not where we want to parent from. This episode Allison and Jenie talk about how to handle your worry, what result your worry is creating and how to thrive and not just survive.  Link for the Pope's quoteshttps://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/250221/at-general-audience-pope-francis-urges-parents-never-condemn-a-child If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey than the Lift and Love Community is the place for you.  For details on how to join go to www.liftandlove.org/community Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching    

This episode we are sharing the conversation I recorded with Heather Rackman from Latter Day Life Coach  Podcast We talk about how to you as the mom can be the touchpoint for your LGBTQ child. If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey than the Lift and Love Community is the place for you.  For details on how to join go to www.liftandlove.org/community Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching    

In this episode Jenie and Allison talk with Julie Spilsbury who serves as a Councilmember for the city of Mesa.  Julie shared with us her story on how supporting the controversial non-discrimination ordinance effected her relationships and her standing in the community.   Julie was elected to the Mesa City Council in August of 2020, Councilmember Julie Spilsbury began her first term defending her vote on Mesa’s controversial Non-Discrimination Ordinance – passed March 1 2021. Julie and her husband Jeremy ran a small tree care company for more than 20 years. They have lived in Mesa for almost their entire 24 years of marriage and have six children, five girls and one boy. She attended Brigham Young University. To contact Councilmember Spilsbury you can reach her on Facebook  or her [email protected]. If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey than the Lift and Love Community is the place for you.  For details on how to join go to www.liftandlove.org/community Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching          

In one week's time,  four mom's told us that their children didn't feel safe at church.  This is not unusual.  We hear this a lot. We also hear from parent's who don't have LGBTQ children they don't understand why LGBTQ children feel unsafe at church. In this episode we get vulnerable when we talk about HOW our LGBTQ saints feel emotionally unsafe in our churches.   It isn't happening intentionally but it is a reality for most LGBTQ LDS members at church.   Learning what makes them feel emotionally unsafe is the first step for us to become better disciples of our Savior.   His gospel is not unsafe, so we need to talk to our LGBTQ children and rethink our teaching and how we present it to uncover the answer to what is causing our LGBTQ members to feel disconnected with Him? We hope you can feel our love and plea for each of you and how we can create a safer environment for ALL of God's children in our church community. If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey than the Lift and Love Community is the place for you.  For details on how to join go to www.liftandlove.org/community Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching        

Allison and Jenie had the pleasure of interviewing Patrick Mason and J. David Pulsipher about their new book.  These two men have co-authored the book Proclaim Peace - The Restoration's Answer to an Age of Conflict. This book is a spiritual journey by two believing scholars of peace. In a world plagued by violence, Mason and Pulsipher believe, with President Russell M. Nelson, that “peace is possible” and that the “descendants of Abraham . . . are in a pivotal position to emerge as peacemakers” (“Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Ensign, Nov. 2002). This book is an effort to lift up the Restoration’s distinctive principles that invite us to renounce violence and proclaim Christ’s good news of love and peace to a world that desperately needs it. Proclaim Peace seeks not to promote any particular ideology, but to invite readers, especially the rising generation, to reflect on the interpersonal, ethical, and social dimensions of Christian discipleshipPatrick Q. Mason is the Leonard J. Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture and an associate professor of religious studies and history at Utah State University. He is a nationally recognized authority about the Church in media outlets. J. David Pulsipher is a professor of history at Brigham Young University–Idaho, where he teaches courses on citizenship, civil discourse, peace-building, and nonviolence .Patrick Q. Mason is the Leonard J. Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture and an associate professor of religious studies and history at Utah State University. He is a nationally recognized authority about the Church in media outlets. It was such a pleasure to hear their perspective and guidance of how to build bridges of peace in our communities and wards.    

Jenie and Allison sit down and talk to Jessica from Husband In Law podcast.   Steve and Jessica were happily married for 7 years until Steve came out as being gay which inevitably ended in divorce. Now, Matt and Jessica have been happily married for over 8 years. The crazy part is, Matt, Jessica, and Steve all get along, to the extent that Matt and Steve work together, every dang day… Don’t worry you will get all the details while you listen. Matt, Jessica, and Steve have a relationship that, by most standards, would be considered atypical.  Listen in as Jessica takes us on their  journey of learning how to love and accept themselves enough to love and accept others for who they are during this experience called “Life”. Husband in Law Podcast Husband in Law Instagram Account If you are looking to learn the tools and to get the coaching that will help your LGBTQ family thrive while gaining access to other families on this journey than the Lift and Love Community is the place for you.  For details on how to join go to www.liftandlove.org/community Join us for any of our free monthly Lift+Love Support Groups - link sign up at Lift+Love Support . For additional support and help please reach out to us on our IG accounts at Lift+Love and Jenie Hunter Coaching