Episode 68- Navigating LGBTQ Family and Faith (with Liz Simmons)
In this Mom Series episode of the Lift+Love podcast, episode hosts Allison Dayton and Jenie Hunter interview Liz Simmons, a lifelong church member in California and mother of three adult children, whose son came out as bisexual nearly four years ago and is now married to a man. Liz describes choosing not to lose her son or her faith, learning to claim personal spiritual authority, and navigating grief and triggers at church—especially language that makes her feel her family is “aced out.” She shares both the love and support she has experienced in her ward and painful moments when others say she is “getting ahead of the prophet” for hoping for change, including an incident involving her father, a temple sealer. Liz emphasizes assuming good intent, seeking support, reading The Sin of Certainty, and trusting God, while her husband’s steady faith has anchored her through ongoing “good sadness.”
00:00 Meet Liz Simmons
00:44 Her Son Comes Out
01:23 Faith And Dissonance
03:44 Church Triggers
04:19 Ahead Of Prophet
07:42 Making Space For Hope
10:16 Good Intent And Empathy
11:27 Grief In The Pew
13:04 Good Sadness
14:24 A Leader's Counsel
16:21 Superstar Grandparents
19:59 Letting Go Of Control
21:04 Rebuilding Trust
23:43 Finding Peace Together
25:03 Spiritual Authority Grows
26:27 Compassion For Pushback
27:55 Normalize Nonlinear Healing
28:03 Inclusion Versus Doctrine
29:06 Advice To New Parents
29:45 Books And Safe Support
31:01 Marriage Coping Styles
32:27 Grace With Son In Law
33:35 Enjoy What Is
34:51 A Community With No Handbook
Find the video version of this episode here
Find the transcript of this episode here
Find resources, support meetings, events, and community on the Lift+Love website here
