Understanding Trans Church Participation Policies (with David Smurthwaite) - Lift + Love Podcast episode 85
This special episode features our friend David Smurthwaite, who identifies as gender expansive and currently serves as the Director for Gather for Youth, the Gather Conference program for youth ages 14+.
David shares that after being released as a bishop and moving to France, he had space to process a long-repressed gender journey.
Along with episode hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston, David discusses the Church's transgender policies, including the handbook hyperlink and related PDF on the participation of individuals who identify as transgender, and the clarification defining gender as biological sex at birth and restrictions affecting names/pronouns, meeting and activity attendance, baptism approvals, overnight youth events, bathroom use, and adult callings and temple participation. They highlight the emotional and logistical burden on individuals and families, note some leaders’ “creative inclusivity” through seeking spiritual guidance, and express hope for more compassionate, flexible policies.
00:00 Gather Conference Invite & Podcast Mission Intro
00:44 Meet David Smurthwaite
01:23 Gender Expansive Identity
02:00 Coming Out After Bishop
04:46 Handbook Trans Link
06:24 Policy Changes Overview
10:12 Individual Impact Costs
14:04 Primary Kids Effects
17:51 Youth Restrictions FSY
20:34 Adult Limits Bathrooms
23:19 Aligning With God
26:32 Creative Local Inclusion
31:22 Hopeful Closing
Links to materials references in this episode:
"Church Participation of Individuals Who Identify as Transgender GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR LOCAL LEADERS - This document supplements the policy in General Handbook, 38.6.23, 'Individuals Who Identify as Transgender.' Its purpose is to help local leaders counsel with individuals and their families about certain aspects of Church participation. here
WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE HERE: https://youtu.be/x4k7H2J3WmE
If you are LGBTQIA+ or love someone who is, please consider joining us this November for the 4th annual Gather Conference in Provo, Utah. The conference is November 13-14th, 2026 with an optional opening social on November 12th. Gather is the largest ever Christ-centered conference for LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints and those who love them. Adult and youth programs are available. This conference is for LGBTQIA+ adults and youth AND parents, spouses, other relatives, friends, allies, and leaders. Learn more at www.liftandlove.org/gather
