the gather mission

Gather is dedicated to creating inspiring, educational, and affirming spaces for Latter-day Saint LGBTQ individuals, their families, and friends. Our primary mission is to foster a sense of belonging— to one another and to Jesus Christ.

Since our first conference in 2023, Gather has become the largest community of identity-affirming and faith-affirming individuals seeking to deepen their connection to Christ while embracing the reality of their individual journeys.

The mission of Gather is to create inspiring, educational, and affirming spaces for LGBTQ Latter-daySaints, family members, and friends that help us belong to one another andto Jesus Christ.

1. Gather was created to offer Christ-centered support to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and those who love them.

2. We strive to emphasize Jesus Christ's love, which is unconditional and encompasses all

3. Gather is an inclusive and welcoming space where individuals can express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or exclusion. As you plan, cultivate an atmosphere of compassion, encouraging attendees to seek to understand one another’s experiences and struggles.

4. Ensure that all communication and actions are constructive, respectful, and focused on positive outcomes. Avoid language that could be perceived as critical, disparaging, or undermining individuals or institutions, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

5. Seek out speakers and performers who exemplify these guiding principles and can share their personal stories of faith, resilience, and acceptance. Speakers do not have to be members of the Church, but should represent diverse experiences, including relevant scientific research and the perspective of other faith communities, with a focus on faith in Jesus Christ as foundational.

6. Emphasize mental and emotional well-being for all attendees, providing resources and support for those who may be struggling with their identities or faith.

7. Support families by providing resources and support for families of LGBTQ individuals, helping them navigate their relationships while maintaining faith in Jesus Christ and exhibiting the love He exemplified.

8. Reinforce the truth that faith in Jesus Christ and LGBTQ identity can coexist, supporting attendees in finding harmony between their beliefs and their authentic selves.

9. Promote ongoing education about LGBTQ issues as an expression of faith in Jesus Christ, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth among attendees.

10. To ensure the privacy of all attendees, please remember to provide an "opt-out" option for anyone who may appear in a photo, including those in the background. This applies to both group photos with the audience and smaller group photos.

11. Handouts must be approved by Gather Steering Committee prior to printing and at least three weeks before any event.

12. To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved, we emphasize the importance of maintaining proper boundaries by always having two adults present in any situation involving minors.

13. Gather and Gatherings are non-political events, no presentation should support or oppose a political party, candidate, or encourage specific political action.

14. All efforts should be made to protect the reputation, financial, and legal health of Gather and the parent organization, The Lift + Love Organization

15. Vendors and endorsements of other organizations and events must be pre-approved by the Gather Steering Committee.

16. Gather logo and brand usage must be cleared with Gather Steering Committee