Join us for an uplifting day of speakers, panels, music, art, and fellowship! Gather Arizona brings together Latter-day Saint (or adjacent) LGBTQ individuals, families, and friends to share stories, find support, and build a community of belonging centered on Jesus Christ.
Saturday April 18th, 2026
10am - 1:30 p.m. (with lunch to follow)
Red Mountain Multicultural Center
7550 E Adobe St, Mesa, AZ 85207
$10 General Admission, $5 Student Admission
Need a scholarship? Email us for a free ticket at: gatherconfaz@gmail.comThis year, we have some amazing speakers lined up who have unique perspectives to share: Three Paths, One Light Presentation: Ben Schilaty, Alisha Anderson, and Steven Kapp Perry are all active in the church on three different paths: single, same-sex marriage, and mixed-orientation marriage. In this discussion, they will share how they have felt guided to the life they are living, while modeling empathy and curiosity for friends who have made different choices.
Jeremy and Sara Kerrigan, both Arizona natives, will share their deeply personal story of navigating faith, marriage, and family after Jeremy came out as gay following nearly twenty years of marriage. They will share how they built a life together, raising five children before Jeremy came out in 2023—a moment that led to their divorce but also to a new chapter of friendship, honesty, and committed co-parenting. At Gather Arizona, they will reflect on their journey with vulnerability and hope as they continue supporting each other, their family, and their individual paths.
Laurie Lee Hall, former Chief Architect for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will share her powerful personal journey of faith, identity, and conscience. After decades of professional and ecclesiastical leadership in the church, she was excommunicated in 2017 following her gender transition. She recently published her memoir, Dictates of Conscience: From Mormon High Priest to My New Life as a Woman, where Laurie reflects on the path that led her to live authentically. Laurie will share insights from that journey and what it has taught her about faith, integrity, and belonging.
Dr. Lisa Diamond, distinguished Professor of Psychology and Gender Studies at the University of Utah, will present groundbreaking research on the powerful role social safety plays in human health and well-being. Drawing on decades of research on gender, sexuality, and stigma, her work explores how experiences of inclusion—or exclusion—shape our mental and physical health across the lifespanBreakout Lunches: This year, we’re trying something new! In an effort to create space for meaningful connection, we’re hosting informal “mini breakouts” during lunch. Attendees can gather around shared experiences—LGBTQ+, Ally, Parent/Family, or Church Leader groups—for low-pressure conversation, introductions, and Q&A. Our goal is to help everyone leave feeling seen, heard, and connected.
The program will also feature live musical performances and a thoughtfully curated art exhibit.
Register today to secure your spot! Calling All LGBTQ+ and Ally Artists!We’re inviting artists to participate in the Gather Arizona Conference Art Show on April 18, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.Theme: This art show is intentionally open-themed. We welcome artwork that reflects LGBTQ+ faith, identities, experiences, community, questions, joy, grief, hope, and belonging—as well as the perspectives of loving allies.Curator: Erin Nimmer @erinnimmerartMedia: Painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, assemblage, photography, and more! How to Participate: Complete the submission form (link below) by April 1st, 2026. Accepted artists will be notified no later than April 5.Important: Artists must be able to transport their work to and from Mesa, Arizona for the show.Questions: @erinnimmerart or gatherconfaz@gmail.comPlease help us create a space of beauty, truth, and belonging. We can’t wait to see what you create—please share with artists and allies who may feel called to participate