lift+love family stories by autumn mcalpin
Since 2021, Lift+Love has shared hundreds of real stories from Latter-day Saint LGBTQ individuals, their families, and allies. These stories—written by Autumn McAlpin—emerged from personal interviews with each participant and were published with their express permission.
CORA JOHNSON
Cora Johnson grew up in Snowflake, AZ -- a small town so predominately LDS it’s been dubbed “Little Utah.” But she’s grateful to have also grown up in an open-minded household with parents who taught her from an early age to ask questions and to explore other cultures and ideas. Having prioritized global travel above “just about everything else,” Cora says her parents, Cooper and Cameo Johnson, have instilled their “vagabond genes” in each of their four kids: Cora – 21, Granger – 19, Jonah – 17, and Ezra – 13. While balancing a full and hectic life, through good and bad financial times, whether it be starting a business or pursuing higher education and trying to meet the needs of all members of the family, they always prioritized travel. Together, the family embarked on adventures everywhere from Morocco to Malaysia. Cora managed to visit 32 countries and all 50 states before her LDS mission to Santa Rosa, CA, and upon her recent return, just squeezed in a trip to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It’s this broader perspective that Cora credits as having helped her navigate her inner journey of being queer with confidence…
JERRY CHONG - ADVOCATE WITHIN THE CHURCH
THE MCEWEN FAMILY
There are many things Liz McEwen knows about herself: that she is madly in love with her husband, Jason. She adores her kids, Scarlett – 5, and Leo – 3. And that she has found tremendous relief since last summer when she came out publicly as bisexual. One added nugget that has helped Liz adapt since she first realized this unique part of herself decades ago: Liz knows she was created by Heavenly Parents who fully understand and love her for who she is. That doesn’t mean it’s always been easy.
search the lift+love story archive: