A hush fell over the crowd of more than 700 people seated at the large conference room in a Salt Lake City hotel.
Becky Borden, a board member of North Star International, was about to debut the long-awaited and unprecedented music video project that she hoped, in its short five minutes, would succeed in encapsulizing the mission of the non-profit organization. The first few words of the video were projected onto the screen:
“I am a Latter-day Saint. I am LGBTQ. And this is what I know.”
Several different scenes portrayed by LGBTQ actors flashed across the screen, all accompanied by a beautiful rendition of the faith-affirming hymn, “I Know that My Redeemer Lives.” The audience was visibly touched — almost too overwhelmed to react — as the video ended. The room was completely silent. After a few moments, the hushed crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation among tears and cheers of joy. The video obviously resonated with so many of the struggles and sentiments of those in attendance.
Since its launch a little over 48 hours ago, the video has racked up more than 150,000 views on Facebook and YouTube combined. The music, beautifully arranged by well-known Latter-day Saint composer, Michael R. Hicks, incorporates piano, cello, various soloists and a choir made up of faithful members of the Church who identify as LGBTQ.
The powerful video has evoked many emotional responses:
“Wow! No words. Felt the Spirit so strongly.”
“All I can say is thank you…and I truly stand all amazed at your faith and testimonies.”
“I just sat in my car to watch this and cried! So beautiful. Thank you for making this happen.”
“Literally gave me chills! So amazing!”
Giving hope to so many who desire to remain true to the Church, but who identify as LGBTQ, this video is a powerful reminder of the strength we can receive from testimony in Jesus Christ.
Click here to view the video:
North Star International is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are LGBT, as well as their family and friends. Their website states: “North Star supports Latter-day Saint individuals and families concerned with sexual orientation or gender identity who seek to live in joy and harmony within their covenants, values, and beliefs as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
For more information on how to access the resources that North Star International provides, or to become more involved with the organization, please visit:
