By Laura Pacini

REXBURG, Idaho—A local group of women is promoting compassion amongst community members for individuals who identify as LGBTQ. The group is organized under the name I’ll Walk With You Rexburg, and has planned a set of free public meetings that include keynote speakers and panelists.

Suzy Allen, a founding member of I’ll Walk With You Rexburg, describes it as a venture “started by moms” with dual objectives of community outreach and support. The Facebook page further specifies the purpose of the events is “to build bridges of love, respect, and understanding between the community and it’s [sic] LGBTQ members.” 

I’ll Walk With You Rexburg draws its name from a children’s hymn by Carol Lynn Pearson that communicates themes of love and inclusivity. The hymn is included in the Children’s Songbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While I’ll Walk With You Rexburg aligns with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is unaffiliated with it. (It is also unconnected with the organization I’ll Walk With You). 

Through the speaker series, the facilitators hope to demonstrate that people “don’t have to sacrifice religious belief to be supportive” of LGBTQ individuals, says Allen. The meetings offer perspectives and experiences from Latter-day Saints who are also part of or have loved ones in the LGBTQ community.

While anyone is invited to attend the events—including and especially LGBTQ individuals and their allies who wish to aid in fostering understanding in the local area—each has been planned with a specific focus. The first was tailored to ecclesiastical leaders, teachers and friends of those who are LGBTQ. Ben Schilaty, an Honor Code Administrator at Brigham Young University, spoke about his experience as a gay Latter-day Saint. Afterwards, he moderated a panel and addressed questions in real time that were texted to the panelists. The Romance Theater, where the event was held, was nearly full with attendees and the recording is available online. (Part 1) (Part 2)

The next session, “Embracing Your LGBTQ Loved Ones and Your Faith,” will be held March 19 at 7 p.m. at the Rexburg Tabernacle at 51 N. Center Street in Rexburg. The event will feature Becky Mackintosh, and is expected to be particularly helpful for families of LGBTQ individuals, as well as those in the social network of such families.

Mackintosh is a mother and grandmother, author and public speaker. She has relayed her experience of her gay son coming out to her on the LDS Church’s website. After Mackintosh’s address, the session will continue with a question and answer panel. Registration is not required to attend. 

Finally, Richard Ostler will speak on April 30th at the Romance Theater on “Building Unity with our LGBTQ Brothers, Sisters, and Friends.” It is hoped that his talk will particularly attract BYUI students. Ostler is the author of two books and the host of the Listen, Learn and Love podcast.

Effects from the first meeting have begun to ripple outwards. Following that occasion, I’ll Walk With You Rexburg attracted volunteers willing to assist in future events. Furthermore, a group of BYUI students were inspired to highlight experiences of local LGBTQ individuals in a podcast. The first two episodes are already available to stream through Apple podcasts.

You can connect with I’ll Walk With You Rexburg on both Facebook and Instagram. Recordings of previous meetings, links to the Building Bridges podcast, as well as information on upcoming events, can be found on I’ll Walk With You Rexburg’s Facebook page.