Tender Leaves of Hope

Finding Belonging as LGTBQ Latter-Day Saint Women

By: Meghan Decker

Narrated by: Meghan Decker

"I find myself turning again and again to hope. Hope in Christ sustains me every day, and when I nourish it, I have shelter and beauty. Hope gives life".

Meghan Decker is a woman who is attracted to women. She is also married to an amazing man, and together they are each committed to their faith, their covenants, and their testimony of Jesus Christ and his church.

Growing up, Meghan could not see how her deep spiritual faith and her attraction to women could coexist. But after decades of shame, denial, and hiding, Meghan came to accept this part of herself. She realized that while she can't decide to change her sexual orientation, she can decide how to respond to the circumstances of her life. As she felt the tender love of the Lord, her faith deepened. Her experience will help Church leaders, friends, and family understand how to support their LGBTQ loved ones.

Now Meghan is sharing her story, along with insights from dozens of other LGBTQ Latter-Day Saint women. Through her open experience, you will come to understand that:

• You are not broken, and you are not alone
• Shame is the real enemy
• Your path forward begins with reaching out to God

As you follow these women's stories, you will feel the spirit testify of God's love for his LGBTQ children and for you.

©2022 Cedar Fort Publishing and Media (P)2022 Cedar Fort Publishing and Media

A must read!

There is no doubt in my mind that I was led to listen to this book after hearing a reference to it from a podcast. As a member of the LDS faith and having a similar experience to realizing my own attraction to women after being married for 11 years and having a hard time navigating how to move forward it was refreshing to hear a perspective coming from faith and boundaries where I lacked. I learned so much and even though I don't feel like I have a clear path. this book has been a great reference for understanding issues women face as LGBTQ members of the LDS faith. It gave me so much hope and peace for myself that I needed. thank you Meghan for sharing your heart and testimony for the public eye. ❤️

Unique approach in this space

Really loved the honest perspective and wide variety of views and approaches shared. it's nice to see a book on this topic highlighting many different paths, not just one

Good place to start understanding LGBTQ from an LDS perspective. It was informative, tender and well written.

She really speaks to the hearts of those who are committed to keeping the faith. It’s nice to have somebody who understands emotionally as well as intellectually journey of an LDS LGBTQ person.

Find love and hope inside!

Meghan’s bravery shows that LGBTQ and Christ do not have to be two different things. They can be one, together with love and hope. She shares her experiences and story and brings hope to those in the LGBTQ and LDS community, while she also brings love and understanding to those families looking to support loved ones in those communities. I wish everyone would read this book.

Must read for all LDS members

Beautifully written, beautifully narrated. It is hard to find an LGBT positive book that is also faith affirming. Typically society feels the two are mutually exclusive, but Meghan Decker shows that they are not.

This book is well written. I loved it! Great insights! I learned a lot!

I liked all the examples the author gave. I hope everyone has a chance to read this book; it could save lives!