Lesson 8 Teacher Material: Seeking to Understand Same-Sex Attraction and Loving Our LGBT Brothers and Sisters

“Lesson 8 Teacher Material: Seeking to Understand Same-Sex Attraction and Loving Our LGBT Brothers and Sisters,” The Eternal Family Teacher Material (2022)

“Lesson 8 Teacher Material,” The Eternal Family Teacher Material

Lesson 8 Teacher Material

Seeking to Understand Same-Sex Attraction and Loving Our LGBT Brothers and Sisters

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are invited to “be at the forefront in terms of expressing love, compassion, and outreach” to those who experience same-sex attraction or identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (Quentin L. Cook, “Let Us Be at the Forefront” [video], ChurchofJesusChrist.org). In this lesson, students will have an opportunity to identify, discuss, and apply gospel truths that can help them respond with love, inclusion, and respect to those who experience same-sex attraction or identify as LGBT.

Suggestions for Teaching

Jesus Christ commands His disciples to love one another as He loves us.

Invite students to imagine that a young adult named Jean is attending this institute class for the first time. When Jean realizes that the topic of same-sex attraction will be discussed in today’s class, she immediately becomes anxious and wants to leave, because she identifies as lesbian. Discuss why Jean might feel anxious and what class members could do to help her and others feel safe having this discussion.

Invite students to read Matthew 22:37–39 and John 13:34–35, looking for the importance Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ place on loving others. Write the following truth on the board: We are commanded to love one another as Jesus Christ loves us.

Why is it important for disciples of Jesus Christ to love others as He loves?
In what ways did Jesus Christ demonstrate perfect love during His mortal ministry? (As part of the discussion, remind students that loving others does not mean that we must agree with or endorse behaviors that are contrary to God’s commandments. The Savior lovingly taught His Father’s doctrine with boldness and clarity.)
How can the Savior’s example of love guide us during our discussion about same-sex attraction?

We can respond to those who experience same-sex attraction with kindness, inclusion, and respect.

Divide the class into small groups. Explain that in a few minutes each group will discuss a scenario involving someone who experiences same-sex attraction. Point out that this scenario is similar to the real-life experiences of some members of the Church. To help students base their discussions in gospel principles, you might invite each group member to first review one of the sections in the preparation material.

After students have had time to review their sections, give each student a copy of the handout found at the end of this lesson. Instruct students to read the situation silently and then discuss the questions that follow as a group.

After students have had plenty of time to discuss the scenario and questions, invite them to share what they learned or felt during their discussion. As students share their thoughts, consider asking follow-up questions that help them deepen their understanding of this topic. Here are some examples of ways to frame follow-up questions:

How has that insight/truth/principle influenced …
When have you felt/seen/experienced …
What is an example of …
How could you act in faith to …

After the discussion, ask students if they have any questions or concerns about same-sex attraction that have not been addressed.

To help students apply what they have learned, consider displaying the following questions and inviting students to select one or more that are relevant to them. Encourage students to ponder their question (or questions) and to record any impressions they might have.

What do I need to change about the way I think and act so I treat all people, including those who experience same-sex attraction, with greater love, inclusion, and respect? How can I rely on the Savior as I make these changes?
As a person who experiences same-sex attraction, how can focusing on the Savior and His gospel help me live with greater hope and happiness? If I have not shared my experience with anyone, who can I reach out to for support? (Note: If you decide to discuss your feelings of same-sex attraction, prayerfully consider whom to tell and how to share this aspect of your mortal experience.)

Jackson’s Story

The Eternal Family Teacher Material—Lesson 8

Jackson was raised in a family who are faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has loving parents and is especially close to his sister Selena.

Jackson loves the gospel and has a testimony of Jesus Christ and the Restoration. He is known for his cheerful and outgoing personality. Recently, however, his cheerfulness has been replaced by sadness, and he has increasingly kept to himself. Jackson has a secret and doesn’t know what to do about it.

As long as he can remember, Jackson has been more attracted to men than to women. For many years he tried to ignore these feelings or pretend they did not exist. Since this subject was never talked about in his home, he felt it was a forbidden conversation. Sometimes his friends made derogatory comments about gay people. All he remembers hearing from teachers and leaders at church is that homosexuality is a serious sin.

Before his mission Jackson repeatedly pleaded with God to take away his attraction to men. He felt confident that if he served a mission, his feelings would change. However, since Jackson completed a mission, his attraction to men has persisted. Jackson desperately wants to talk to someone, but fear has kept him silent.

Selena has noticed his emotional withdrawal from their family. She can see the pain in his eyes. She has been praying for Jackson and praying to know how to help him.

This morning Selena asked Jackson if they could go for a walk together. He reluctantly agreed. As they walked, they talked about everyday things. Selena even got Jackson to smile. Finally, Selena said, “Jackson, I know something is wrong. I can see it in your eyes. Please tell me. I am so worried about you.”

Jackson stood still for a long time. Tears began to stream down his face. Finally, a flood of emotion burst from deep inside, and with a quivering voice he said, “Selena, I’m gay and have been for as long as I can remember. I don’t know what to do. I’m scared of what Mom and Dad will say if they find out. Will the rest of our family be ashamed of me? Will my friends still want to hang out with me if they know I’m gay? What will happen to my membership in the Church if I tell the bishop? I don’t see how I can ever be happy and have a family. I feel like God has abandoned me.”

Jackson hung his head and stared at the ground. After a long pause, he quietly said, “Selena, I’m sorry if I have disappointed you. Please don’t tell anyone. I feel so lost and confused.”

Discussion Questions

What feelings do you have as you think about Jackson’s experience? Why might it be difficult to talk about feelings of same-sex attraction with a family member, close friend, or Church leader?
How might you be feeling if you were Selena? What could Selena do to respond with understanding and compassion?
How could a correct understanding of the Lord’s teachings on same-sex attraction help both Selena and Jackson? Why might these teachings be sometimes difficult to accept?
How could Jackson and Selena view same-sex attraction with an eternal perspective?
Where could Jackson turn to receive additional guidance, encouragement, and help?

For Next Time

Invite students as they study the preparation material for lesson 9 to also spend a little time learning about their ancestors on FamilySearch.org or the Family Tree app. Encourage them to consider the blessings promised to those who help their ancestors receive saving ordinances in the temple.