This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young and his wife, Barb, will be keynote speakers in Salt Lake City at the 32nd annual conference of Affirmation, the oldest and largest organization of gay Mormons.

The Sept. 13-15 event will kick off Friday night with gay Mormon Benji Schwimmer, who won the reality TV show "So You Think You Can Dance." On Saturday, the Youngs will speak at the University Guest House and Conference Center.

One of the most accurate passers in NFL history, Steve Young was named All-Pro in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1998 and earned All-NFC honors three times. The two-time league MVP also was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times.

Steve and Barb Young, both active members of the Utah-based LDS Church, said in a statement they are happy to be part of 2013 Affirmation Conference, "where they hope to lend their voices to the healing work of making our families, our society and our church more welcoming places for our LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] brothers and sisters."

The couple have supported LGBT programs, including the Trevor Project, which provides suicide-prevention services for LGBT youths, and the Family Acceptance Project, which helps families support their LGBT children.

Affirmation was founded in 1977 in Salt Lake City to assist LGBT Mormons.

Randall Thacker, Affirmation president, said this year's conference will have special meaning because of recent developments involving LGBT Mormons.

Hundreds of straight and LGBT Mormons have marched together in pride parades the past two years under the banners of Mormons Building Bridges, Mormons for Equality, Mormon Allies, and Affirmation.

And the LDS Church launched a new website, mormonsandgays.org, to help open a discussion within the church around LGBT issues.

Twitter@RayUtah —

2013 Affirmation Conference in Salt Lake City

People can attend the conference, which will be held Sept. 13-15, for $99 if they register before Aug. 20 or hear the keynote speeches from Steve and Barb Young for $15. For details, go to Newfrontiers.affirmation.org.