This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I joined Mormons Building Bridges when I became alarmed over the suicides among gay LDS teens. This week, I signed up for the Affirmation conference to be held Sept. 12-14 in Salt Lake City. Affirmation is an international organization for gay, lesbian, transgender, and intersex people who identify as members or former members of the LDS Church.

It was the photos of gay teens at their first conference last year that prompted my decision to attend. To see the joy on the faces of the youth when they realized they were among friends was both heart-rending and compelling. I want to see this joy in person. This year's event promises to be even better, with activities planned just for them.

Sherri Park

West Jordan