Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Episode 32: "Not Suffering" — Opening Sexual Identity

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Art by Randi Johns
In the recent past, there was only one sexual identity: Heterosexual. It was the norm in such a way that there wasn't really any space in the collective understanding for alternate sexual identities. Today, sexual identity has become a place of discovery, controversy, and question, bringing in terms like gay, lesbian, homosexual, bi-sexual, and transsexual. Julia identifies herself as queer, which is not so much a sexual identity as an approach to sexuality that leaves the "box" wide open. She talks about the freedom that comes from being in a safe place to exist as she is.

Julia will be watching the comments to respond to the ideas brought up in her interview.

As you leave comments, remember that Daughters of Mormonism seeks to provide a safe place for women to share their stories. This is a real story from a real person. Please see the Comment Policy for further details. 

Resources and References

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Episode 31: Good Girl Syndrome Part II

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Image Location
Many of us learned to be "good girls," meaning that we understood that our purpose was to please others and not to please ourselves. Layered in with this teaching were messages about sex and sexuality.

We didn't want to be chewed gum or a licked cupcake. We wanted to keep ourselves safe from the sexual urges of the opposite sex. And, of course, not to be sexual ourselves; that was associated with sinning.

While these messages were likely intended to keep us safe, they did so at a cost,
which usually reveals itself in the marriage
bed. What does a good girl do with sex?

Join Sybil, Amelia, Sara, Heather, and Jenni for the second half of their discussion about their experiences with and the causes and effects of Good Girl Syndrome.

For resources and to comment, please see Part I.

Episode 30: Good Girl Syndrome Part I

Right click here to download the mp3.



Image Location
Join Sybil, Amelia, Sara, Heather, and Jenni for the first part of their discussion about their experiences with and the causes and effects of Good Girl Syndrome.

Resources

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Episode 29: "A Religion of Compassion" — Amber and Her Miscarriages

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Amber has traveled a path through Mormonism where she tried to follow every commandment, suggestion, and piece of advice that the church had to offer. She married and had two children in short order. What followed were three babies lost within a year after priesthood blessings assuring that they would live. These experiences, combined with other factors in her life, have led Amber on a path of finding what she truly believes, which is to reach out to those around her with compassion.

Amber will be watching the comments to respond  to her story.

As you leave comments, remember that Daughters of Mormonism seeks to provide a safe place for women to share their stories. This is a real story from a real person. Please see the Comment Policy for further details.

Universe Embryo by fresco-child
Posts from Amber's Blog

First Miscarriage
Third Miscarriage
Resources & References

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Episode 28: "If any of you lack Sophia" — Anthroposophy and Mormonism

Right click here to download the mp3.



The Sistine Madonna
by Raphael
In many ways, Julene traveled a traditional path through Mormonism as she raised her children, but when her oldest son decided to be done with the church rather than depart on a mission as she was expecting, she began a journey that lead her toward a world of thought filled with the Divine Feminine.

From the roots given to her subtly by her mother, Julene built further with the Christ-centered philosophy of anthroposophy created by Rudolf Steiner, as she moved toward re-enthroning Sophia in her spiritual life and seeking for a true balance between the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine.

Julene will be watching the comments to respond 
to questions and ideas from her story.

Resources from Julene
Chalice Well at Glastonbury, England

    Wednesday, September 28, 2011

    Episode 27: "I came out of the womb singing" — The Divine Worth of a Lesbian

    Right click here to download the mp3.



    Art by Mara Berendt Friedman
    As a teen, Janice converted to the LDS church as part of an attempt to cure herself of her lesbianism. She served a mission and married in the temple as part of her determination to be "fixed." Her journey to find her whole self — the wild woman, the lesbian, the feminist — led her into the depths of depression and to the brink of taking her own life where she was gifted with a deep realization that God loved her.

    Janice will be watching the comments so she can respond to questions and issues brought up in her story.

    As you leave comments, remember that Daughters of Mormonism seeks to provide a safe place for women to share their stories. This is a real story from a real person. Please see the Comment Policy for further details.

    Janice's Recommended Resources
    You can contact Janice at outofthewombsinging @ gmail.com

    Wednesday, September 14, 2011

    Episode 26: The Layers of Sex Education

    Right click here to download the mp3.



    "Teach Your Baby about the Birds & the Bees" Mobile
    What were you taught about sexuality by your parents, in school, and at church? Could you name your genitals correctly as a child? How did you gain your most valuable knowledge about sexuality? Often, sex education fails to empower women about their sexuality and instead makes them feel that they need to be the gatekeepers of chastity and keep the boys in line. In this panel discussion, Sybil, Sara, Juliane, and Heather discuss their experiences with and hopes for sex education.

    Resources
    If you have ideas, stories, or suggestions for Sara's Mormon Sex Ed project, email her at mormonsexedproject @ gmail.com

    Wednesday, August 31, 2011

    Episode 25: "Sacred all the way through" — Owning Her Lesbian Self Part II

    Right click here to download the mp3.



    Art by Marcia Snedecor
    Here is the second half of the interview with Stacey where she tells about coming out as a lesbian, getting her master's degree, continuing her relationship with her husband through their divorce and departure from the church, and finding her feet as a whole self.

    To leave comments and for resources, please see Part I of Stacey's story.

    As you leave comments, remember that Daughters of Mormonism seeks to provide a safe place for women to share their stories. This is a real story from a real person. Please see the Comment Policy for further details.

    Episode 24: "Sacred all the way through" — Owning Her Lesbian Self Part I

    Right click here to download the mp3.



    Art by Marcia Snedecor
    After her mother converted to Mormonism, Stacey was baptized a member of the church at age eight. The church offered her a place of safety and stability in the midst of difficult family life. She went on to attend BYU, serve a mission, marry a returned missionary in the temple, and have four children. But all the while, she knew she was different. No matter how much she threw herself into being the best possible Mormon, there was always something hiding below the surface ... that she was a lesbian.

    Stacey will be watching the comments so she can respond to questions and discuss issues brought up in her story. 

    As you leave comments, remember that Daughters of Mormonism seeks to provide a safe place for women to share their stories. This is a real story from a real person. Please see the Comment Policy for further details.

    Resources from Stacey

    Support Groups
    Books & Articles

    Wednesday, August 17, 2011

    Episode 23: Every 3rd Sunday — Fasting for the Goddess

    Right click here to download the mp3.



    Art by Willow Arlenea
    A little while ago, Jena contacted me about a project she has started to fast for revelation about Heavenly Mother. In this episode, she tells her story as she grew in her interest and desire to know her Mother God and how she came to start this project. She extends an invitation to fast on the third Sunday of each month for specific and official revelation about Heavenly Mother. For more detail, check out these links:

    Jena will be watching the comments to 
    answer questions or discuss issues 
    raised in her interview.

    Jena's Recommended Resources 
    Articles
    Books
    Mormon Matters Podcast

    Wednesday, August 3, 2011

    Episode 22: "Choices and Options" — Katrina's Story

    Right click here to download the mp3.



    Art by Brian Kershisnick
    Part of the aim of this podcast is to give voice to our stories as Daughters of Mormonism. This episode is an interview with Katrina, one of our panelists. She shares how her story didn't happen the way she had planned, as she married a divorced man with three children.

    When they applied for a sealing clearance so they could marry in the temple, they were denied with no explanation. Katrina moved on from this point to create her own script for her life, including how she would bear her children.

    Katrina will be watching the comments to answer questions or discuss issues raised in her interview.



    Posts from Katrina's Blog: Musings of a Redhead
    Katrina's Photography Websites
    Recommended Books

    Wednesday, July 20, 2011

    Episode 21: No rest for the busy

    Right click here to download the mp3.



    Art by Jim Thompson
    There is a common saying that there is no rest for the wicked. What about for the righteous? Especially those who are so righteous, they are constantly engaged in "the Lord's work"? Ah, yes, the Lord's work. Didn't Jesus say something about come unto me and I will give you rest? In this podcast, I talk about the issue of busyness in Mormonism. I also alert listeners that this podcast will be undergoing some changes as I step back from the project. This means that it will be publishing every other week rather than every week.

    References

    Wednesday, July 13, 2011

    Episode 20: "I have found my violin" — Motherhood vs. Education & Career, Part II

    PART II
    Right click to download the mp3.



    Motherhood by Ann Gardner
    This is the second half of the interview with Beatrice where she discusses her life after having her child and how she found balance between motherhood and her passion for research and teaching.

    What have been your experiences in finding a balance between motherhood and your own dreams and passions?

    Beatrice will be watching the comments to answer questions or discuss issues raised in her interview.

    For resources and references,
    see Part I of this interview.

    Episode 19: "I have found my violin" — Motherhood vs. Education & Career, Part I

    PART I
    Right click to download the mp3.



    Violet and Her Violin by Ann Gardner
    Much has been said about the role of motherhood. Ezra Taft Benson, in particular, spoke at length about women's roles. Because of the strong directive to stay at home and be mothers, many women have felt conflict over desires to pursue educational and career opportunities. More recently, leaders have spoken of the importance of women getting a good education.

    In this two-part episode, Beatrice shares her passion for teaching and research as she tells about getting her PhD and having her first child. She compares her strong drive toward pursuing her dreams to the intimate passion a violinist feels for her violin.


    What have been your experiences in finding a balance 
    between motherhood and your own dreams and passions? 

    Beatrice will be watching the comments to answer questions or discuss issues raised in her interview.

    Resources from Beatrice
    The Crosswicks Journals by Madeline L'Engle

    Friday, July 8, 2011

    Episode 18: "Looking for Balance" — Courtney's Story

    Right click here to download the mp3.



    Art by Gina Rose Halper
    Part of the aim of this podcast is to give voice to our stories as Daughters of Mormonism. This episode is an interview with Courtney, one of our panelists.

    She shares her path in finding great health and connection with the Earth and the Divine through yoga and Buddhism.

    Courtney will be watching the comments to answer questions or discuss issues raised in her interview.

    Resources Courtney Recommends:

      Wednesday, June 29, 2011

      Episode 17: "She wasn't a wife for me": Polygamy in Mainstream Mormonism

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      Polygamy has been a part of the Mormon church almost from the beginning. Current church policy prohibits the practice of marrying and living with multiple wives, although there are still men who are sealed to multiple women.

      This episode is the story of a woman who grew up in mainstream Mormonism and how she and her husband searched for a way to practice the doctrine of the plurality of wives inside the dictates of the church and the law of the land.

      Michelle will be watching the comments so she can respond to questions and discuss issues brought up in her story. 

      As you leave comments, remember that Daughter of Mormonism seeks to provide a safe place for women to share their stories. This is a real story from a real person. Please see the Comment Policy for further details.

      If you would like to learn more about polygamy in the early Mormon church, here are some resources.

      Websites
      Books
      Podcasts

      Wednesday, June 22, 2011

      Episode 16: Finding Her Everywhere: Symbols of the Divine Feminine

      Right click here to download the mp3.



      Female Symbol
      Asherah Statue
      Recently we did a two part panel discussion about the Divine Feminine. As part of continuing this conversation, this podcast presents different symbols that can remind us of Goddess, Heavenly Mother, and the Female Divine.

      In this episode, Jenni takes us on a tour of nature symbols, ancient goddess lore, and elements found inside of Mormonism.


      If you have a symbol that helps you connect with the Divine Feminine, please share it in the comments.

      Jenni will be watching the comments to answer questions or discuss issues raised in this discussion.

      Maiden, Mother, Matriarch
      Links on Symbolism & the Divine Feminine

      Wednesday, June 15, 2011

      Episode 15: "Not in Conflict" — Jenni's Story

      Right click here to download the mp3.



      Part of the aim of this podcast is to give voice to our stories as Daughters of Mormonism. This episode is an interview with Jenni, one of our panelists. She shares her journey through marrying a divorced man with a child, her miscarriages, and her integrated belief system of paganism and Mormonism.

      Jenni will be watching the comments to answer questions or discuss issues raised in her interview.


      Links from Jenni's interview:

      Wednesday, June 8, 2011