Breakout Session Tracks

Breakout sessions are conveniently divided into tracks with topics centered on issues relevant to each demographic group. Each track is focused on providing tools and resources that enable individuals to cultivate inner peace, support loved ones, and live an authentic, gospel-centered life. Individuals are welcome to attend any track.

Men

Are you a man that experiences same-sex (homosexual) attraction? Then this track is for you! Regardless of your age, marital status, or situation in life, you will find that these interactive sessions address relevant topics specific to your needs. Each session will focus on sharing practical tools to help you successfully navigate the unique challenges specific to same-sex attraction.

Sessions include:

• Thriving in the Single Life
• Why It’s Worth It – Staying Strong in the Gospel
• Becoming the Man God Intends You to Be
• Recovery From Addiction: The Power of the Atonement
• Finding Self Worth & Overcoming Shame
• The Journey of Healing
• Overcoming the Negative Effects of Body Shame
• Panel – Navigating the Dating Scene
• How Your Experience with Same-Sex Attraction Can Bless and Impact Others
• Panel – Finding Peace in All Stages of Life
• Developing Healthy Relationships with Men
• Creating a Personal Support Network

Women

This track is for women who experience same-sex (homosexual) attraction. Regardless of your unique situation, these interactive sessions will address your individual needs. Sessions will provide you with practical tools that help you develop healthy relationships with other women and live a more authentic, Christ-centered life.

Sessions include:

• Panel – Coping with Same-Sex Attraction (Married & Single)
• Understanding the Cycle of Connection
• How Can I Use My Experience to Bless Other Women?
• Daughter of God – Understanding My Identity as a Woman with Same-Sex Attraction
• Developing Healthy Relationships with Women
• Discovering Peace in Time of Loneliness

Transgender

If you are a man or woman that personally experiences transgender feelings, their spouse, or a concerned family member or friend then you have found the right track. These interactive, intimate sessions will provide you with the chance to connect with those who share similar experiences, find support resources for you and your loved ones, and learn how to strengthen your relationship with God as his son or daughter.

Sessions include:

• “Now What?” – Understanding the Many Facets of Gender Dysphoria
• “Journeys of Faith” – Personal Stories of Navigating Gender Identity
• Fostering Self-Acceptance and Shedding the Shackles of Shame
• Navigating Gender-Related Conversations with Priesthood Leaders
• How Do I Support My Transgender Loved One?
• Keys to Creating a Resilient Marriage When One Spouse is Transgender

Spouses / Couples

These sessions are designed for couples where one individual in the marriage experiences same-sex attraction. A husband or wife of an individual who experiences same-sex attraction are welcome to attend this track. Each interactive session will focus on providing individual spouses and couples with the resources and tools necessary to strengthen and find joy in their marriage by centering it on Jesus Christ.

Sessions include:

• Serving Together in Marriage – Coming Together During Times of Conflict
• Building and Maintaining an Intimate Relationship
• The Power of Open Communication in Marriage
• Understanding and Fulfilling the Needs of Your SSA Spouse
• Understanding and Fulfilling the Needs of Your Non-SSA Spouse
• Creating a Resilient Marriage

Friends & Family

Parents, family members, or friends whose loved ones experience same-sex attraction will find this track helpful. These interactive sessions will focus on providing you with the tools to support your loved ones throughout their journey in a healthy, supportive way. Sessions include:

Sessions include:

• How to Talk About Same-Sex Attraction In Families and With Friends
• Supporting My Son or Daughter in Their Teenage Years
• What Now? – My Loved One Just Came Out
• Understanding the Needs of a Child or Sibling Who Experiences Same-Sex Attraction
• Panel – Loving Those Who Are Pursuing Same-Sex Relationships
• Finding Personal Healing in Relation to My Loved One’s Same-Sex Attraction

Church Leaders

Church leaders – priesthood, relief society, young men, and young women – looking to better support those who experience same-sex attraction and transgender feelings will find this track beneficial. Sessions will focus on providing leaders with the tools to provide Christ-like support and creating a welcoming atmosphere within the church for all of God’s children.

Sessions include:

• Introduction to North Star and the Voices of Hope Project
• Leading with Love and Dispelling Shame
• Panel – Creating a Loving and Welcoming Atmosphere in a Ward
• Tools and Resources for Leaders of Those Who Experience Same-Sex Attraction
• Showing Empathy to Help Others Heal
• Panel – Ministering with Love and Compassion to Those Who Experience Same-Sex Attraction

General

Those who have not previously been involved with North Star or would like more information on the general topics of same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria will find this track beneficial. This track will also explore ways you can use your personal experiences to reach beyond yourself and give back to the community. Sessions will focus on providing the resources and tool necessary to better understand and support those who experience same-sex attraction and transgender feelings.

Sessions include:

• Helping Others Discover Deeper Connection With God Through Your Experience with Same-Sex Attraction
• Get Involved: Serving in North Star International and the Voices of Hope Project
• Overcoming Perfectionism
• Understanding Homosexuality and Same-Sex Attraction
• From Conflict to Growth: What I Learned By Befriending My Enemy
• Impacting Your Community – Starting the Conversation about Same-Sex Attraction