Writer Dustin Lance Black is gay and grew up Mormon. In his new memoir he uses the lessons about getting along with his conservative, LDS mom as a template for healing America's ugly divide.

Dustin Lance Black wants you to know that it’s just not true that people on opposite ends of the political spectrum have little in common. Black is gay and an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, but he says that his Mormon upbringing by a decidedly conservative mother “lit his path” for causes like marriage equality. He’s coming to Utah, and joins Monday to tell his own family’s story and to explain how American values may hold the key to bridging our divides.

On Thursday evening, May 9, Black will deliver a talk as part of Equality Utah's QTalks series. There are a limited number of standing room tickets available. The event will also stream live on Equality Utah's Facebook page. Black will also be speaking at 9am on May 10th at Ancestry in Lehi. Details for both events are available on Equality Utah's Facebook page.