Dr. Gina Colvin is an essential progressive Mormon voice in 2015 for many reasons:

She is a “multi-generation life long Mormon” with a multi-racial/international perspective on Mormonism. Specifically, she is a New Zealander of Māori, English, Irish, Welsh, German and French descent.

She is a professor (i.e., lecturer) at the University of Canterbury, with an emphasis on “the history and future of ideas.”

She is an insightful thinker and writer, and writes for a fantastic blog called KiwiMormon. She also hosts the A Thoughtful Faith podcast.

She is an important and somewhat fearless voice for progressive Mormon thought, and advocates very publicly and strongly for issues such as female ordination (serving on the Ordain Women board), same-sex marriage, and intellectual freedom within the LDS Church. She is also a staunch opponent of polygamy (including Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants), and of the recent round of excommunications within the LDS Church.

While retaining her activity in the LDS Church, she is an unflinching supporter of “Mormon heresy,” and openly expresses doubt and/or disbelief regarding various orthodox LDS teachings including the idea of an anthropomorphic God, the LDS Church as the “One True Church,” exclusive LDS priesthood authority, and the historicity of the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham.

She also has an incredibly fascinating story, which includes an adolescence of considerable trouble-making, a scandalous early divorce from her own bishop/husband, and several other stories of general delight and intrigue.

This is Gina’s story. I am certain that you will enjoy it immensely.