When Ostler served as a bishop in the church, there were a handful of lesbian and gay members in his congregation of young adults and he decided to listen instead of judge.

“I realized that all my opinions of the LGBT community came from straight people,” Ostler said. “I did a hard reset and said ‘From now on I’m going to learn about them from them.’”

His talk focuses on his journey of understanding; he’ll tell stories that LGBTQ members have told him and he focuses on how to keep families together when someone leaves the church.

“I don’t try to persuade, but I want us to have a discussion,” Ostler said. “I think there is a need for dialogue. It’s not a polarizing event, it’s meant to bring people together.”

Ostler understands that local LDS leaders may be nervous about this subject and the event is not sponsored by or officially affiliated with the church, but he assures that someone can be an LGBTQ ally and a member of the church in good standing.

“I think people, of all things, want to do good in this area,” Ostler said. “We don’t talk about it too much.”

Jen Blair, a member of the Twin Falls chapter of Mama Dragons, said there is still a lot of growth needed for the church to be inclusive.