Episode 738: Josh and Jen Rollins, LDS Parents of 3 LGBTQ children

Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

My friends Josh and Jen Rollins (married for 26 years, parents of 5, live in Riverton Utah, active LDS) share their story of their middle child Aiden coming out as gay, then their oldest children Jace coming out as gay and later transgender, and then their second-oldest Chelsea coming out as bisexual. Josh (who was serving as Bishop during much of this time) and Jen share how their family went from fitting the perfect Latter-day Saint mold to where they are today—a beautiful family united in their love for each other and creating space for the lived experiences of each family member. Jen and Josh are honest that their journey has been difficult as their LGBTQ kids didn’t find it possible to find a place in the Church—and how they needed to reconstruct their hopes/dreams. Jen and Josh talk about their constant reliance of prayer and direction from Heavenly Parents. Jen and Josh talk about how having LGBTQ kids isn’t a “trial”—because their kids are great human beings doing much good in the world—that there is nothing wrong or that needs to be fixed with their sexual orientation/gender identity—but rather the “trial” is for their LGBTQ kids to find a place in the Church full of hope, support and understanding. I was so moved listening to Jen and Josh—two wonderful parents who have been on this road for 5+ years. If you are a new to the blessing of being a parent (or family member/ally) to a LGBTQ child, please listen to this episode—it will give you insights to walk your road and love your LGBTQ loved one. Jen and Josh conclude on why they stay members of the Church. Thank you, Jen and Josh, for being on the podcast. Your story will help so many. Links: Jan 2024 Leading Saints Story: leadingsaints.org/the-portrait-of-an-lbgtq-family-he-is-at-the-helm/ April 2021 Lift and Love Profile: www.instagram.com/p/COQIkF3h2ku/?img_index=1 Nov 2020 Human Stories Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/77-human-stories-jessica-and-josh-rollins/id1468623842?i=1000500809211 Ministering to LGBTQ Latter-Day Saint FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143