Former LDS Church lobbyist joins board of LGBT Mormon group

Salt Lake City (AP) — A former lobbyist for the Mormon church has joined the board of a support group for gay and transgender Mormons.

The group Affirmation says Bill Evans, who spent decades in the public affairs office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a straight ally of the LGBT Mormon community and one of three new members on the 16-person management board.

Affirmation president John Gustav-Wrathall says Evans helped the group start a relationship with church officials four years ago and will continue that outreach in his new role.

Evans retired as a church lobbyist several years ago and now works with homeless youth.

Evans says in a statement that the LGBT community showed him grace and openness that were part of a transformative journey for him.

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The Gayly – August 19, 2016 @ 4 p.m.