Episode 765: Lilly MacKenzie, Transgender Latter-day Saint, BYU Student

Listen, Learn & Love Hosted by Richard Ostler

My friend Lilly MacKenzie (3rd year BYU student) joins us to share her story. Lilly talks about her journey (starting in her early years) realizing she was different and gradually developing the vocabulary, understanding, and person insights to realize she is transgender. Lilly talks about how she feels so much better being her authentic self. Lilly talks about all that BYU is doing to support transgender students (she is having a good experience) and all her ward/church leaders are doing to support her (also a good experience). Lilly talks about her love of and belief in the temple—even though she currently can’t attend. I was so impressed listening to and learning from Lilly—and better realize the importance of hearing multiple stories from our transgender friends. They are Israel, need to be gathered with our kind comments, and help us create Zion. Thank you, Lilly, for being on the podcast. You are very brave. You help others walking this road and the rest of us wanting to do better. You have a great life ahead of you! Links: Church’s transgender web site: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/transgender Richard Ostler’s transgender/non-binary podcasts: listenlearnandlove.org/transgender-and-more-podcasts