In the Media: A Clinician’s Perspective on the LDS Church’s Trans Rights Brief

Featuring insights from Dr. Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen, Founder and Clinical Director

Utah therapist and Flourish Therapy founder Dr. Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen reflects on the LDS Church’s recent Supreme Court brief opposing transgender rights and what such messages mean for LGBTQ+ mental health, faith, and belonging.

October 10, 2025

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) recently filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to limit protections for transgender individuals-arguing that expanding trans rights could make religious organizations “second-class citizens.”

For many LGBTQ+ people in Utah, especially those raised in the church, the filing reopens deep wounds. It’s more than a legal debate; it’s a message about belonging.

At Flourish Therapy, we witness the impact of such moments on mental health and identity every day.

“We Know What Thwarted Belonging Does.”

Dr. Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen, Founder and Clinical Director of Flourish Therapy, spoke with Queer Agenda about the real-world impact of institutional opposition to equality.

“Research has consistently shown that religious groups publicly opposing equality increases depression, anxiety, and suicidality among the LGBTQ+ community, particularly youth,” Hansen said. “Following the November 2015 proclamation on same-sex families, LGBTQ+ support groups reported that more than 30 young people took their own lives in less than three months’ time.”

Hansen explains that this pain often stems from thwarted belonging-the belief that one cannot exist authentically in their faith or community.

“The LDS Church still has many members who are gender diverse and trying to maintain their faith, and they hear this as the church actively lobbying against their mental and physical health, reinforcing the rejection they’re already navigating,” she told Queer Agenda. “We know what thwarted belonging does. It’s one of the major factors in suicidal ideation.”

The Clinical Reality of Religious Rejection

Studies confirm what clinicians like Hansen see in practice: LGBTQ+ people facing religious or family rejection are far more likely to experience depression and suicidal thoughts. For youth, that risk can be life-threatening.

At Flourish, our trauma-informed therapists help clients process the pain of exclusion and rebuild a sense of self-worth. Healing starts with affirmation, empathy, and safe connection.

Faith and Inclusion Can Coexist

While institutional statements can be harmful, Hansen believes that faith and inclusion are not opposites.

“The challenge is moving from fear to compassion-from defending power to defending people,” she says. “There is space for both faith and inclusion.”

Flourish’s mission is rooted in that same hope: that healing happens when people are fully seen and valued.

Holding Space for Both Pain and Hope

As the Supreme Court considers these cases, Flourish Therapy stands committed to affirming, affordable, evidence-based mental health care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families.

“Religious freedom should protect people’s right to worship, not their right to harm,” Hansen says. “Our goal should be mutual dignity, where faith traditions can live their values without denying anyone else’s humanity.”