That They Might Have Joy offers a hopeful vision for Latter-day Saint sexual and gender minorities seeking to live meaningful, fulfilling lives in harmony with their gospel covenants. Drawing on his personal journey, professional experience as a marriage and family therapist, contemporary research, and years of ministry, Ty Mansfield explores how the restored gospel illuminates questions of sexuality, gender, identity, and belonging. The book’s first part weaves personal narrative with doctrinal reflection to explore eternal identity, embodiment, the purposes of mortality, and the transforming possibilities of discipleship. It invites readers to discover their own “sacred yes”—a positive vision of life rooted in Jesus Christ—and to cultivate faith, love, and purpose even when the path ahead feels uncertain.
The second part brings that vision into everyday relationships, exploring principles for flourishing in singleness and for building strong, fulfilling marriages when one spouse experiences same-sex attraction or gender incongruence. A concluding chapter by Danielle Mansfield offers a spouse’s perspective on creating a shared life grounded in faith, honest communication, and mutual care. Throughout, the book emphasizes meaningful connection, personal agency, and trust in God’s individual guidance, recognizing that each person’s journey will unfold differently. Written chiefly for those navigating these experiences, it also offers insight to spouses, families, friends, and those serving in local ward ministry. Its central invitation is to discover how joy, intimacy, and belonging can grow within a covenant life, even when present circumstances make those possibilities difficult to envision.
