Dictates of Conscience

From Mormon High Priest to My New Life as a Woman

De: Laurie Lee Hall

Narrado por: Laurie Lee Hall

Laurie Lee Hall’s growing-up years were defined by the conflict between her physical condition as a boy and her inherent identity as a girl. Unable to explain or resolve her gender dysphoria, she committed to living her adult life as a male. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, eventually becoming chief architect of its temples and an ecclesiastical leader. In her church and community, rigid adherence to gender roles is not only the norm, but the defining issue of a faith that doctrinally declares one’s gender as an “eternal identity.” Against this traditional backdrop, Hall finally received spiritual confirmation and personally accepted that she was transgender and always had been. In this remarkable memoir, Laurie Lee details how she risked everything to live true to her long-suppressed gender identity.

Through the power of lived experience, Laurie Lee’s story affirms the reality of gender identity and the strength and joy of self-acceptance.

©2024 Signature Books (P)2025 Signature Books

Beautiful story

Laurie Lee has a beautiful and thoughtful narrative. Her journey to her authentic self is admirable. I am delighted she has found a loving space and strength to continue to advocate for others.

A real life account of the experience of a high ranking Mormon who comes out as transgender.

This was very real and close to my heart as I share many of the same experiences. As someone who has left the church, I would have preferred less discussion of how the church was true but understand how much of the lived experience of Laura Lee and other long term members is centered in our church experiences. It hurts to leave behind our church family but in truth, we have been pushed out and no longer feel welcome. Current church policies are unacceptable and not in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. The LDS church and its leaders have some repenting to do.

A page turner I couldn't put down!

Laurie Lee Hall had me captivated through the whole recording of this memoir. Warning: Short Spoiler's ahead. (But I have no idea how or what to say without including, I don't think they'll ruin the story for you though)

It truly was a page turner I couldn't put down! I'd wanted this title since I first heard her do a few interviews. I was so excited to finally hear that it was now available in audio form, so I had to get it! i started listening while out on a run. She had me pulling for her throughout the stories she shared as a young boy growing up in a dysfunctional home, society and all. From their family separating from church's where things weren't right to school experiences where she was fighting not just the rights of one gender but for equality for all. To finding the LDS faith and actively working inside it to make everyone feel of worth and important. Having to hide who she truly was for decades. Laurie Lee Hall and a few others within the pages of this story truly encompass how I feel God would truly have us function within our every day lives by following God's promptings instead of Man's policies and procedures. Laurie Lee Hall truly has a way with words. I found this story one in which I could cry and cheer along with her from page one. She truly is an inspiration. While I don't know if I'll ever do it, but reading this once again made me want to tell my life story. I hope you keep writing and sharing your story! I'd love a follow up or more than one sequel to this book! I went out for a run and instead of putting it down immediately after I was done kept listening for hours after the fact. I'll probably even go back and listen again and again!

Insightful Perspective

This is such a well crafted memoir. I’m grateful that Laurie Lee Hall invested her time in sharing a vulnerable perspective. This is an important voice in helping members of the church (and people outside the LDS church) understand a perspective that is often not vocally represented in the pews. An important voice to hear for those of us trying and striving for a more inclusive church community.