Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m currently studying human rights law. I live in Las Vegas, and I was born into a Mormon family with pioneers on both sides. I love to read, write, and travel. I feel like a lifelong student, and I’m a mother of four.
I have served in a Relief Society presidency and in Young Women’s and didn’t like the messages that women were receiving. I always felt like a square peg in a round hole when it came to the messages I was receiving from the Church about my expected role in the world. I also didn’t like the awkward meetings I would have while sitting alone in rooms with men, who I was taught had authority over me.
I no longer attend the Mormon Church, but my husband is still a believer, and I am very concerned about the messages that my daughter (and nieces) continue to receive. I tell my daughter she can be anything she wants to be, do anything she wants to do, and believe anything she wants to believe. I don’t want my daughter put on a pedestal to be protected or presided over. I want her to know that she can always choose for herself and take care of herself. I want her to be right in the middle of whatever fight she chooses.
I believe women should be ordained.