WATCH: Trans Mormon to Ask for LDS Acceptance

Leahnora Issak plans to petition the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to amend her records and recognize her as the woman she is.

Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.

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Sunnivie Brydum

November 10 2013 2:09 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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A transgender woman in Portland, Ore., is seeking to have her authentic gender formally recognized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, reports KATU.

Leahnora Issak spent most of her life living as a man, though she told KATU that she was born without male genitalia, a condition often known as being intersex. About one year ago, Issak began living as a woman, with the support of her local stake (church) president, according to KATU.

"My sex is now female," Issak tells Portland's KATU. "And I just want the records to reflect that. And I don't think it's really contrary to any doctrine or any policy that we have that this can be done. I just want to live the Gospel. I want to live the plan of happiness, which I believe applies to all people. I want others to know that they have a place. There's got to be a place for us."

Within the Mormon religion, men and women have different roles, and some services and duties are segregated by sex. Women are also not eligible to hold the priesthood -- a privilege Issak says she's willing to sacrifice in order to be formally recognized as a woman by the LDS headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.