Turns out there is no place in the Mormon community for a single woman who doesn't want children

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/fashion/09Modern.html?pagewanted=all

Modern Love
Single, Female, Mormon, Alone
By NICOLE HARDY
Published: January 7, 2011

OF all the places I felt sure I’d never go, Planned Parenthood topped the list. Because, you know, they perform abortions and give condoms to kids, or so I’d been warned. Yet one spring afternoon found me in its waiting room next to a teenage girl, who was clearly perplexed by the intake form and likely bound for an uncomfortable, humiliating four minutes in the back of a borrowed Chevy Chevelle.

But what did I know? I was a 35-year-old virgin, preparing for my own “first time,” which, incidentally, didn’t happen until I was well into 36.

I was not frigid, fearful or socially inept. Not overweight or unattractive. Didn’t suffer from halitosis or social anxiety disorder. I was a practicing Mormon, and Mormons “wait” until marriage. So I had waited, spent the first two decades of my adult life celibate and, for the most part, alone. Because only after the trial of my faith would I be blessed with an eternal marriage, which, I prayed, would also blow my mind in the bedroom.

It never occurred to me that I would remain unmarried, especially in a system where marriage is not only a commandment, but also one of life’s primary purposes. Turns out, though, that there is no place in that community for a single woman who doesn’t want children.

I would have an IUD instead of children; I would have intellectual and spiritual freedom; I would write poems and finally live inside my body; I would, for the love of God, feel a man’s hands on me before I died.

Most religious organizations are built around "family" as their core. If you don't fit in that model, you're basically hired help.

I tried to join a "singles" group at my church years ago--turned out to consist of mostly 40+ divorcees who all had children. I was the only never married, no children person there and got basically pushed to the side so they could all talk about dating and how hard it was to raise their children alone. I went once and never went back.

seriously...both cool...lots of open minded folks- tons of singles from what we have seen. If you go Epis-- try to pick one of the larger ones; the smaller ones tend to be older, more reserved couples.

A great reminder of our shared humanity and struggles, both small and large.

It was great to see her reach for the torch of liberty.