“I never felt like there was a place for me:” Experiences of Bisexual and Pansexual Individuals with a Christian Upbringing

Abstract

Popular and scholarly literature describes the conflicts experienced by some gay and lesbian Christians, but less is known about the unique experiences of bisexual and pansexual populations. The purpose of this study was to understand the process by which bisexual and pansexual individuals with a Christian upbringing resolved conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Grounded theory analysis of 17 interviews revealed a fluid and multidimensional process of resolution, which was influenced by community and relationships as well as experiences of isolation, secrecy, and shame. This study took place in the Bible Belt and was the first of its kind to explore the experiences of bisexual and pansexual individuals who continue to identify as Christian as well as those who have left their religion. It has implications not only for bisexual and pansexual individuals experiencing faith conflicts, but also for the faith leaders and helping professionals who support them.

Religious and spiritual journeys of LGBT older adults in rural Southern Appalachia

“…Our findings align with the existing literature on the religion and spirituality of LGBT individuals. Like our participants, LGBT individuals in other studies have described early faith and church experiences that were negative and traumatic, including discrimination and lack of acceptance (Brennan-Ing et al, 2013;Cockayne et al, 2020;Hansen & Lambert, 2011;Levy & Edmiston, 2014;Levy & Harr, 2018;Murr, 2013;Wood & Conley, 2014). Likewise, individuals often describe difficult family relationships (Dahl & Galliher, 2012a;Foster et al, 2015;Levy & Edmiston, 2014;Page et al, 2013).…”

“…The literature on religion and spirituality in LGBT individuals highlights some common outcomes for LGBT individuals of all ages. For instance, LGBT individuals of all ages have both positive and negative experiences with their faith communities, and report coping with negative experiences by developing personal belief systems, finding affirming congregations, and reducing participation in non-affirming faith communities (Dunn & Creek, 2015;Foster et al, 2015;Levy & Edmiston, 2014;Levy & Harr, 2018;Porter et al, 2013). In a study with older adult LGBT individuals, Brennan-Ing et al (2013) found similar outcomes.…”

“…LGBT people of faith resolve identity conflicts in a variety of ways, including prioritizing one identity over another, integrating their identities, compartmentalizing their identities, modifying their religious beliefs, and/or finding welcoming communities (Dunn & Creek, 2015;Levy & Edmiston, 2014;Levy & Harr, 2018). Many LGBT individuals experience grief, loss, rejection, and trauma as part of this process, and inevitably are forced or choose to leave their faith communities (Cockayne et al, 2020;Hansen & Lambert, 2011;Panchuk, 2018;Wood & Conley, 2014).…”

Bisexuality, religion and spirituality

“…Reflecting the current state of play, this under-representation is demonstrated in several extensive volumes on sexuality and religion such as Boisvert and Daniel-Hughes (2016), Hunt (2015), Hunt and Yip (2012) and Taylor and Snowdon (2014). Indeed, research in this field that exclusively examines bisexuality, religion and spirituality is few and far between, with notable exceptions such as recent works by Levy and Harr (2018), Robinson (2015), Shepherd (2018) and Toft (2012Toft ( , 2014. In many ways, this is unsurprising.…”

“…This is particularly axiomatic within Abrahamic religious spaces, leading to experiences of tension and conflict amongst bisexual religious actors (e.g. Levy and Harr, 2018;Shepherd, 2018). However, other religious and spiritual spaces such as Paganism and New Age seem to offer a more conducive and nurturing environment for the exploration and accommodation of ambiguity and fluidity that bisexuality imbues (e.g.…”