Identity in Crisis: Spirituality and Homosexuality in Adolescence

Abstract

Adolescents experiencing same-sex attraction are increasingly comfortable identifying themselves as gay/lesbian/bisexual. For at least a minority of these youth, that identification conflicts with their spiritual values, and they or their families seek conversion therapy. The efficacy of conversion and ethics of conversion therapy for same-sex orientation stirs significant debate. The complexities of an approach to same-sex issues with adults multiply when the client is an adolescent. This article uses three adolescent case studies to examine issues of identity, ethics, confidentiality, social expectations, and therapist role.

Helping Gay and Lesbian Students Integrate Sexual and Religious Identities

“…Family values and messages about sexual identity can also affect students at this stage, as students become fearful of upsetting, or being judged by, family members (Heatherington & Lavner, ). Students may present to counseling with feelings of depression, shame, anxiety, and suicidal ideation (Barret & Logan, ; Cass, ; Cates, ; Zubernis & Snyder, ).…”

“…The second stage of the Cass model, identity comparison, occurs when the individual internally accepts his or her feelings but may attempt to compartmentalize or rationalize his or her gay or lesbian identity (Cass, ; Jaspal & Cinnirella, ). Clients in this stage may decide to reject their potential homosexual identity outright and seek out a counselor or spiritual leader to assist them (Cates, ; Levy & Reeves, ). It is important to note that students in this stage may feel pressure from family to fix the issue as a way to preserve the family structure and save face within the community (Tillmann, ).…”

“…It is important to note that students in this stage may feel pressure from family to fix the issue as a way to preserve the family structure and save face within the community (Tillmann, ). Counselors should recognize this reaction as a stage of sexual development and work with students to address feelings and assumptions about homosexuality by exploring messages students have received from family and/or society (APA, ; Barret & Logan, ; Cates, ; Ritter & O'Neill, ). Students in this stage may actively be praying for a higher power to take away their desires.…”

“…For many students, the formative years of college present a time of personal exploration and development, including transitions into independence, exploration of social relationships, career decision making, and myriad new choices and experiences (Barret & Logan, ). These expected developmental demands can be further complicated by the presence of additional identity challenges, particularly when portions of one's identity are in conflict (American Psychological Association [APA], ; Cates, ; Love, Bock, Jannarone, & Richardson, ; Zubernis & Snyder, ). For students who are exploring sexual identity while also navigating faith and religious identity, this process can be even more challenging.…”

“…These students may feel that they must either choose their faith, which can represent an important social support system as well as an integral component of their identity, or pursue their sexual identity development (Frame, ; Love et al, ). The courage needed to transition into unfamiliar and new, ambiguous, interpersonal contexts will often delay personal acceptance of a gay or lesbian identity, with students sometimes denying same‐sex attraction or accepting it as one's cross to bear (Cates, ; Frame, ). College counselors should thus be aware of the intersections of identity processes and be prepared to assist clients in the process of development through the lens of both sexual identity and faith.…”