“It’s a Horrible Sin. If They Find Out, I Will Not be Able to Stay”: Orthodox Jewish Gay Men’s Experiences Living in Secrecy

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the intersection of sexual orientation and religion in the Jewish Orthodox community by exploring 22 Orthodox Jewish gay men's experiences living in secrecy. Analysis of in-depth interviews conducted with these men revealed four primary themes: emotional turmoil, ways of coping, impact on family relationships, and importance of the context. Findings from this study describe the daily struggles these men experienced keeping their homosexuality a secret. The findings suggest that in order to design effective interventions with this population, it is crucial to consider the larger community and religious context.

A systematic review of qualitative studies capturing the subjective experiences of Gay and Lesbian individuals’ of faith or religious affiliation

“…An overarching theme of psychological and mental health needs emerged from the papers. Three of the papers reported on the accounts of suicidal ideation (Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015;Jacobsen & Wright, 2014;Subhi & Geelan, 2012), which is consistent with statistical evidence (Gibbs & Goldbach, 2015;Kralovec, Fartacek & Plöderl, 2014) that notes the increased risk in this population. Relatedly, aspects of depression were discussed (Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015;Jacobsen & Wright, 2014;Subhi & Geelan, 2012).…”

“…Three of the papers reported on the accounts of suicidal ideation (Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015;Jacobsen & Wright, 2014;Subhi & Geelan, 2012), which is consistent with statistical evidence (Gibbs & Goldbach, 2015;Kralovec, Fartacek & Plöderl, 2014) that notes the increased risk in this population. Relatedly, aspects of depression were discussed (Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015;Jacobsen & Wright, 2014;Subhi & Geelan, 2012). Four of the included papers captured accounts of 'emotional turmoil' (Began & Hattie, 2015;Ganzevoort, Van der Laan & Olsman, 2011;Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015;Jacobsen & Wright, 2014;Subhi & Geelan, 2012),…”

“…Relatedly, aspects of depression were discussed (Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015;Jacobsen & Wright, 2014;Subhi & Geelan, 2012). Four of the included papers captured accounts of 'emotional turmoil' (Began & Hattie, 2015;Ganzevoort, Van der Laan & Olsman, 2011;Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015;Jacobsen & Wright, 2014;Subhi & Geelan, 2012),…”

“…Four papers highlighted the need to 'belong' and to be 'accepted' in society (Ho & Hu, 2016;Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015;Jacombsen & Wright, 2013;Kocet, Sanabria & Smith, 2011). The findings indicated that LGBT individuals are seeking to find a community who accept them for who they are.…”

“…Accepting the person but rejecting their sexual behaviour (Rosile, Griffith, & Cruz, 2007), may have a more detrimental impact on the person if they try to change their sexual orientation to 'feel accepted' (Itzhaky & Kissil, 2015). Such actions have been supported by some religious groups who advocate conversion therapy (Dehlin et al, 2015) with a recent report claiming fifty-one per cent of LGBT individuals received conversion therapy by faith groups (GEO, 2019).…”