“We shared a heartbeat”: Protective functions of faith communities in the lives of LGBTQ+ people.

Abstract

Although prior research has demonstrated that faith communities, religiosity, and/or religious affiliation can be risk factors for depression, suicide, and substance abuse among LGBTQ+ people, there is also promising evidence of the protective functions of faith communities for LGBTQ+ people. This study's purpose was to explore what draws LGBTQ+ people to stay in faith communities. The data were collected from a sampling pool recruited at a national conference formerly called the Gay Christian Network (GCN) conference. Our sample of 30 individuals were purposively selected in order to represent diverse views from a variety of demographic domains, many of which are underrepresented in the extant empirical literature on this topic. Qualitative data were analyzed using a procedure by Maietta and colleagues called Sort and Sift, Think and Shift. The analysis resulted in six themes: profound loss versus healing authenticity, fear of rejection versus joy of inclusion, what works for now versus heavenly bliss, isolation versus community, cultural versus not cultural, and mainstream versus marginalized. The results of the study have implications for clinical practice with LGBTQ+ individuals and offer a more nuanced understanding of both the risk and protective functions of faith communities in the lives of LGBTQ+ people.

Religion/Spirituality, Stress, and Resilience Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: The Religious/Spiritual Stress and Resilience Model

“…Rejection by fellow congregants or clergy is associated with increased anxiety, more identity conflict, and less social support (Hamblin & Gross, 2013; Zarzycka et al, 2017). Rejection may have long-lasting effects, with religious or spiritual SGMs evidencing increased rejection sensitivity even if not currently attending services (Gandy et al, 2021; Lassiter, Saleh, et al, 2019). RS may also be cited by SGMs’ families as the grounds for decreased family support (Etengoff & Daiute, 2014; Etengoff & Rodriguez, 2021; Heiden-Rootes et al, 2019).…”

LGBTQ+ people’s religious and spiritual experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic

“…This study examined the role of faith and spirituality in how LGBTQ+ people dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the LGBTQ+ population has historically had mixed experiences with religious organizations, many LGBTQ+ people continue their faith and spirituality on a personal level or with affirming religious organizations (Dakin et al, 2021;Gandy et al, 2021;Levy, 2019).…”

“…Not only will such groups support clients' religious coping, but they will also connect them with a community during a time when many are feeling isolated and lonely (Kroll et al, 2021). However, it is important for practitioners to understand the nuances of self-proclaimed "welcoming" faith communities that might, in practice, be less-than-supportive of the LGBTQ+ people in their communities (Gandy et al, 2021). A practitioner should use caution when selecting faith-based resources in their communities by doing research ahead of time to determine the nature of interactions with and beliefs towards LGBTQ+ people.…”

A Physical Therapist's Role in Providing a Trauma-Informed, Whole-Body, Holistic Approach to Address the Spiritual and Mental Health of Patients

“…Likewise, when medical providers address spirituality, health outcomes improve 22. Patients want their spiritual needs met by their health care provider, but they can be fearful of rejection because of a difference in religious or spiritual perspectives, especially if they are from a religious, cultural, or language-diverse background different from their provider 22,32,33…”