Communal Moral Narratives and Religious Rituals Mediating Experiences of Inclusion and Exclusion for LGBT Individuals
Communal moral narratives are stories that communities tell themselves about what is right and wrong, good and bad, normal and abnormal. These narratives shape how people understand their identities, values, and behaviors within those communities. They can create feelings of belonging and connection, but they can also exclude certain groups based on perceived differences. Religious rituals are ceremonies and practices that followers engage in to express their faith and devotion. They too can reinforce group identity and cohesion, but they may exclude some individuals who do not fit into the dominant religious narrative.
I will explore how communal moral narratives and religious rituals mediate experiences of inclusion and exclusion for LGBT individuals. LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, which are sexual and gender minority categories. The "L" refers to people who have romantic or sexual attraction towards members of the same sex, while the "G," "B," and "T" refer to people whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. Despite significant progress towards greater acceptance, many LGBT individuals still face discrimination and marginalization. This paper examines how communal moral narratives and religious rituals play a role in shaping these experiences.
One example of a communal moral narrative that has historically excluded LGBT individuals is the belief that homosexuality is immoral. Many religions teach that homosexual behavior violates divine law and is therefore sinful. This view has been used to justify discrimination against LGBT people, including denial of marriage rights and access to public spaces such as bathrooms.
Some communities have reinterpreted these narratives to be more inclusive, recognizing that sexual orientation is not a choice and that loving relationships between people of the same sex are morally acceptable.
Another example of a communal moral narrative that can exclude LGBT individuals is the idea that traditional family structures are essential for healthy societies. In many cultures, the nuclear family (a married man, woman, and their children) is seen as the ideal model for raising children and maintaining social stability. This narrative may lead to negative views of families without heterosexual parents or single-parent households, which can include queer families with two mothers or fathers. Some LGBT individuals may feel pressured to conform to this norm by concealing their identities or avoiding certain communities altogether.
Religious rituals can also mediate experiences of inclusion and exclusion for LGBT individuals.
Many Christian denominations prohibit ordaining openly gay clergy members, even if they demonstrate commitment to celibacy. This policy effectively excludes LGBT individuals from leadership positions within the church, limiting their opportunities for community engagement and spiritual growth. Other religious traditions, like Judaism, have less strict policies on gender identity and sexuality but still emphasize traditional family structures.
Some religious groups have challenged these narratives and rituals to create more welcoming environments for LGBT individuals.
Some Protestant churches now allow same-sex marriage ceremonies and affirm non-binary genders. They recognize that all people are created in God's image and deserve love and acceptance, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. These changes reflect broader cultural shifts towards greater tolerance and respect for diversity.
Communal moral narratives and religious rituals play a significant role in shaping experiences of inclusion and exclusion for LGBT individuals. While some communities remain hostile towards queer identities, others have embraced greater diversity and inclusivity. As our understanding of sexuality and gender evolves, it will be important to continue examining how these stories and practices impact our lives and relationships with one another.
How do communal moral narratives and religious rituals mediate experiences of inclusion and exclusion for LGBT individuals?
Communal moral narratives and religious rituals are two primary cultural elements that can influence how LGBT individuals experience inclusion and exclusion within society. Narratives about social norms and belief systems provide individuals with guidance on what is expected behavior and acceptable attitudes towards certain groups. Religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, or funerals may be sources of support, belonging, or alienation for LGBT individuals depending on their personal backgrounds.