In today's world, there are many different types of spiritual teachings that have been developed to help people understand themselves and their place in the universe. While some of these teachings focus primarily on personal growth and development, others emphasize community and interconnectedness. Some of these teachings even promote certain roles for men and women within society. This can be especially problematic for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ), as they often feel excluded from these teachings due to their nontraditional gender identities. The way that spiritual teachings portray gendered archetypes has a significant impact on how LGBTQ members view themselves and make ethical decisions. In this article, I will explore three ways that gendered archetypes in spiritual teachings influence self-concept among LGBTQ members. First, I will discuss how these teachings perpetuate binary thinking about gender. Second, I will examine how these teachings shape the way LGBTQ members perceive themselves as sexually attracted individuals.
I will consider how these teachings can limit LGBTQ members' ability to engage in intimate relationships.
Binary Thinking About Gender
Many traditional spiritual teachings, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, promote a binary understanding of gender.
Hindus believe that there are two genders - male and female - which are defined by specific characteristics and behaviors. According to this belief system, men are meant to be strong and aggressive while women are meant to be nurturing and passive. This binary view can lead to negative stereotyping and discrimination against people who do not fit into these categories. For LGBTQ individuals, this binary thinking can create feelings of shame and isolation. They may struggle to find role models within their religious community who reflect their own experiences, leading them to feel misunderstood and unsupported.
Many LGBTQ members have experienced negative reactions from their families or communities due to their nontraditional identities, further exacerbating these feelings. This binary thinking also limits their ability to participate fully in their religious community because it reinforces rigid gender roles and norms that they may not identify with.
Sexuality and Spirituality
Another way that gendered archetypes in spiritual teachings influence self-concept among LGBTQ members is through shaping their perception of sexual attraction. Many religions promote the idea that heterosexuality is the only natural form of romantic love, while homosexuality is considered sinful or immoral. This can make LGBTQ members feel like outcasts within their faith communities. They may fear being judged or rejected if they express their sexuality openly, leading to feelings of guilt and shame.
This stigma often leads to a lack of support for same-sex relationships within religious settings, limiting the opportunities for LGBTQ members to build meaningful connections with others who share their beliefs. As a result, LGBTQ members may turn to secular sources for emotional and social support, which can ultimately lead to disengagement from their faith community altogether.
Intimate Relationships
The way that spiritual teachings portray gendered archetypes can limit LGBTQ members' ability to engage in intimate relationships.
Traditional Christian teaching emphasizes monogamy and lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. This leaves little room for alternative relationship structures such as polyamory or non-monogamy, both of which are common among many LGBTQ individuals.
The focus on procreation in these teachings means that LGBTQ members may struggle to find validation for their relationships, even if they do not plan on having children. This can create feelings of isolation and loneliness, as they seek validation outside of their faith communities.
It can be difficult for LGBTQ members to find a place where they feel truly accepted and supported when it comes to romantic and sexual relationships.
Gendered archetypes in spiritual teachings have a significant impact on how LGBTQ members view themselves and make ethical decisions. By perpetuating binary thinking about gender, promoting heteronormativity, and limiting alternative relationship structures, these teachings reinforce outdated stereotypes and exclusionary attitudes. It is essential for religious leaders and practitioners to recognize this issue and work towards creating more inclusive and welcoming environments for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
In what ways do gendered archetypes in spiritual teachings influence ethical reasoning and self-concept among LGBTQ members?
Spirituality is often associated with ideas of wholeness and connection to something greater than oneself, which can be attractive to people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community due to their experiences of exclusion and isolation from traditional religious communities (Powell & Doherty, 2019).