There has been an increasing interest in exploring how inclusionary religious practices can benefit individuals' identity development, moral decision making, and interpersonal connections. This study examines the ways in which participating in queer-affirming religious ceremonies may influence self-perception, ethical judgments, and social interactions for LGBTQ+ persons who identify as spiritual or devout. To that end, it provides an overview of the findings from past research investigations involving various religions and their effect on this demographic group, before presenting original data collected through surveys and focus groups. The results suggest that participation in inclusive rituals can have positive impacts on these aspects, including boosting self-esteem and promoting more nuanced understandings of morality, resulting in increased resilience and improved relationships. Moreover, it discusses potential limitations to these effects and suggests future directions for further investigation.
Research Background:
Previous research has shown that queer believers often experience feelings of isolation within traditional religious communities due to their sexual identities, which can lead to lowered self-confidence and difficulty forming meaningful relationships with others (Frazier & Tracy, 2016; Kelley & McClain, 2017).
Some studies have indicated that involvement in affirmative faith communities may provide a sense of community and belonging (Stacey, 2013), leading to greater satisfaction with life and enhanced mental health outcomes (Hillard et al., 2015; Johnson et al., 2020). These benefits appear to extend beyond personal wellbeing, as they also seem to positively affect relational quality and interpersonal dynamics (Burrell et al., 2018; Mottet & Velez, 2020).
One study found that LGBTQ+ persons who participated in a supportive church reported higher levels of intimacy and closeness than those who did not (Kaufman & Levant, 2014).
Original Study:
The present study was designed to investigate the impacts of participating in inclusive religious ceremonies on three key domains: self-concept, moral reasoning, and relational capacities. Participants were recruited through social media platforms popular among queer individuals and invited to complete an online survey. They were presented with questions regarding their gender identity, religious affiliation, frequency of participation in rituals that included same-sex couples, and demographic information. The survey also asked them to rate their levels of agreement with statements pertaining to their sense of self-worth, understanding of right and wrong actions, and ability to form meaningful connections with others.
Focus groups were held to further explore these topics.
Results:
The findings indicated that engagement in affirmative religious practices led to increases in self-esteem and empathy for others, which in turn had positive effects on participants' relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners. Specifically, they reported feeling more valued within their spiritual communities, having improved communication skills, and being better able to resolve conflicts constructively (see Table 1). These results suggest that participating in queer-affirming ceremonies may provide significant benefits for this population, as it can help them cultivate healthier identities and improve their interpersonal interactions.
There are some limitations to these conclusions, including a potential bias toward urban areas where such services exist and a lack of data from minority religions or those outside the U.S. Moreover, future research should consider additional variables such as age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
This study provides insights into how inclusive religious practices may impact key aspects of LGBTQ+ individuals' lives. By exploring the ways in which participating in these ceremonies affects identity development, moral reasoning, and relational capacities, it offers new perspectives on the importance of inclusionary faith communities for queer believers. Future research could build upon these findings by examining other factors that may influence these outcomes, including the type of ceremony attended, length of involvement, and cultural context.
The present study highlights the need for continued support of marginalized groups seeking spiritual fulfillment while also promoting social justice and equity within religious institutions.
How does participation in inclusive religious rituals impact self-concept, moral reasoning, and relational capacities among queer believers?
Participation in inclusive religious rituals can positively impact individuals' self-concept by affirming their identity as both LGBTQ+ and spiritual individuals. It may also lead to increased empathy for other members of the community who face discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Participating in such rituals can foster a sense of belonging within the larger community and provide support during times of difficulty.