LGBTQ people have faced social stigma for many centuries.
They are now fighting against it to be accepted just like everyone else. Religions also play an important role in society, but they are known for their conservative views about gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders, queers, and others. People who identify themselves with one of these groups often find it difficult to practice religion because of the teachings of their faith which conflict with their personal identity. LGBTQ believers negotiate this tension between authenticity and religious conformity in different ways.
The most common approach is to compromise and choose what to believe in order to belong to a particular church or denomination that supports them. Many Christian churches accept homosexuality as long as they do not engage in same-sex sexual activities, meaning that the individuals can attend services without having to hide their true selves from other members of the congregation. This solution works well for some, but it may lead to hypocrisy, internal confusion, and self-doubt. It might even make the person question their belief system since being gay or bisexual does not feel sinful when practicing their religion.
Another way to address the issue is to join a progressive church or faith community where homosexuality is openly embraced. Some churches are known for promoting equality among all genders and races while allowing their members to practice any kind of sexual orientation without judgment. These places offer support and acceptance, which can help the LGBTQ followers find peace within their identities. Unfortunately, they are often too liberal for traditionalists who consider that God created human beings male and female only.
LGBTQ believers also deal with the issue by leaving organized religion altogether. They may still attend informal prayer meetings, bible studies, or online services but remain skeptical about religion. Others try to find a new spiritual path that does not condemn their identity, such as paganism, witchcraft, Judaism, or Buddhism.
Some religious groups have recently begun to embrace the LGBTQ community and accept them regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
LGBTQ believers negotiate the tension between authenticity and religious conformity in different ways, from compromising their values to joining a new community that fully accepts them to abandoning religion entirely. Regardless of the chosen approach, each individual should seek guidance from above, ask questions, and do what feels right according to their own conscience.
How do LGBTQ believers negotiate the tension between personal authenticity and religious conformity?
Research has shown that LGBTQ people who identify as Christian may experience significant conflict when trying to reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation or gender identity. In many cases, this can lead to a desire to hide one's true self from others in order to appear more "conforming" to traditional gender roles or religious expectations.