Affirming, accepting, or rejecting spiritual communities can have significant implications for identity development, resilience, and social engagement among LGBTQ youth. In particular, youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or nonbinary may face unique challenges related to their spiritual identities and practices due to cultural stigma, religious teachings, and societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality. This article will explore how these dynamics shape the experiences of LGBTQ youth in spiritual settings, and how they affect their psychological wellbeing and social connectedness.
Affirmation in Spiritual Communities
LGBTQ youth who grow up in affirming spiritual communities are more likely to develop positive self-concepts, feel supported and accepted, and experience greater resiliency in the face of adversity. These benefits arise from several factors, including increased access to resources, such as support groups, mentorship programs, and counseling services that cater specifically to LGBTQ individuals. Affirming spiritual leaders and congregants also serve as role models and advocates, demonstrating that it is possible to be both LGBTQ and spiritually engaged.
LGBTQ youth in affirming communities may feel less pressure to suppress their identities and more comfortable expressing themselves fully.
Rejection in Spiritual Communities
LGBTQ youth who attend churches or other faith-based organizations that do not affirm their identities may experience a range of negative outcomes, including feelings of isolation, exclusion, fear, and shame.
They may avoid attending religious gatherings altogether or participate reluctantly, feeling judged or ostracized by peers and family members alike. Some may even leave their faith entirely, seeking alternative sources of spiritual fulfillment outside of traditional Christianity or Judaism. These challenges can lead to decreased psychological wellbeing and lower levels of social engagement, potentially impacting overall health and academic success.
Ambivalence in Spiritual Communities
For some LGBTQ youth, ambivalence towards their spiritual communities may represent an intermediate stage between full acceptance and rejection. They may remain involved in their congregations while struggling with conflicting beliefs and values, experiencing tension between personal identity and religious teachings. This can create a sense of confusion and uncertainty, making it difficult for them to form strong connections within their community.
Some individuals may find ways to reconcile these differences through open dialogue and exploration of their own faith traditions.
Identity development, resilience, and social engagement are closely intertwined with spiritual experiences among LGBTQ youth. While affirming communities offer support and empowerment, rejection can have devastating consequences for mental health and social connectedness.
Creating safe and inclusive spaces for all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is essential to promoting positive development and resiliency across the lifespan.
How do affirmation, rejection, or ambivalence in spiritual communities shape identity development, resilience, and social engagement in LGBTQ youth?
Affirmation of spirituality is associated with greater life satisfaction for sexual minorities compared to non-affirming environments (Kaltman & Hodge, 2016). Rejection from religious communities can lead to increased depression, anxiety, and suicidality among LGBTQ youth (Hughes et al. , 2019).