The term "religion" refers to a set of beliefs, practices, cultural systems, worldviews, institutions, traditions, values, ethics, rituals, and/or texts that relate humanity to supernatural, transcendent, spiritual, or moral aspects of existence. Religious symbolism can include sacred art, objects, places, times, actions, gestures, language, and ideas that represent religious concepts. Many religions prescribe normative behaviors and expectations for individuals regarding their identity, gender, sexual orientation, romantic partnerships, marital status, reproductive choices, etc., which may affect how LGBTQ people experience themselves and interact with others. This article will explain how exposure to religious symbolism affects self-concept and interpersonal relationships among LGBTQ communities.
Religion is an important social institution because it shapes individual and collective identities, cultures, and values.
Some religions promote heterosexual monogamy as the preferred lifestyle, while others permit plural marriage or celibacy. Some religions consider homosexual behavior sinful or prohibited, while others accept alternative sexual orientations but reject same-sex marriage. Some religions allow divorce and remarriage, while others mandate lifelong commitments. Exposure to religious symbolism related to these topics can impact LGBTQ persons' self-esteem, perceptions of belonging, relationship desires, and interactions with others.
LGBTQ individuals may have conflicting feelings about religion due to internalized stigma, external pressures, and theological interpretations of sexuality. They may feel ashamed, guilty, confused, isolated, rejected, ostracized, or unworthy when they encounter religious beliefs and practices that contradict their sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship preferences, or cultural background. Religious leaders who denounce same-sex relationships, transgender identities, or nonbinary genders may reinforce negative attitudes toward them. As a result, LGBTQ individuals may feel alienated from religious groups, fearful of rejection by family members and peers, and reluctant to participate in religious activities. This can lead to psychological distress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, or self-harming behaviors.
Some LGBTQ people may seek refuge in secular spaces where they do not experience pressure to conform to traditional gender roles or heteronormative expectations.
Even in liberal religious settings, they may still face discrimination based on their sexuality or gender expression.
Some conservative churches forbid participation in church leadership, communion, baptism, marriage ceremonies, or other rites if the person is openly gay or transgender. This can cause friction within communities of faith and impede social connections between LGBTQ persons and their families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc., which may impact their sense of belonging and wellbeing.
Exposure to religious symbolism affects LGBTQ individuals' interpersonal relationships in several ways. Some choose to hide their sexuality or gender identity for fear of rejection, while others seek acceptance within queer-friendly congregations or communities. Others embrace religious beliefs despite having nontraditional sexual orientations or gender identities. Still, others reject religion altogether due to its perceived harmful effects on LGBTQ persons. These different choices may create tensions between individuals, couples, families, congregations, communities, or larger society.
Exposure to religious symbolism affects LGBTQ individuals' self-concept and interpersonal relationships by promoting conflicting beliefs about gender, sexuality, intimacy, marriage, family, etc. Religious institutions and leaders should strive to foster inclusive environments that respect diversity, accept all people as created equal, and encourage compassionate dialogue about controversial topics like sexual orientation and gender identity. By doing so, they can help reduce discrimination and promote harmony among LGBTQ persons and those who love them.
How does exposure to religious symbolism affect LGBTQ self-concept and interpersonal relationships?
Research suggests that exposure to religious symbols can have significant impact on individuals' self-concept and their relationships with others. Specifically, researchers have found that exposure to religious symbols such as crosses or icons can lead to increased feelings of religiosity and spirituality (e. g. , Fiske & Neuberg, 1997; McClure et al. , 2003).