How do LGBT persons construct ethical frameworks when religious morality conflicts with personal identity?
LGBT people are individuals who have different identities from their birth gender or identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. They often face challenges in life due to the societal prejudice against their identities. One such challenge is religious morality that is against homosexuality and transgenderism. In this essay, I will explain how they construct an ethical framework that takes care of both their personal identity and religious morality.
They follow the principle of self-determination. It means that every person has the right to decide what is good for them without external influences like religion. They realize that it is unfair to force them into heteronormative behavior based on the social norms set by others. Therefore, they choose to be themselves regardless of the religious beliefs around them. Second, they take care of the community around them. Since many religions condemn same-sex relationships and transgenderism, being open about it could hurt those around them.
If a Christian father rejects his son's sexual orientation, he would become alienated from his family members. This can lead to mental health issues and suicide cases among the youthful population. As a result, they keep their identity private and only share with trusted friends. Third, they rely on spiritual guidance. Many religions teach that God loves everyone equally despite their sexual preferences. Some believe that God created everyone uniquely, so we cannot interfere with His decision. Fourth, LGBT persons prioritize their wellbeing. They avoid situations that may lead to conflict with their religious groups. Instead, they seek out spaces where they feel loved and respected. These include support groups, clubs, meetings, churches, or organizations that embrace diversity. Fifth, they emphasize harm reduction. They recognize that some people are in denial about their sexual orientation and need time to understand themselves better. Therefore, they do not expose them to pornographic materials but rather educate them on their rights as human beings.
They promote equality and justice. They advocate for equal rights for all genders regardless of their identities. They also fight against discrimination and oppression in society that targets gender minorities.
Constructing an ethical framework is essential for LGBT persons when faced with conflicting religious morality. They follow principles like self-determination, community care, spiritual guidance, personal wellbeing, harm reduction, and equality to ensure that they have a happy and fulfilling life. While some religions condemn homosexuality and transgenderism, it does not mean that LGBT individuals should be rejected by society. Everyone deserves love and acceptance no matter their gender preference or identity.
How do LGBT persons construct ethical frameworks when religious morality conflicts with personal identity?
The construction of ethical frameworks by LGBT individuals is complex, as it involves balancing their personal identity with the moral teachings of their religion. While some may choose to ignore or reject religious doctrine that contradicts their sexuality, others may struggle with reconciling these two aspects of their lives.