Queerness is an umbrella term for any person who does not identify as cisgender or heterosexual. It encompasses people who identify as transgender, gay, lesbian, bisexual, nonbinary, intersex, pansexual, omnisexual, polysexual, etc. While society is becoming more accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals, many religious communities still struggle to accept them. This can lead to an internal conflict between their beliefs and their sexual orientation/identity. In this article, we will explore how queer believers navigate this conflict and find peace within themselves.
Religious Background
To understand how queer believers navigate their faith and identity, it's important to consider their background. What religion do they practice? Is it Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.? Each religion has its own set of beliefs and values regarding gender and sexuality.
Some religions believe that homosexuality is a sin while others are more tolerant. Some may even have specific rituals and ceremonies that exclude LGBTQ+ members. Understanding the religion they were raised in helps us better understand why they feel conflicted about their identity.
Conflicting Beliefs
Many queer believers face a conflict between their religion and their identity because their religion teaches them that being LGBTQ+ is wrong. They may feel ashamed or guilty for having same-sex attractions, and may feel like they cannot be true to themselves if they follow their religion. On the other hand, some queer believers grew up with a supportive community that accepted them for who they are.
They may still grapple with feelings of guilt for not following their religion's rules on sexuality. This inner turmoil can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Finding Support
One way queer believers cope with this internal conflict is by finding support from others who share similar experiences. There are many online communities and support groups where queer believers can connect with each other and discuss their struggles. They can also seek counseling or therapy to work through their emotions.
Some religious leaders are beginning to embrace LGBTQ+ individuals and create safe spaces within their congregations. By connecting with people who understand them, queer believers can find comfort and acceptance.
Resolving the Conflict
Resolving the conflict between faith and identity is a personal journey. Some queer believers choose to leave their religion altogether, while others find a way to reconcile their beliefs and identity. It takes time, patience, and courage to navigate this difficult path. But it is possible to maintain both your spirituality and your authenticity as an LGBTQ+ individual. With compassion and understanding, we can all learn to respect and love ourselves, regardless of our beliefs.
How do queer believers navigate internal conflicts between faith and identity?
A recent study by Shannon E. James et al. (2017) explores how queer people of faith experience tension between their religious beliefs and sexual/gender identities. The results show that most participants reported feeling marginalized within their communities because of their nonconforming gender expression and/or sexual orientation.