There has been an increase in awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, which includes individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and more.
Despite this progressive shift towards greater understanding and tolerance, many LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination, prejudice, and stigma from their families, friends, and religious communities. This can lead to internalized fear and shame regarding their sexual identity, particularly for those who are adherents of strict religious faiths that condemn homosexuality. This paper will examine how varying levels of religious fundamentalism correlate with the development of internalized fear or shame among LGBTQ+ adherents of different faiths.
One of the most significant factors contributing to internalized fear or shame is the cultural context in which an individual grows up. In many parts of the world, including the United States, religion plays a significant role in shaping societal attitudes towards sexuality and gender roles. Religious belief systems that view homosexuality as sinful or deviant can create a sense of shame and guilt in LGBTQ+ individuals who grow up within these traditions.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, Muslim Americans who identify as LGBTQ+ report higher rates of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, than non-LGBTQ+ Muslims (Sullivan et al., 2016). Similarly, research has found that conservative Christian adolescents who hold traditional beliefs about gender roles and marriage are more likely to experience negative emotions such as disgust and anger when exposed to images of same-sex couples (Burright et al., 2019).
Another factor influencing internalized fear or shame is the level of religious fundamentalism practiced by one's community. Studies have shown that individuals who practice highly conservative forms of Islam, such as Wahhabism or Salafism, tend to have greater levels of prejudice towards LGBTQ+ individuals compared to those who follow less rigid interpretations of their faith (Ryan et al., 2020). This is because strict forms of Islam emphasize conformity to traditional norms, including those regarding sexual behavior, and may lead to a greater sense of shame among those who do not conform.
Saudi Arabia, which practices a particularly conservative form of Islam, recently passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships, with violators facing punishments ranging from floggings to death sentences (Aljazeera, 2022).
Some religious communities have been more accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in recent years.
The Episcopal Church in the United States voted to allow same-sex marriages within its congregations in 2015, a move supported by many liberal Christians who believe that love between two people should be celebrated regardless of gender identity (NY Times, 2016). Similarly, some Jewish rabbis argue that homosexuality is not a sin but rather a natural expression of human desire (JTA, 2018).
Even these communities may experience tension over LGBTQ+ issues, highlighting the complex relationship between religion and sexuality.
This paper has examined how varying degrees of religious fundamentalism correlate with the development of internalized fear or shame among LGBTQ+ adherents of different faiths. It has shown that cultural context, level of religious practice, and community acceptance can all play a role in shaping attitudes towards sexuality and gender roles. Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting greater understanding and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
How do varying levels of religious fundamentalism correlate with the development of internalized fear or shame regarding one's sexual identity among LGBTQ+ adherents of different faiths?
The level of religious fundamentalism can affect an individual's sexual identity and how they view themselves. Internalized homophobia and other forms of self-loathing are common for individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who belong to religious groups that promote heteronormativity and traditional gender roles. Religious fundamentalists tend to hold strong beliefs about what is right and wrong based on their interpretation of scripture.