LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced various forms of religious discrimination throughout history. Many religions view same-sex attraction and gender nonconformity as sinful or evil. This has resulted in physical violence, ostracization, and excommunication from faith communities.
Some religious scholars argue that certain sacred texts can be read in ways that affirm LGBTQ+ identities rather than condemning them. These texts can become sites of liberation for marginalized believers seeking to reclaim their spirituality. The purpose of this article is to explore how LGBTQ+ people engage with these texts and navigate trauma and healing within their faith traditions.
The Bible, Quran, and other religious scriptures often refer to homosexual behavior negatively, such as in Leviticus 20:13 ("If a man lies with a male as one does with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination") and Romans 1:26-27 ("God gave them up to degrading passions"). This interpretation has led many Christian denominations to exclude LGBTQ+ persons from leadership positions, church membership, and full participation in sacraments. Some LGBTQ+ people attempt to change their sexual orientation through conversion therapy, but it may lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. They may also face pressure to marry someone of the opposite sex to appear heteronormative.
Many LGBTQ+ Christians find support in organizations like Exodus Global Alliance and Soulforce, which advocate for inclusive churches and pastoral care for LGBTQ+ individuals. They view the Bible as historically and culturally contextual, interpreting passages about same-sex behavior metaphorically or recognizing its non-inclusive tone.
Some argue that Sodom was destroyed because its residents were inhospitable rather than due to homosexuality. Others focus on Jesus' message of love and inclusion in John 15:12 ("This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.") and Matthew 9:12-13 ("Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."). These texts can help LGBTQ+ believers embrace their identities without feeling guilty or excluded.
Muslims who identify as LGBTQ+ may feel a sense of rejection and alienation within their communities. The Quran forbids same-sex relationships in multiple verses, such as Surah An-Nisa' verse 16 ("And We had certainly made known beforehand the law to mankind that they would commit immorality on the earth.") Some scholars interpret these verses literally and urge harsh punishments, while others take a more nuanced approach.
Sheikh Mohammed Sharif writes that "prohibiting men from having sex with other men does not automatically mean prohibiting them from loving each other," arguing that Islamic values emphasize compassion and justice over strict rules.
LGBTQ+ Muslims can find support through organizations like Al-Fatiha Foundation and Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity. They may also turn to Hadith literature, which contains stories about same-gender intimacy between two women (i.e., Aisha and Hafsa) or male companions of Muhammad (i.e., Abu Bakr and Umar). Other sources like Sufism encourage spiritual growth and personal transformation rather than sexual behavior, providing a pathway to holistic healing and liberation.
Sacred texts are complex and open to interpretation. While some passages may seem exclusive, others offer hope and guidance for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking liberation within their faith traditions. By engaging with scripture critically and spiritually, believers can find meaning, purpose, and community despite societal pressures.
How do LGBTQ believers engage with sacred texts as sites of both trauma and potential liberation?
Researchers have found that many LGBTQ individuals often experience discrimination and exclusion from their religious communities due to their sexual orientation and gender identities. This can lead to feelings of isolation and rejection which can cause psychological distress and even lead to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Some members of the LGBTQ community may choose to leave their faith altogether, while others may struggle with reconciling their identity with their beliefs.