The term "queer" refers to people who identify as something other than cisgender, heterosexual, and/or monogamous. Queer individuals often experience social and spiritual exclusion due to their identities. Repeated instances of such rejection can have serious, long-lasting consequences for mental health, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and PTSD. This article discusses some of the most common effects of repeated social and spiritual exclusion on queer believers.
Social isolation is one of the primary causes of poor mental health among queer individuals. When queer individuals are repeatedly rejected from social circles because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, they may feel alone, unwanted, and unloved. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and despair, which can negatively impact their overall well-being.
Social isolation increases the risk of developing addictions, eating disorders, and other forms of self-harm.
Spiritual exclusion can also be detrimental to queer believers' mental health. Religious institutions that do not accept queer individuals can cause them to question their faith, leading to a loss of meaning in life and a sense of alienation from God. This can result in spiritual crisis, a lack of purpose, and even suicidal ideation.
Religious beliefs about homosexuality can contribute to negative attitudes towards queer individuals within society, further reinforcing feelings of isolation.
Repeated experiences of social and spiritual exclusion can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. These symptoms can severely affect an individual's quality of life, making it difficult for them to function normally in everyday situations.
Repeated social and spiritual exclusion can have serious consequences on the long-term psychological health of queer believers. Social isolation and religious rejection can result in depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance abuse, spiritual crisis, and even PTSD. It is important for queer individuals to seek support from friends, family, and mental health professionals who are accepting and affirming of all identities.
Religious leaders must work towards creating welcoming spaces for queer individuals, promoting inclusivity and acceptance within their communities.
What are the long-term psychological effects of repeated social and spiritual exclusion on queer believers?
The experience of being repeatedly excluded from one's religious community due to sexual orientation can have profound and lasting impacts on an individual's mental health and well-being. Research has shown that LGBTQ+ individuals who face rejection from their faith communities often struggle with feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even thoughts of suicide (Burrell & Hill, 2018).