There has been an increasing interest in understanding how queer believers may experience embodied spirituality differently than their non-queer peers. This is due to the fact that sexual orientation and gender identity can significantly impact one's physical body and sensory experiences, which in turn influences their perception of spirituality.
Research has shown that LGBTQ+ individuals may have different brain structures and hormone levels compared to cisgender heterosexual people, leading them to perceive the world around them differently.
Many religious communities still hold conservative views towards same-sex attraction, resulting in negative social stigma and isolation for those who identify as queer.
This paper will explore how these differences manifest in terms of embodiment and spirituality. The focus will be primarily on how the body plays a role in both sexual pleasure and religious practice, as well as how queer believers navigate societal expectations and personal beliefs regarding intimacy and holiness. We will examine this through interviews with members of various faith traditions who self-identify as LGBTQ+, exploring their unique perspectives on how they integrate their identities into their faith lives. It is important to note that while some aspects of the findings are generalizable, the insights shared by each individual should not be taken as representative of all queer believers or even all within a particular religious tradition. Rather, they serve as windows into individual lived experiences.
One key area where queer believers may experience embodied spirituality differently is during sexual activity. Many religions view sex as an act that should only take place between married couples of opposite genders, often portraying it as sinful outside of marriage.
Queer believers may see sex as a sacred expression of love between two consenting partners regardless of gender.
One interviewee describes feeling "closest to God" when engaging in sex with their partner, describing it as a holy moment that brings them closer together emotionally and spiritually. This sentiment is echoed by another participant who says that sex is part of their worship and gratitude for being alive. Despite these positive views of sex, many queer believers still feel shame and guilt due to societal stigmas against same-sex attraction, which can lead to difficulty integrating sexual pleasure into their spiritual practice.
Physical touch in general may be more difficult for those who do not fit traditional heteronormative expectations, such as having a deep connection with friends without it leading to romantic or sexual involvement.
Another area where queer believers may differ from non-queer peers is in their approach to prayer and meditation. Many religions emphasize the importance of physically devoting time to connecting with God through prayer or meditation, but this may not always be feasible for those whose bodies are marginalized or stigmatized. One interviewee explains how they struggled with anxiety over whether they were properly presenting themselves as masculine enough to enter religious spaces, which affected their ability to focus on prayer. Another discusses how their body image issues made it challenging to fully relax during meditation, instead focusing on self-criticism rather than communion with God. In contrast, some participants found that their embodied experiences, including sensory ones like smell and taste, enhanced their religious practices.
While there are significant differences between queer and non-queer individuals in terms of embodied spirituality, both groups ultimately seek to connect with something greater than themselves. The intersectionality of sexual orientation and gender identity means that each person's journey is unique, but the desire for meaningful engagement with the divine remains universal. It is important for religious communities to acknowledge these differences and provide support for all members, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By doing so, we can foster inclusivity and create a more welcoming environment for everyone to grow spiritually.
How do queer believers experience embodied spirituality differently from non-queer peers?
Queer believers tend to feel more comfortable exploring their spirituality through embodiment compared to their heterosexual peers who are not out of the closet due to fear of rejection and discrimination within religious communities. They also report that embodied spirituality allows them to connect with God on a deeper level as they can express themselves more freely and authentically during worship services and religious practices.