There has been an increase in the prevalence of people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, and participating in LGBTQ+-affirming religious communities. This trend is likely due to a combination of factors such as greater acceptance of diversity within society, increased visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in media and culture, and the growing recognition that spirituality can play a role in identity formation and development.
It remains unclear whether participation in these communities actually has a positive impact on psychological resilience, well-being, and identity affirmation for those who identify as LGBTQ+. This article will examine this question through a review of research literature, and explore some possible explanations for why participation may or may not be beneficial.
The first section of the article will present an overview of the existing research on this topic. The majority of studies have found that participation in LGBTQ+-affirming religious communities can have a positive impact on psychological resilience, well-being, and identity affirmation among LGBTQ+ individuals.
One study found that LGBTQ+ Christians who participated in LGBTQ+-affirming churches reported higher levels of self-esteem, hope, and life satisfaction than those who did not (Johnson et al., 2016). Another study found that LGBTQ+ Catholics who attended LGBTQ+-friendly parishes reported lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to those who did not (Burrell & Johnson, 2018). In addition, several studies have found that participating in LGBTQ+-affirming religious communities can help promote healthy sexual behavior, reduce risky behaviors such as drug use and unprotected sex, and increase feelings of social support (Pew Research Center, 2014; Garrett et al., 2017).
Despite these findings, there are also limitations to the existing research on this topic. One limitation is that most studies have been conducted in Western countries where religious diversity is relatively high, which may limit generalizability to other contexts.
Many studies have relied on self-report measures, which can be subject to biases such as social desirability or recall bias.
Some studies have focused exclusively on Christian denominations, leaving open the question of whether similar effects hold for participants in other faith traditions.
Participation in LGBTQ+-affirming religious communities appears to have a positive impact on psychological resilience, well-being, and identity affirmation among LGBTQ+ individuals.
More research is needed to understand how these effects vary across different contexts and faith traditions. Future studies should explore factors that moderate the relationship between participation and outcomes, such as social support, perceived acceptance by others, and internalized homophobia or transphobia. By understanding these factors, we can better inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting mental health and well-being among LGBTQ+ people.
What impact does participation in LGBTQ+-affirming religious communities have on psychological resilience, well-being, and identity affirmation?
Participating in LGBTQ+-affirming religious communities can have several positive effects on one's psychological resilience, well-being, and identity affirmation. Such an environment provides individuals with support and validation for their identities, which can lead to increased self-esteem and self-acceptance. It also creates a sense of belonging and community where people feel safe and accepted, which may alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.