The long-term psychological, social, and emotional effects of religiously motivated rejection on LGBT children have been well documented, but less is known about the impact of these rejections on their resilience and ability to integrate into society. This study explores this issue by examining the experiences of 40 LGBT individuals who were raised in religious communities that rejected them for their sexual orientation or gender identity. It finds that the effects of this rejection are multifaceted and can include feelings of shame, isolation, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. In addition, it identifies several interventions that can help build resilience among these individuals and promote inclusion within their faith communities.
Impact on Mental Health
The study found that religiously motivated rejection can lead to lasting mental health issues for LGBT children. The participants reported feeling ashamed of their sexuality or gender identity, which led to feelings of unworthiness and self-loathing. They also experienced high levels of stress and anxiety related to hiding their true selves from family members and peers. Some participants felt isolated because they were unable to find supportive friends or mentors in their community. These feelings of isolation often led to depression and other mood disorders.
Difficulties Forming Relationships
Religious rejection also had a negative effect on the participants' ability to form meaningful relationships with others. Many reported feeling distrustful of others due to past betrayals by friends or family members. Others said that they struggled to find partners who understood or accepted them for who they were. This made dating difficult and contributed to feelings of loneliness and social withdrawal.
Resilience Building Interventions
Despite these challenges, many participants reported developing strategies for building resilience and integrating into society despite their experiences. These included finding safe spaces where they could express themselves freely, such as online forums or support groups. They also reported turning to secular organizations and resources for guidance and support. For some, this meant leaving their religious communities entirely and seeking out new ones that were more accepting.
This study highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the long-term impacts of religiously motivated rejection on LGBT individuals. It suggests that interventions focused on building resilience and promoting inclusion can help mitigate some of these effects.
It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and each individual must find what works best for them. By addressing these issues head-on, we can create more inclusive and accepting environments in which all people feel valued and supported.
What are the long-term psychological, social, and emotional effects of religiously motivated rejection on LGBT children, and how can interventions support resilience and inclusion?
Children who grow up in families that reject them for being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) often experience significant distress related to their sexual or gender identity. This rejection may lead to feelings of shame, self-blame, isolation, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can have negative impacts on various aspects of life such as academic performance, relationships, and mental health.