Participation in communal worship has been shown to have significant effects on individuals' psychological well-being, including their sense of self-esteem, identity integration, and social belonging. This is especially true for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people who often face discrimination, prejudice, and exclusion due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In this article, we will explore how participation in communal worship can help LGBT members develop greater self-esteem, integrate their identities more fully into society, and experience a stronger sense of social belonging. We will also discuss potential barriers to participation and ways that religious leaders and communities can create more welcoming environments for LGBT members.
Self-Esteem
Participating in communal worship provides several opportunities for LGBT members to develop a positive sense of self-esteem.
Engaging in spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, or singing hymns may increase feelings of inner peace, strengthen resilience, and foster a greater sense of connection with God or a higher power. Communal worship settings also provide a chance for LGBT individuals to connect with others who share similar beliefs and values, which can reinforce their sense of personal worth and self-acceptance. Participation in communal worship may also contribute to a greater appreciation for one's own unique gifts and abilities, which can translate into increased confidence and self-efficacy.
Identity Integration
Communal worship can play an important role in helping LGBT individuals integrate their identities more fully into society. By participating in rituals and practices that affirm the diversity of human experiences, LGBT members can feel less alone and isolated in their struggles. This can lead to greater self-awareness, acceptance, and integration of all aspects of their identity, including their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Involvement in communal worship may help LGBT people build relationships with other congregants who are supportive, encouraging, and accepting, further enhancing their sense of social belonging.
Social Belonging
Participation in communal worship can promote a stronger sense of social belonging among LGBT individuals. Engagement in religious activities and community events can foster a sense of shared purpose, mutual respect, and interdependence with others. It can also create opportunities for LGBT individuals to form meaningful connections with peers and mentors who understand and validate their experiences.
This can lead to feelings of inclusion, acceptance, and validation within the larger community, which can enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
Barriers to Participation
Despite the potential benefits of participation in communal worship, many LGBT individuals face barriers to engaging in such activities. Some communities may be unwelcoming, hostile, or even dangerous toward LGBT people, leading to fear, anxiety, and avoidance. Others may hold traditional beliefs or interpretations of scripture that exclude or stigmatize LGBT people, creating a sense of alienation and exclusion. Even when communities are welcoming, LGBT individuals may feel hesitant or reluctant to fully participate due to past trauma, hurt, or rejection.
Ways to Create More Welcoming Environments
Religious leaders and communities can take several steps to create more welcoming environments for LGBT members. This includes educating themselves on issues related to sexuality, gender identity, and LGBT experiences; offering affirmative language, rituals, and practices that affirm the dignity and worth of all people; actively seeking out and involving LGBT members in leadership roles; and advocating for social justice and equality for all members of society. By doing so, religious communities can foster greater understanding, inclusion, and acceptance among its members, enhancing both individual and collective well-being.
How does participation in communal worship influence self-esteem, identity integration, and social belonging for LGBT members?
The participation in communal worship may have various influences on the self-esteem, identity integration, and social belonging of LGBT members. Firstly, it can be considered as an opportunity to express their unique identities and show themselves to the society. It is reported that many LGBT individuals who belong to religious communities experience a higher level of self-acceptance after participating in such activities (Brown & Cashin, 2018).