LGBT is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and can be used to refer to people who identify themselves as such. It also refers to those individuals who are questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. They often face social stigma because they may feel like outcasts due to how society views them. Many religions have teachings that condemn homosexuality and transgenderism which affects the way LGBT people see themselves as human beings.
There are religious groups that accept LGBT youth and treat them equally as others do. This paper discusses how these experiences influence self-esteem among LGBT youth.
Inclusion or exclusion in religious settings plays a vital role in shaping the perception of one's worthiness. Religious institutions provide a sense of community for most individuals, but it creates barriers for LGBT individuals since many faiths view them negatively. Inclusive religious settings give a person confidence and self-acceptance while exclusive ones lead to self-doubt and low self-esteem.
When one is accepted by religious institutions and communities, they feel validated and valued and therefore confident to pursue their interests without fear of being judged by other members of the group. On the contrary, if they experience discrimination, judgment, exclusion, or isolation from religious settings, they lack self-worth because they perceive themselves as unworthy of belonging to any religious community.
Religion is a crucial component of life for many people, especially in terms of spirituality, morality, and ethics. The level of inclusion or exclusion experienced by LGBT youth determines the manner in which they develop their self-esteem. An inclusive religious setting provides a feeling of belonging and appreciation, making them feel loved and appreciated just like everyone else. They can explore their identity freely without fearing ridicule or rejection. It helps them understand who they are and appreciate themselves more. When an individual has high self-esteem, they tend to focus on achieving goals rather than worry about what others think of them.
If one experiences isolation, they tend to withdraw from society, become introverted, and have poor social skills. This leads to a negative effect on relationships, career development, personal growth, and overall quality of life.
Experiences of inclusion/exclusion affect how LGBT individuals view themselves spiritually and emotionally. Religious teachings have been used to justify the mistreatment of this marginalized population. Such beliefs make it difficult for them to connect with God or find meaning in their lives.
When people believe that homosexuality is sinful and against God's will, they may feel guilty about their sexual orientation. They experience low self-esteem since they do not see themselves as worthy enough to receive God's grace. They also struggle to comprehend why God would create someone he considers unworthy. Inclusive religions give these young adults an opportunity to learn more about God's love and acceptance regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Experiences of inclusion or exclusion in religious settings influence how LGBT youth develop their sense of self-esteem. An inclusive environment enables them to feel valued, accepted, respected, and appreciated while exclusive ones lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, loneliness, lack of confidence, and even suicide. Therefore, everyone should work together towards creating an inclusive community where all people are welcomed equally regardless of race, religion, class, sex, and sexual orientation.
How do experiences of inclusion or exclusion in religious settings affect the development of self-esteem among LGBT youth?
Researchers have found that the level of self-esteem among LGBT youth can be impacted by their experiences of inclusion or exclusion in religious settings (Golden & Hertz, 2017). When young people are included in a faith community where they feel accepted and supported, it can boost their sense of self-worth and belonging.