More and more people have been coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning their identity. This has led to increased awareness of LGBTQ issues within religious communities, where many individuals may feel marginalized or excluded due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. While some LGBTQ individuals choose to participate in communal worship despite facing discrimination, others may choose to disengage from such practices for various reasons.
Little is known about the psychological processes involved in these decisions.
This study aimed to explore the psychological factors that influence whether LGBTQ individuals engage or disengage from communal worship. The researchers conducted interviews with 20 participants who identified as LGBTQ and were actively involved in Christian churches. Each participant was asked to describe their experiences with communal worship and their decision to either stay or leave the church. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis, which involved identifying recurring patterns across the interviews.
The results revealed several key themes related to the psychological factors influencing LGBTQ individuals' decisions to engage or disengage from communal worship. One theme was personal beliefs, values, and spirituality. Participants who felt a strong sense of connection to their faith often remained active members of the church, even when they faced discrimination. They believed that their faith played an important role in their lives and wanted to continue practicing it, regardless of any difficulties they encountered. On the other hand, those who did not believe in the teachings of the church or who had conflicting values sometimes chose to leave.
Another theme was community relationships. Some participants reported feeling supported by the congregation and developing close friendships within the church. These connections helped them feel accepted and valued, even if they experienced some forms of prejudice. Others described feeling isolated and ostracized by the community, leading them to disengage from communal worship. This suggests that the social environment within the church can have a significant impact on LGBTQ individuals' decisions to remain or leave.
A third theme was personal identity. Many participants expressed concerns about how their gender identity or sexual orientation would be received by others in the church. Some worried that their non-heteronormative lifestyle would be seen as sinful or wrong, while others feared being judged for their appearance or behavior. Those who felt that their identity was accepted and validated were more likely to stay engaged with the church, whereas those who felt rejected or marginalized tended to leave.
This study provides valuable insights into the psychological factors influencing LGBTQ individuals' decisions to engage or disengage from communal worship. The findings suggest that personal beliefs, values, spirituality, community relationships, and identity all play important roles in these decisions. By understanding these factors, religious communities may be better equipped to support and include LGBTQ individuals within their ranks.
What psychological processes are involved in religious LGBTQ individuals' decisions to engage or disengage from communal worship?
The decision of whether to participate in communal worship can be complex for many people, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. While some may feel welcomed by their faith community and choose to continue attending services, others may experience discrimination or rejection that leads them to disengage. There are several potential psychological factors at play when making this choice, including feelings of belongingness, self-acceptance, and identity development.