African-American Lesbian and Queer Women Respond to Christian-Based Homophobia

Abstract

African-American communities in the United States have used spirituality, particularity Christianity, to both define family and community values and bolster and uplift the community. Spirituality continues to allow African-Americans to draw on strength in a higher power to affirm their humanity and mandate social equality. While Christianity continues to function as a tool for social justice, it has been misused to deny rights to African-Americans who are same-sex attracted. This research study explores African-American lesbian and queer women's responses to Christian-based homophobia (CBH). We defined CBH as homophobic messaging and behaviors motivated by homophobic Christian beliefs or rhetoric. Participants experienced CBH through various institutions and relationships, and their lesbian and queer identities prompted numerous strategies for navigating, surviving, or avoiding conflicts. The themes and subthemes found in this study make it evident that the responses of lesbian and queer African-American women to CBH are not uniform and simplistic, but that they vary based on internal and external factors, relationships, and institutions. Findings from this study are important to acknowledging African-American lesbian and queer women's abilities to challenge, to navigate, and to transform spiritual and religious traditions, institutions, and spaces into affirming entities.