Differences in Religious Experience between Men and Women in a Sexual Minority Sample of Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Abstract

The data analyzed here were obtained from an online survey of 1612 LGBTQ members and former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, Mormon). Quantitative and qualitative comparisons were made between the men and women in this sample with regard to religiosity (participation, belief, and current attitudes). Women exhibited a greater degree of alienation from the church, were more likely to express negative sentiments about their personal experience in it, and were less believing in its doctrine and policies. A significantly larger proportion of women self-identified in the bisexual region of the sexual orientation continuum than men. In addition, bisexuality facilitated continued church activity for both sexes, but the effect was less strong for women. The data permit possible explanations for the unique religious profile of the women respondents in the context of gender essentialism and traditional gender roles.