The Interplay of Sexual and Religious Identity Development in LGBTQ Adolescents and Young Adults: A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

Eight sexual-minority adolescents (15–18 years old) and 11 young adults (19–24 years old) participated in individual interviews, journal writing, and focus groups to provide greater insight into the interplay of religious and sexual identity development in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth. The majority of the sample identified as being raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, two participants identified being raised Catholic, and one participant identified being raised Presbyterian. Participants described an early behavioral connection to their childhood religious faiths, reported feeling “different,” and shared efforts to deny their same-sex attractions. Next, participants stated they questioned their faith, and whereas some participants described feeling disconnected religiously, others worked diligently to maintain connection with their faith communities. Participants also endorsed internalized conflict and efforts to change their attractions. Finally, participants disengaged with their childhood faiths, disclosed their sexual orientation to others, and redefined their values and beliefs.