The Relationship between Religious Identity and Ally Identity/Expression within Affirming Contexts

Abstract

ABSTRACT We set out to understand how identifying within affirming religious contexts can impact one’s allyship toward LGBTQ+ communities. Using a sample of 315 people, we conducted a multiple regression analysis with an interaction effect to determine if religiosity moderated the relationship between ally identity and ally expression. We found that religious identity moderates the relationship between ally identity and ally expression. Specifically, those high in ally identity and religious identity report more ally expression than those high in ally identity but low in religious identity. Our findings inform implications for facilitating LGBTQ+ allyship within counselor preparation and practice.