Resolving Identity Conflict: Gay, Lesbian, and Queer Individuals with a Christian Upbringing (Click here to go to source)

This research article described a study that analyzed how those with a Christian background dealt with their sexual orientation and identity by interviewing 15 participants. The study found that those with a Christian upbringing often found conflict in dealing with their sexual identity and religions and resorted to five basic methods of coping: “rejecting their sexual identity, rejecting their Christian identity, integrating the two identities, compartmentalizing, or living with the conflict.” Most of the interview subjects found themselves rejecting their sexuality and throwing themselves more into their religion, often falling into depression.

To resolve their issues, many of them actually joined new churches or faiths (including following the Metropolitan Community Church) to not only reconcile their conflicting identities, but join a community where their sexuality is not considered unnatural or a sin. The MCC proves that people don’t have to choose between their religious identity and their sexual identity. However, surprising to me was a comment in the study about how the MCC tended to focus a little too much on sexuality and not enough on the religious aspects. However, I think this may differ among individual branches because the Metropolitan Church in San Jose seemed to have sermons that were specific to Christianity and could be applied to anyone, regardless of their sexuality.

Levy, Denise L., and Patricia Reeves. “Resolving Identity Conflict: Gay, Lesbian, and Queer Individuals with a Christian Upbringing.” Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services 23.1 (2011): n.pag. Taylor & Francis Online. Web. 14 Mar 2012.