Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Cottrell, Catherine

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

Over recent decades, research has documented the conflict(s) between Christian and LGBTQ+ identities. However, few studies have highlighted how LGBTQ+ individuals navigate openly-affirming churches (OACs), which are churches that are inclusive of sexual and gender minorities. To address this research gap, the present set of studies examined perceptions and experiences of LGBTQ+ people who attend OACs. Specifically, Study 1 examined perceptions of affirming nature toward LGBTQ+ identity from OACs, perceived acceptance by OACs, and perceived closeness with OACs in a survey completed by LGBTQ+ OAC attendees (N = 102), along with participants’ personal narratives of acceptance. Study 2 expanded from Study 1, and used semi-structured interviews to investigate lived experiences of six sexual minority OAC attendees. Findings from Study 1 suggested that participants felt moderately to highly accepted by their OAC, and that most found their OAC to affirm LGBTQ+ identity, on average. Additionally, perceptions of affirming nature were positively and strongly related to participants' perceived acceptance by their OACs and the amount of closeness they felt with their church community, respectively. Furthermore, 88 narratives of acceptance from Study 1 and interview responses from Study 2 suggested that perceived acceptance arose from various institutional and interpersonal means (e.g., church involvement, emotional support). The results of the present study suggest OACs can be affirming religious spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking to integrate their queer and religious identities. Practical implications of the present work for therapists, OAC leaders, and LGBTQ+ Christians, along with directions for future research, are discussed.

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