Religious Identity and Sexuality, Reconciliation of

Historically, in the social scientific literature, sexual minorities (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals [LGBQ]) have been placed in opposition to religious others. Researchers have tended to focus on the attitudes of religious individuals and institutions toward same-sex sexual behavior. Specifically, the focus has been on how religiosity informs such attitudes, the attitudes that sexual minorities have toward established religions, and even the social and personal impact of religious authoritarianism and prejudice on sexual-minority lives. Despite themes of homophobia, intolerance, and prejudice found in most monotheistic religions (e.g., Christianity, Islam, and Judaism), many sexual minorities manage to retain a strong sense of faith alongside an equally strong desire to be “out” as a member of the LGBQ community. In effect, many sexual-minority individuals are ...