Examining the Religious Residue Among Racial-Ethnically Diverse Sexual Minorities

Research has demonstrated that even after being “done” with religion, formerly religious people (Dones) report more religious beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes than those who have never affiliated with religion (Nevers). Yet Dones also reports less religious beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes than those currently affiliated (Currents). In this pre-registered study, we examine if this stair-stepped pattern of “religious residue” is present for religious variables among a sample of racial-ethnically diverse sexual minorities (people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or other non-heterosexual identifications). We test if sexual minority-specific variables–religious-based sexual identity strain and LGBT community involvement–help to <i>explain differences</i> in religious outcomes between Currents, Dones, and Nevers. Finally, we test if the pattern of means between Currents, Dones, and Nevers is <i>different</i> across racial-ethnic and gender identity groups. Using a sample of sexual minorities from across the United States (n = 2,967), we found little evidence for the stair-step pattern. Also, religious-based sexual identity strain, but not LGBT community involvement, helped to explain differences. Importantly, the pattern of religious variable mean differences between Currents, Dones, and Nevers was different across racial-ethnic and gender identity groups. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.