From Desecration to Disconnection: Connecting Negative Religious Beliefs About Sexual Minorities to Social Quality of Life

Abstract In the United States, Christianity has a significant sociocultural and political influence, shaping and reinforcing heteronormative beliefs and expectations. Our goal was to examine how these beliefs and expectations may influence social quality of life for sexual minorities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and other marginalized sexual identities) through agreement with said messages, internalization of affirming messages, and outness in religious contexts. We surveyed 347 sexual minority adults who either currently or previously practiced Christianity. Using path analyses, we found that increased belief in messages of Christian desecration by sexual minorities was indirectly associated with lower social quality of life through reduced internalized sexual orientation identity affirmation and decreased openness about their identity in religious settings. Our findings suggest that belief in negative Christian narratives regarding sexual minorities can erode sexual orientation identity affirmation, therefore reducing belongingness and inclusion within these faith-based spaces. We provide recommendations for mental health professionals, including pastoral care, training and practice, engagement with Christian communities, and advocacy. We believe our findings highlight strategies to support sexual minorities and Christian communities in navigating the intersection of sexual orientation and religious experiences.