The varying effects of clergy counsel on religiousness and health among Latter-day Saint sexual and gender minorities

Using a sample of 403 current or former Latter-day Saint (LDS) sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), we found that LDS SGMs are most commonly counseled to increase in their faith, whereas they find it most helpful when clergy use empathic listening skills and vocalize support. We further found that current LDS SGMs reported higher levels of supportive and validating counsel than former LDS SGMs. LDS SGMs reported that they experienced adverse mental health outcomes and decreased or nuanced their faith as a result of the counsel they receive from clergy, with counsel focusing on restricting or suppressing one’s sexuality or avoiding gender expression relating to more depression for both current and former LDS SGMs.