“Everything God creates is beautiful”: a phenomenological study of Pride and harm among LGBTQIA+ people with Christian backgrounds

Research demonstrates that many LGBTQIA+ individuals maintain rich religious lives, yet many studies focus only on religious harm within these contexts. This qualitative study examines 639 graffiti wall responses from Pride events in the Midwest describing LGBTQIA+ individuals’ experiences in Christian environments. The data were analyzed to better understand common religious beliefs, practices, and experiences among LGBTQIA+ people with current or past involvement in Christianity. Because the data were collected at Pride events celebrating LGBTQIA+ identity, this study offers insight into perspectives not captured in previous research. Three main categories emerged: experiences of convergent forms of trauma, harm, and loss; restorative and affirming theological views; and varied definitions of tolerance and affirmation from Christian contexts. The large sample highlights positive religious beliefs, scriptures, and practices that LGBTQIA+ Christians draw upon to preserve supportive faith connections and enables a deeper understanding of the types of harm and abuse reported at this intersection of identity and religion. Implications for clinical social work and therapeutic interventions are discussed.