The Importance of Personal and Contextual Factors in Resolving Conflict Between Sexual Identity and Christian Upbringing

ABSTRACT

This study explores how gay, lesbian, and queer (GLQ) individuals who are raised in Christian families resolve conflict between their sexual identity and religious beliefs. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 GLQ participants who revealed a five-stage process by which they resolved conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of interview transcripts delineated core categories of personal factors (reflective abilities, strength and resiliency, anger, creativity, and humor) and contextual factors (family, community, church) that affected each of the five stages. In addition to providing details about the core categories of personal and contextual factors, this article will also address implications for social workers serving GLQ clients with a Christian upbringing. Recommendations for future research include the development of evidence-based interventions designed to enhance these personal and contextual factors.

KEYWORDS:

• Person-in-environment perspective
• sexual identity
• Christianity
• grounded theory