Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students Coming Out at the Intersection of Spirituality and Sexual Identity

Abstract

In this study, the researchers examined how lesbian, gay, and bisexual undergraduate students negotiated and defined their spiritual identities during the coming-out process. Although there were varied responses, the findings suggest that students describe spirituality as acceptance, personal relationships with a powerful essence, and connections to nature. When navigating multiple identities, students experienced various levels of intersectionality including irreconciliation, progressive development, arrested development, completed development, and reconciliation.

KEYWORDS:

• bisexual
• college students
• gay
• lesbian
• sexual orientation
• spiritual development