Religious Education Undoing Heteronormativity: A Case Study of Christian Adolescents’ Perceptions of LGBTQ+ Sexualities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper is based on a quantitative research study of Christian adolescents in junior and senior high schools, in 12 Protestant churches in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, concerning their perceptions about LGBTQ+ sexualities. Using a “normalcy” perspective from disability studies, the study finds heterosexuality is normative; other sexual orientations are recognized as abnormal. The study shows that female respondents, senior high school level respondents, and respondents with LGBTQ+ family members/close friends have more positive perceptions toward the LGBTQ+ community. Based on these results, there is a need to develop a Christian religious education that helps undo heteronormativity as the standard of normalcy.

Keywords:

• LGBTQ+
• adolescents’ perceptions
• Christian religious education
• Indonesia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 "Survey on acceptance in Indonesia gives hopes to LGBT community," https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/06/28/survey-on-acceptance-in-indonesia-gives-hopes-to-lgbt-community.html, accessed on May 10, 2021.

2 This explanation was given to VOA Indonesia on Monday, December 30, 2020. https://www.voaindonesia.com/a/soal-lgbt-komisioner-komnas-ham-serukan-tni-polri-buat-aturan-lebih-jelas/5683077.html, accessed on May 10, 2021.

3 https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/berita_indonesia/2016/02/160223_indonesia_demonstrasi_lgbt, accessed on May 10, 2021.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tabita Kartika Christiani

Tabita Kartika Christiani is in the Duta Wacana Christian University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. E-mail: [email protected]