ABSTRACT
We set out to understand how identifying within affirming religious contexts can impact one’s allyship toward LGBTQ+ communities. Using a sample of 315 people, we conducted a multiple regression analysis with an interaction effect to determine if religiosity moderated the relationship between ally identity and ally expression. We found that religious identity moderates the relationship between ally identity and ally expression. Specifically, those high in ally identity and religious identity report more ally expression than those high in ally identity but low in religious identity. Our findings inform implications for facilitating LGBTQ+ allyship within counselor preparation and practice.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Thomas Killian
Thomas Killian (he/him/his), Ph.D., serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. With extensive experience as a licensed counselor and supervisor, Dr. Killian has gained valuable expertise in various settings, including university counseling and psychological services, a university athletic department, and a residential facility. His research interests span a broad spectrum, encompassing topics such as multicultural and social justice competency, community-engaged research and evaluation, and queer issues in counseling.
Harvey Peters
Harvey Peters (he/him/his), Ph.D., is an assistant professor at The George Washington University in the Department of Counseling and Human Development. His interdisciplinary research involves the expansion of cultural responsivity, social justice, and anti-oppression within counseling, counselor education, and qualitative methodology.
Michael Floren
Michael Floren (he/him/his), Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Data Analytics at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama. Dr. Floren engages in applied research in fields such as psychology, education, public health, medicine, and business, where he primarily focuses on implementing sound research design, conducting meaningful analysis, and providing contextually valid interpretations
Emma Fredrick
Emma Fredrick (they/them), Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Their research lies at the intersection of social and health psychology, exploring stigma, health disparities, and health care in sexual and gender minority communities.