Rejecting Religious Homophobia: A Qualitative Analysis of Religion and Sexual Identity Among Lesbian and Gay Undergraduate Students

• In Event: Roundtable Session 38
  In Roundtable Session: Division J Section 6 Roundtable 6

Abstract

Within higher education, multiculturalism and diversity encompasses various aspects of identity development. Specifically, among LGBT student populations, the religious beliefs of sexual minorities are often overlooked, due to the perceived homophobia within many religious organizations and doctrines. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative dissertation research was to investigate the role religion plays in the sexual identity development of lesbian and gay (LG) undergraduate students at SUNY Buffalo. This research explored LG students’ perceptions, feelings, and experiences related to spirituality, which were rooted in religion. This research also describes how LG students’ religious beliefs related to their sexual identity. Furthermore, this research may assist higher education faculty and administrators to develop institutional policies and initiatives that will benefit LGBT student populations.

Author

• Danielle Marie Johnson, University at Buffalo - SUNY