Survive Stigma: A Review of Current Study of LGBTQ Christian

Abstract

The equal right of LGBTQ community has been a widely concerned issue. Nevertheless, research is scarce concerning LGBTQ individuals who believe in Christianity. In contemporary world, stigma of same-sex romantic relationship still exists. Structural discrimination towards LGBTQ group is particularly severe in Christianity community. The discrimination against LGBTQ group produced social stigma and internalised stigma, which pose a challenge to their mental and emotional health. The intersectionality of power produce long-term structural violence which has affect generations of LGBTQ individual historically, although the LGBTQ movements have persistently fight against stigma. It is still difficult for LGBTQ individuals to achieve the reconciliation between their sexuality and spirituality. Especially for ethnic minorities who also face racial discrimination and LGBTQ people who live in the countries of the Global south where social institution and political constellation are affected by colonisation legacy. This research used the methodology of literature review and archive research and find that current research suggests homosexual individuals face more difficulties in crocodile their religious faith and sexuality. Based on this, more inclusive ways of providing social work support are required and more research in LGBTQ Christians is necessary. Besides, this research also find out that the life of LGBTQ Christian are largely affected by the systematic political and economic process of their upbringing. Current research in social work have developed rich expertise in providing fair counselling service for LGBTQ Christian. Moreover, left wing Christian have revitalised the virtue of community and promote followers to discover the virtue of queer. However, conservative congregations still hold biased opinions on LGBTQ individuals and the social environment of many states in the U.S. make LGBTQ Christians difficult to come out in their original community.