Coping with Homophobic Bias Among the Christian African American LGBTQ Community

Date of Conferral

11-3-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jacqueline Cook-Jones

Abstract

The African American lesbian gay bisexual, transgender queer (AALGBTQ) population, as a minority group, has continuously experienced homophobic bias. This population has been oppressed and marginalized due to their sexual orientation or identity. This has led to psychological rejection they face for coming out to their church members, peers, and family members. The current study used a narrative qualitative method as the AALGBTQ participants told their own experiences with homophobia. The theoretical framework used was the minority stress theory, which explained the toll stress took on the population. Purposive sampling was used to recruit nine participants for the study, and the narrative ethnography advised by Mueller and O’Toole was used to analyze it. Results included having problems coming out due to intersectionality inequalities experienced. Intimacy was never discussed. They realized they needed to form a relationship with the God they served. Some used meditation, dancing, singing, praying, and self-care to cope. Positive social change from the findings may be through awareness for Christian churches and clergy to understand the stress and shame the AALGBTQ had endured when they openly admitted that they were LGBTQ members. Findings may also be used as attention-initiated advocacy for LGBTQ members in terms of acceptance, which may help them cope with the stress due to rejection by some of their church members.

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