Religious Trauma Continues to Affect Millions of LGBTQ+ Americans
Religious trauma can occur when a religious community or official uses a person's spiritual beliefs to impact their well-being, decision-making, and actions. For LGBTQ+ individuals, religious trauma can stem from a conflict between their authentic selves and the teachings of their faith community. This can lead to feelings of shame, rejection, guilt, and isolation. For those who depart from their faith, by embracing their Queer identity, it can feel as though “the rug gets pulled out from under you,” one woman explains. “Your life requires gradual reconstruction,” she continued. “It’s about reconstructing your self-identity and beliefs. One important new belief is that being LGBTQ+ is acceptable.” Regarding treatment, LGBTQ+ affirming counselors begin by guiding her patients in self-care. “Rather than relying solely on God for care, I help them become self-reflective and manage their emotions from their own viewpoints instead of through biblical perspectives,” she noted. Fro...
