Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Counseling Psychology

Committee Chair

Sara K Bridges

Committee Member

Susan N Nordstrom

Committee Member

Rosie Davis

Committee Member

Elin Ovrebo

Abstract

To date, little research has focused on the experiences of U.S. Muslims with same-sex attraction. The purpose of this study is to extend research on the experiences of Muslims in the United States of America who have same-sex or same-gender attraction. This study sought to answer the following research questions: (1) How do LGBQ+ Muslims negotiate their intersecting identities? (2) What are experiences with discrimination or acceptance in and out of the Muslim community? (3) How do LGBQ+ Muslims approach the topic of coming out to their communities? and (4) What do mental health professionals need to know when working with this population? The current study used a postcolonial queer theoretical framework and indigenous methodology methods to illuminate the lived experiences of this population. A sample of 9 participants engaged with individual conversational interviews over Zoom. Using critical discourse analysis, findings of this study explored the discourses that produce participant experiences, and the knowledge they create through their discursive practices. The findings yielded six overall discourses: (1) critical interpretation of religious texts, (2) levels of outness, (3) financial independence and space from family, (4) experiences within the Muslim community and the LGBTQ+ community, (5) identity negotiation, and (6) LGBQ+ Muslim identity as source of pride and resistance. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest

Notes

Open Access

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