A preliminary investigation of the role of religion for family members of lesbian, gay male, or bisexual male and female individuals
Abstract
Religious faith is an important aspect of many people’s lives, but the doctrinal teachings of many faiths are that homosexuality is a sin. Little is known about the impact of these teachings on the family members of lesbian, gay male, or bisexual male and female (LGB) individuals. Eighty-eight family members of LGB individuals were surveyed regarding the role of religion in acceptance of their family member and how they reconciled any conflicts between religious beliefs and family member’s sexual orientation. The most commonly identified theme was believing that the unconditional love associated with God extended to their LGB family member. Implications for counselors are discussed. © 2003 American Counseling Association.
Publication Title
Counseling and Values
Recommended Citation
Lease, S., & Shulman, J. (2003). A preliminary investigation of the role of religion for family members of lesbian, gay male, or bisexual male and female individuals. Counseling and Values, 47 (3), 195-209. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-007X.2003.tb00266.x
