LGBTQ+ Christians in Australia

This article argues that the focus on the harm and stigma experienced by LGBTQ+ Christians misrepresents the complexity of the experience of many LGBTQ+ Christians, many of whom report affirmation and self-acceptance. A national representative survey indicates 5.5% of all Australians, 2.9% of Christ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social compass 2024-06, Vol.71 (2), p.326-346
Main Authors: EZZY, Douglas, FIELDER, Bronwyn, MCLEAY, Angus
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acceptance
Bisexuality
Christianity
Christians
Churches
Discrimination
Lesbianism
LGBTQ people
Polls & surveys
Religion
Religious beliefs
Self-acceptance
Sexual orientation
Sexuality
Stigma
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Summary:This article argues that the focus on the harm and stigma experienced by LGBTQ+ Christians misrepresents the complexity of the experience of many LGBTQ+ Christians, many of whom report affirmation and self-acceptance. A national representative survey indicates 5.5% of all Australians, 2.9% of Christians, and 8.4% of those with no religion identify their sexuality as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or ‘other’. LGB+ Christians appear to be distributed through all large Christian denominations. A second non-random national online survey indicates that many LGBTQ+ Christians report both self-acceptance and acceptance in their Christian community. While many LGBTQ+ Christians experience significant discrimination in Christian contexts, the often reported incompatibility of Christianity with LGBTQ+ sexual and gender identities is only one part of the story. There are significant sectors of Australian Christianity that are welcoming of LGBTQ+ people. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ people who remain Christians are often deeply committed to their faith.
ISSN:0037-7686
1461-7404
DOI:10.1177/00377686241255648