Negative Religious Rhetoric in the Lives of Black Cisgender Queer Emerging Adult Men

A Qualitative Analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID3610412
AuthorsJ J Garrett-Walker (University of San Francisco), J Garrett-Walker (0000-0003-3740-9283, University of San Francisco, corresponding author), Vanessa M Torres (0000-0001-8327-3511, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA)
Year2017
Volume64
Issue13
Pages1816-1831
Publication date2017-11-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918369.2016.1267465
PMID27911678
OpenAlexW2558237192
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited30

Given the intersection of racial, religious, and sexual identities for Black queer populations, the current study examines sexuality-related religious rhetoric. Twenty Black cisgender queer men were recruited to participate in a qualitative interview. Using thematic analysis, the research team identified four themes: negative religious rhetoric, personal consequences of negative religious rhetoric, social consequences of negative religious rhetoric, and growth from negative religious rhetoric. Participants explained the pervasiveness of negative religious rhetoric within their churches and family structures. Men also conveyed how negative religious rhetoric frames societal ideologies around same-sex behavior, often condoning violence toward queer populations. Although men had negative experiences, participants articulated the importance of using oppression as a platform for growth. Black cisgender queer men are present within religious institutions; however, such negative religious rhetoric may negatively affect their mental and physical health. Researchers, clinicians, and clergy should consider the ways negative religious rhetoric marginalizes queer populations

Human sexuality · Ideology · Oppression · Political science · Politics · Queer · Rhetoric · Sexual orientation · Sociology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Gender Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology