Religiosity, Spirituality, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation of Sexual Minorities

The current study draws attention to the multiple identities of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) respondents, in particular their religious-spiritual identities, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and the relationship of these identities and orientations to self-esteem, life satisfaction, and LGB negative identity. Participants were recruited through online posts on social media platforms, communication via e-mail requests, and word of mouth. Four hundred 36 LGB respondents' data were included in the analysis. Results revealed that religiosity and spirituality were both associated with LGB negative identity but were not associated with self-esteem and life satisfaction. Respondents who identified as a woman or as bisexual reported lower levels of self-esteem, and bisexual respondents reported more negative views of their sexual identity than did gay or lesbian respondents. LGB negative identity was the only significant predictor of life satisfaction. Although studies have investigated the differential effects of religiosity and spirituality on sexual minority wellbeing, they have not applied the intersectionality framework or investigated life-satisfaction. Therefore, the study contributes to the literature with the inclusion of life satisfaction and the application of the intersectionality framework, with an emphasis on its central tenets of challenging and transforming structures of privilege and oppression. Implications for psychologists and clergy are provided.