“It Doesn’t Say Except, It Just Says Love Each Other”: Mapping Spiritual Reconciliation among LGBTQ Older Adults

Abstract

ABSTRACT The concept of religion can be a complex topic for therapists to address with their clients, as the relationship between individuals and their faith is contextualized by both personal and societal beliefs and values. Those who identify with a marginalized gender identity and/or sexual orientation experienced further complexities resulting from family systems and social expectations that shape the meaning and purpose of religion, faith, and spirituality. Although previous research has addressed the complexity of religion within this demographic, few have explored how religiosity shifts over a lifetime. To address gaps in the literature, we analyzed life-story narratives from 13 White, gay, lesbian, and transgender older adults (i.e., over the age of 45). We developed a conceptual map depicting potential pathways of religious and spiritual involvement, spanning childhood to older adulthood. We conclude with clinical considerations for therapists that underscore the importance of including sociohistorical contexts that influence personal meaning regarding religion, faith, and spirituality within the therapy process with older adults who hold marginalized sexual orientations and gender identities.