| The identity intersection experiences of Indiana residents who identify as lesbian or gay and who are part of an organized faith group were explored through survey data and interviews. The quantitative results indicated that category of gay identity development could be predicted based on affirmation from faith group, while internalized homophobia did not significantly contribute to accuracy of prediction. Qualitative themes which emerged included: (a) Essentiality of Sexuality and Religiosity, (b) Variability of Identity Integration, (c) Evolvement of Identity, (d) Influence of Social and/or Political Climate, (e) Influence of Family and/or Partner, (f) Influence of Faith Group, and (g) Positive Outcomes of Identity Experiences. A moderate level of convergence was found between the quantitative and qualitative data sets. |
