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Living as anLGBTQ+ personin a religious community can be challenging.
47% of Americanssaythat theyve left their religion because of its negative teachings on how to treat LGBTQ+ people.
But those who leave often have difficulty cutting all contact with their family members.
When this mans little brother reached out to him, he was excited at first.
Looking for guidance on what to do next, the manwent onlinefor guidance.
Bored Pandawanted to know more about what specific challenges LGBTQ+ people face when they leave religious communities.
Read their expert insights below!
She says that its important for such teenagers to affirm their autonomy and build confidence.
Both experts emphasize how important it is to have a support system outside of the religious community.
Katherine M. Schneider, LCSW, says that finding safe people can be a lifesaver.
If there are no safe people in real life, teens can try counting on friends online.
Consider reaching out to them, or just letting them know that you care about them, she adds.
Ultimately, though, prioritizing your own safety and well-being is vital, therapist Anna Clark Miller adds.
You matter and you dont have to do this alone.
But leaving often means youll never speak to your family and friends again.
Jehovahs Witnesses practice excommunicating their ex-members, especially those who are LGBTQ+.
Your family considers you [deceased].
She explains that with Jehovahs Witnesses, this excommunication is particularly extreme.
must be disfellowshipped or excommunicated, Schneider says.
Thats to both protect the congregation and to let them repent and return to Jehovah.
Those who maintain contact with the disfellowshipped are also looked down upon.
Katherine M. Schneider explains that in some religious communities, being queer is synonymous with being a child molester.
This happens because people are allowed very little information about sexual orientation and what being gay is.
For Jehovahs Witnesses, an LGBTQ+ person is automatically a sinner.
