Competing identities: a gendered analysis on the effect of religiosity on homosexual identity formation

Abstract

This study analyzes the effect of religiosity on homosexual identity formation, focusing specifically on if this effect is different between males and females. Past research has shown that gender and levels of conservativism have a strong effect on how individuals are viewed and treated in society (Hequembourg and Brallier, 2009; Morrison, Speakman & Ryan, 2009). Based on these findings this study made the hypotheses that individuals with a stronger religiosity will have a lower homosexual identity formation stage commitment and that gay men with a strong religiosity will have a lower homosexual identity formation stage commitment than lesbians who also have a strong religiosity. Brady and Busse’s (1994) Gay Identity Questionnaire is used to identify individual’s homosexual identity formation stage based on the model that was developed by Cass (1979). Surveys that were composed of questions focusing on religiosity and homosexual identity formation were completed over the internet by individuals who were either a member of an open and affirming churches or of LGBT groups on college campuses in a variety of states. The statistics supported both null hypotheses and this study did not find that gender was an influential factor in the development of a homosexual identity stage commitment.