Happily Religious: The Surprising Sources of Happiness Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of religion on reported levels of subjective wellbeing (general happiness) among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults. Although previous studies find religious affiliation to be a significant predictor of subjective well-being among the general population in the United States, limited quantitative research investigates general happiness among sexual and gender minorities. This study augments the existing literature by using a national survey of LGBT adults conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2013. The results show that religious affiliation is a significant predictor of LGBT individuals' happiness.LGBT individuals who identify as Catholic, agnostic or atheist, or with no particular religious affiliation report lower levels of happiness compared to mainline Protestants. Surprisingly, no significant differences are found between mainline Protestants (whose church doctrine often accepts same-sex relations) and evangelical Protestants (whose church doctrine often condemns same-sex relations). In addition, income is the only control variable that affects general happiness. Our analysis reveals interesting differences in the determinants of subjective well-being between the LGBT and general population.

Heterosexual University Students’ Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Couples and Parents Across Seven European Countries

“…Moreover, negative attitudes toward LG people and samesex relationships are prevalent in the more conservative, fundamentalist branches of different religious denominations (Whitley, 2009). Importantly, it has to be noted that many other religious denominations, such as mainstream Protestantism, tend to have a more accepting stance on same-sex couples and sexuality (Barringer & Gay, 2016).…”

LGBT* After Loss: A Mixed-Method Analysis on the Effect of Partner Bereavement on Interpersonal Relationships and Subsequent Partnerships

“…Surprisingly, however, prayer and meditation were not among positive coping behaviors reported by the sample. This finding seemed to refute Barringer and Gay’s (2017) discovery that religiosity and deeply held spiritual beliefs were significant components of LGBT* persons’ sense of self, values, and worldview. Of participants who reported poor social support, bereavement experiences were marked more often by negative coping behaviors, self-isolation, and an overwhelming sense of abandonment.…”

Homofobia internalizada, conectividad comunitaria y salud mental en una muestra de individuos LGB brasileños

“…A atitude positiva frente a pessoas lgb está associada a índices mais altos de renda (Corrales, 2015). Além disso, a renda está associada a índices mais altos de felicidade em geral (Barringer & Gay, 2017). Assim, quanto maior o nível socioeconômico, menor tende a ser a homofobia internalizada entre as próprias pessoas lgb.…”