Abstract:
This thesis examines how interactions with online social networks shape queer American Christians’ identities––more specifically, their abilities to negotiate and/or reconcile their sexual and religious identities. Christian denominations have historically discriminated against the queer (LGBTIA+) community and left those identifying with both spaces to feel conflicted. Research on the identity reconciliation of queer Christians remains limited but has shown that this community uses several strategies to reconcile their conflicting identities, such as redefining their theology and seeking out a community of fellow queer Christians (Craig et al., 2015; Doty et al., 2010; Foster et al., 2015; Lytle et al., 2016; Radojcic, 2016; Wedow et al., 2017). Receiving support from a community with shared identity plays an especially important role in the identity formation process (Berger & Luckmann, 1966). Now, with advancing digital technology comes necessary exploration of how this group receives support from online spaces specifically, as younger generations turn there increasingly often. By interviewing queer Christians from organizations and chat groups across the nation, I analyze how these networks affect their sense of identity and belonging within queer and religious spaces. From discussions with 10 participants aged 22-45, I found that these online spaces provided them with necessary answers and interpersonal connection that facilitated reconciliation. While many people preferred physical community over online spaces, these groups were easily accessible and often boosted in-person interaction by making them more comfortable openly embracing their identities. They also provided a safe space for members to seek answers and even inspired some to take on leadership roles. Participants reported that the strategies they used for reconciliation primarily involved redefining and individualizing their faith to match their values, such as separating the church from God, seeing queerness as entwined with spirituality, and seeking out more affirming spaces. From this research, I conclude that online communities with shared identities provide queer Christians with the support and affirmation they need to reconcile––or, for some, simply negotiate––their sexual and religious selves.