A qualitative study of parenting and religiosity/spirituality in LBGTQ families

Considerable research has examined reciprocal ties between religiosity/spirituality (R/S) and parenting within families headed by heterosexual married and single parents (Mahoney, 2010). Yet, no systematic studies have explored interlinkages between parenting and R/S within families headed by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identified parents, despite evidence of the importance of R/S in the lives of LGBTQ people (Herek, Norton, Allen, & Sims, 2010). We asked LGBTQ participants (N = 75) in an online survey to describe how their religious and/or spiritual identity or beliefs influenced their parenting. Three primary themes emerged from analysis of the responses. LGBTQ parents used R/S to (a) teach their children beliefs and values, (b) facilitate spiritual dialogue and critical thinking so that their children could make informed decisions about R/S, and (c) provide a sense of belonging to a community and connections to others and/or a higher power. These findings suggest that, similar to heterosexual parents, LGBTQ parents draw on their religious and spiritual identity, values, and resources to support their children's R/S development. The findings also highlight the unique motivations and strategies that LGBTQ parents use to facilitate their children's R/S development within a social context that stigmatizes their family.