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A Vision for Greater Inclusion: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Christians in Protestant Evangelical Faith Communities

Esh, Bryn Kimberly
http://orcid.org/0009-0007-1846-3176
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ma1733164758165561

Abstract Details

2025, Undergraduate Honors Program, Malone University, Honors Thesis.
This study aims to gain a better understanding of the experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) Christians and their experiences within Protestant evangelical contexts. Throughout nine interviews, this study gained insight into the process by which participants formed their identity, supportive and unsupportive experiences within family systems and faith communities, and explored implications for both faith communities and relationships. This study notes the importance of policy transparency, creating inclusive spaces, using inclusive language, and advocating for LGB communities in a public manner—however that looks in one’s specific faith context. This research highlights specific ways in which readers can support LGB people when they disclose their identity to individuals in their lives. Finally, for individuals and faith communities looking to create more hospitable spaces for LGB individuals, the results of this study point towards maintaining a posture of humility and open-mindedness as LGB individuals share their stories and their experiences within faith communities.
Elizabeth Patterson Roe (Committee Chair)
Andrew Reynolds (Committee Member)
Marcia Everett (Committee Member)
Kathryn Huisinga (Other)
86 p.
Families and Family Life; Glbt Studies; Personal Relationships; Religion; Social Research; Social Work; Spirituality
LGB Christians; Evangelical Protestantism; experiences of LGB Christians; Christian identity and faith; LGB identity formation; intersection of faith and sexuality

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Esh, B. K. (2025). A Vision for Greater Inclusion: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Christians in Protestant Evangelical Faith Communities [Undergraduate thesis, Malone University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ma1733164758165561

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Esh, Bryn. A Vision for Greater Inclusion: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Christians in Protestant Evangelical Faith Communities . 2025. Malone University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ma1733164758165561.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Esh, Bryn. "A Vision for Greater Inclusion: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Christians in Protestant Evangelical Faith Communities ." Undergraduate thesis, Malone University, 2025. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ma1733164758165561

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ma1733164758165561
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This open access ETD is published by Malone University Undergraduate Honors Program and OhioLINK.