Intersectionality of Religion/Spirituality and Sexual and Gender Identity INTRODUCTION

摘要

This article is a section introduction that is dedicated to the continued exploration and understanding of the realities that are encountered by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals by examining the point of contact between religion/spirituality (R/S) and sexual and gender identities. The articles chosen to be presented here provide a range of topics and are somewhat representative of the wider LGBTQ and psychology of religion and spirituality literature. This section is not meant to be an exhaustive compilation; instead it is intended to broach the topic of intersectionality and expand on the conversation between 2 fields of research as well as between therapist and client. In terms of future research, it is the hope of this author that the inclusion of this section will prompt more cross-disciplinary studies to try to understand the role of R/S within the lives of LGBTQ people. For therapists working with LGBTQ individuals, the understanding of the intersectionality of these 2 identities, including both positive and negative aspects, can lead to awareness of areas for therapeutic inquiry as well as R/S-inclusive treatment interventions.