Sexuality-based Stigma and Inclusion Among Southern Protestant Religious Leaders

Introduction Sexuality-based stigma is prevalent in the USA and is, in part, based on religious and gender norms. In the South—compared to other regions—religiosity is more salient, gender norms are more conservative, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) inequities are more prevalent. Methods Guided by a stakeholder Advisory Committee, the researchers conducted 20 in-depth interviews with Protestant religious leaders in Georgia from 2018 to 2019 to explore how faith leaders describe sexuality-based stigma, including toward abortion and sexual and gender minorities. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using team-based, iterative coding. Results Religious leaders held a wide range of abortion and sexuality attitudes and norms. Some described traditional judgment around the “ sins ” of abortion, “ homosexuality ,” and/or “ transgender people ” based on Scripture and constructs of the cisgender binary and sexual purity. But the researchers noted tension between that judgment and Christian ideologies of “ love ” and “ all people [ being ] welcomed …[ no ] matter who you are .” Several participants provided counter-examples for building supportive and empathic abortion and sexuality norms—including LGBTQ inclusivity—through de-stigmatizing testimony and personal relationships. Conclusions There are linkages between abortion stigma and stigma against sexual/gender minorities among Southern religious leaders. However, there is also support for abortion and LGBTQ inclusivity. We assert that assets-based engagement of religious leaders is critical for building effective, inclusive faith-based SRH programming. Policy Implications These findings demonstrate the need for national, state, and local policies that protect comprehensive sex education, abortion access, and LGBTQ people.