Objectives: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults have varied experiences with faith communities, ranging from affirmation to religious trauma. We investigate how faith community rejection impacts social support and health outcomes among LGBTQ+ older adults in the Southern United States.
Methods: We analyze Wave 1 data from the LGBTQ+ Social Networks, Aging, and Policy Study (QSNAPS), collected between April 2020 and September 2021. This sample included 1,256 LGBTQ+ adults aged 50+ residing in four Southern U.S. states. Bivariate and Poisson regression analyses were conducted to examine associations of LGBTQ-related faith community rejection with social support and health outcomes.
Results: Nearly half (44%) of QSNAPS respondents reported LGBTQ-related faith community rejection. Respondents who reported rejection were more likely to be: transgender or gender diverse (p<0.01) and from a minoritized racial/ethnic background (p<0.01). Compared with respondents who never experienced faith community rejection, respondents who experienced LGBTQ-related faith community rejection reported a lower prevalence of family support (APR=0.80; p<0.001); higher prevalence of symptoms related to moderate to severe psychological distress (APR=1.27; p<0.001); higher prevalence of poor sleep quality (APR=1.17; p<0.05) and high blood pressure diagnosis (APR=1.13; p<0.05). We also find a marginally statistically significant association between faith community rejection and higher prevalence of symptoms related to subjective cognitive decline (APR=1.35; p<0.10).
Discussion: Experiences of faith community rejection come with substantial social support and health costs for LGBTQ+ older adults. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating faith and promoting inclusion within affirming faith communities for LGBTQ+ aging-related care and prevention.
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