‘At times, I feel like I’m sinning’: the paradoxical role of non-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-affirming religion in the lives of behaviorally bisexual Latino men
Nicolette Severson, Miguel Munoz and Rebecca Kaufman
Miguel Muñoz-Laboy
In ‘At times, I feel like I’m sinning’: the paradoxical role of non-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-affirming religion in the lives of behaviorally bisexual Latino Men," Nicolette Severson, Miguel Munoz and Rebecca Kaufman show the role religion plays in regard to sexuality and sexual identities. The authors identify that religion, in this case Catholicism, tends to be on the conservative side and “promotes heterosexual marriage and preservation of family” (Severson, Munoz & Kaufman, pg 136) as a result condemning anything that does not adhere to heterosexuality as “morally wrong”. Historically speaking, we become aware of the fact that the church has had negative attitudes in regards to the LGBTQ community, since gay sexuality is seen as morally wrong, which creates an internal conflict to an individual that identifies as both Catholic and part of the LGBTQ community. Those religious settings that tend to condemn anything but heterosexuality as morally wrong tend to use “biblical notions of ‘sin’ and ‘immorality’” (Severson, Munoz & Kaufman, p. 138), making the individual truly believe that they are committing an act that is going against the God they believe in and doing something that “has gotten out of hand” (Severson, Munoz & Kaufman, pg 145).
In tandem with homophobia, machismo plays a role in religion as well. The masculine ideologies found in Catholicism is what drives the institution into having negative attitudes towards “same-sex and feminine behavior”. Due to these ideologies, men who identify as gay in the Latino community tend to avoid any feminine trait and stick to the stereotypical masculine traits as a way to become accepted in this religious setting. This leads to high levels of discrimination, social inequality, loneliness, stress and HIV risks, which can all negatively impact the well-being of an individual who identifies as both LGBTQ and Catholic. However religion can bring forward a positive outlet of support making it all the more relevant for LGBTQ communities (Severson, Munoz & Kaufman, pg 145).
Severson, N., Muñoz-Laboy, M., & Kaufman, R. (2013). ‘At times, I feel like I'm sinning’: The paradoxical role of non-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-affirming religion in the lives of behaviorally-bisexual Latino men. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 1-13.