Cast into the wilderness: the impact of institutionalized religion on lesbians.
SUMMARY This article addresses the impact of traditional Judeo-Christian religion as a tool of social injustice against lesbians. The prejudices of sexism and heterosexism in religion are addressed. Biblical interpretations of woman-to-woman sexuality are reviewed. Primary Judeo-Christian groups, and their respective positions on homosexuality, are identified. Conversion therapy as a weapon of oppression against lesbians is addressed. Mechanisms for religious/spiritual transformation and empowerment are discussed, and suggestions for therapeutic intervention with lesbians recovering from religious trauma are offered.
a Department of Social Work , University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Deana F
DF
Morrow
Lesbian; gay; heterosexism; religion; spirituality; trauma