“I'm Created in God's Image, and God Don't Create Junk”: Religious Participation and Support Among Older GLBT Adults

There is an emerging literature on the integration of sexual and religious identities among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) adults. However, this work has not assessed the experiences of GLBT adults 50 and older, whose life course issues and social care needs are different than younger members of this population. Using qualitative methods, we explored the religious engagement of 210 older GLBT adults, and examined the support received from their religious congregations. Results identified intrinsic and extrinsic adaptational strategies that facilitate high levels of religious engagement, as well as considerable congregational support. Implications for research and practice are discussed.