Faithful foundations: positive experiences of transgender and gender expansive individuals in faith communities

Research has presented a dual-sided reality of the positive and negative influences of religion in the lives of transgender and gender expansive (TGE) individuals. This qualitative study utilises a phenomenological approach to explore how positive experiences in faith communities impact TGE individuals. Using inductive, thematic analysis of interviews with nine TGE participants, we look at why participants entered into faith communities and what factors lead them to stay. TGE participants described four main factors that influenced them to seek out a faith community: interpersonal relationships, LGBTQ + visibility, importance of community in personal meaning-making, and connection with God. TGE participants chose to stay in their faith communities because of acceptance and affirmation, major anchoring events, and opportunities for participation. This research provides mental health clinicians with information about the positive religious experiences of TGE individuals and suggestions to support clients at the intersection of religious and TGE identities.