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A qualitative research study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 12 heterosexuals with an evangelical Christian background who had changed from anti-gay to pro-gay in their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding same-sex sexuality and lesbian and gay people. Interviews were analyzed using categorical content analysis to reveal 10 key themes with 11 additional subthemes. Holistic form narrative analysis was done to reveal two primary patterns with multiple process steps defining the structure of the journeys from anti-gay to pro-gay. A key finding was a personal crisis, typically unrelated to same-sex sexuality, preceded the changes in beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. The crisis created critical reflection on their previously held beliefs and assumptions regarding what they had been taught by their prior evangelical churches. The crisis and subsequent growth also created openness later in their journeys for participants to rethink their moral positions on same-sex sexuality and challenge their previously held assumptions about lesbian and gay people. The journeys from anti-gay to pro-gay are theorized as conversion processes with transformative learning.
About the author
Terry H. Hildebrandt, PhD is an entrepreneur, executive coach, and organization development consultant. He is a seasoned advocate for LGBTQ workplace and spiritual equality and has spoken at international conferences on best practices for advocating for spiritual and moral equality for LGBTQ people in religious and faith communities.
