In the Spirit: UW study finds religion -- some kinds, anyway -- may protect gay youth

[rug]

1 hour ago
Doug Erickson | Wisconsin State Journal

Organized religion, so often the villain in gay people’s coming-out stories, doesn’t necessarily have to play that role, a new UW-Madison study suggests.

The harmful effects of discrimination suffered by gay young people may be mitigated somewhat by affiliating with a denomination that supports same-sex marriage, researchers found.

Specifically, gay college students in the study who were affiliated with gay-affirming religious denominations suffered fewer “depressive symptoms” related to discrimination than their gay counterparts who are secular or who were affiliated with denominations opposed to same-sex marriage.

Examples of depressive symptoms include a loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of loneliness and thoughts of suicide.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/lifestyles/faith-and-values/religion/in-the-spirit-uw-study-finds-religion---/article_e387d580-3ae5-5e6e-b0bc-c12d06306173.html

[cbayer]

1. This is not at all surprising but it's nice to see it documented.

LGBT affirming congregations often do their work quietly and don't get much attention.

But they are definitely out there and have provided asylum and comfort for many individuals.