Abstract
The experience of dissonance amongst Christian lesbians and gay men regarding their religious and sexual identity has becoming a growing field of research. Although global studies have sought to investigate this dissonance, studies of a similar nature are yet to be conducted in Africa. The current qualitative study explores the navigation process employed by six South African Christian lesbians and gay men in resolving their dissonance. The navigation process is characterised by exploring and implementing various strategies that aim to reduce or resolve feelings of dissonance. The study made use of open-ended interview questions and reflective journals in the form of semi-structured logs. Results revealed that all six participants experienced dissonance between their religious and sexual identity. They were all able to successfully navigate the dissonance. Participants reduced and eliminated their conflict through affiliation with their gay-affirming church, studying and reinterpreting biblical scripture, living openly as a lesbian/gay man and rebelling against fundamentalist Christian dogma regarding same-sex relationships.
M.A. (Counselling Psychology)