Sharp

Grace and Shame as Factors for Disclosure or Concealment of Same Sex Attraction for Men from Christian Families of Origin

Nathan Sharp

The decision to disclose same-sex attractions (SSA) to family or friends by Christian male sexual minority individuals has great implications for the psychological and social adjustment of these individuals. The purpose of the study is to begin exploring how shame and grace may factor in to the disclosure and concealment decisions of SSA among adult Christian male sexual minority individuals who were reared in Evangelical families of origin. An analysis of the data provided by 56 male sexual minority individuals from Christian families of origin will be presented,

specifically regarding the hypotheses that increased levels of internalized shame are significantly and positively related to concealment of SSA to family and friends, whereas high levels of grace are significantly and positively related to disclosure of SSA to family and friends. Results and indications for further study on the relationship among grace, shame, and disclosure of SSA among Christian male

sexual minority individuals will be discussed.

Keywords: Same sex attraction; sexuality; grace; Christianity