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Reconciling Faith and Identity: Homosexuality, Emotional Trauma, and Religious Interpretations in Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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(1) University of Bejaia
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Abstract
In recent decades, homosexuality has become a central topic in academic, social, and religious discourse. Many LGBTQ+ individuals experience emotional trauma because religious teachings (especially in Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism) are traditionally interpreted in ways that view same-sex attraction as morally incompatible with a spiritual life. This paper explored the emotional impact of religious-based stigmatization on LGBTQ+ individuals, using Stephen Chbosky’s the Perks of Being a Wallflower as a case study. A qualitative literary analysis was employed because literature often reflects real-world tensions between faith and identity. The findings show that characters struggle with internalized guilt, repression, and psychological conflict because of religious and societal expectations. These experiences mirror emotional trauma found in real-life religious environments. This study is impactful because it encourages a more empathetic understanding of identity conflict and may inform inclusive educational, spiritual, and psychological approaches to LGBTQ+ mental well-being.
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References
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