Ally Identity Versus Behavioral Intent: The Role of Knowledge, Hate, and Religious Conflict

Some religious teachings include negative attitudes towards sexual/affectional minorities (S/AM), and those exposed to these teachings may experience internal conflict between their religious teachings and their own personal beliefs about S/AM. The goal of the current study was to understand how this conflict may interact with education/knowledge relating to S/AM and how this interaction may impact ally identity and activism behavioral intent. Findings from a survey of 1,166 adults from the United States indicate that knowledge about S/AM reduces religious conflict, which in turn reduces hatred towards S/AM. Additionally, more knowledge, reduced religious conflict, and reduced hate lead to increased ally identity and activism behavioral intent. These findings highlight the potential for religious leaders and congregations to reduce the stigma towards and improve the political landscape for S/AM.