Sexuality, Power, and Identity: Exploring the Intersection of Lived Religion, Sexuality, and Gender within LGBTQ+ Buddhists in Britain

This research examines the practice of Buddhism in Britain from LGBTQ+ perspectives, representing an in-depth study of LGBTQ+ Buddhists using a layered qualitative methodology. The aim of the project is to explore the intersection of the sociology of religion/spirituality, the sociology of sexuality, and Buddhist studies, providing a timely and relevant interpretation of Buddhist insights that will contribute significantly to the field of modern faith studies. Employing a lived religion approach, the research utilises both participant diaries and qualitative interviews to deepen the interrogation of participants lived experiences, offering more nuance and layers to the analysis. Participants will be asked to engage in a two-week written diary in which they document everyday happenings and critical moments related to their spiritual and religious identities, supplemented by photographs. Participants are then invited to a two-hour semi-structured interview to explore their lived experiences in greater depth. The focus is on the stories, perspectives, and attitudes that participants identify as significant, emphasising how they interpret and understand the relationship between their religious, gender, and sexual identities. This research project amplifies the voices of underrepresented religious communities and promotes a deeper understanding of diversity within religious contexts.