Experiencing Queerness and Catholicism: LGBTQ+ Stories about the Catholic Church in Flanders

This presentation explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Flanders concerning the Catholic Church based on oral history research conducted with 17 interviewees. The current welcoming initiatives of the Flemish bishops, along with the strong Catholic heritage of the region and its history of support for LGBTQ+ individuals, render this context exceptionally intriguing. This presentation highlights two key findings. Firstly, individuals interviewed can be categorized into three groups based on their current stance towards the church: those rejecting it entirely, those who have gradually secularized, and those who firmly identify as Catholic. Secondly, the interviews reveal that people’s sense of inclusion or exclusion from the church is significantly influenced by their image of ‘the church’, shaped by memories of upbringing and past life experiences. Consequently, the presentation concludes that achieving an inclusive church necessitates a profound shift in personal perceptions, extending beyond changes in teaching, practice, and leadership.