Lesbianism: Deconstructing the Christian church and social hierarchies in South Africa

Christianity's emphasis on faith in Jesus Christ can shape perceptions of LGBTQI individuals. The notion that heterosexuality is the only biblically sanctioned sexual orientation, rooted in patriarchal ideals, presents a religious challenge for the LGBTQI(1) community. Lesbian couples and their children often face hostility and exclusion from local religious communities, due to their departure from heterosexual norms. This article employs Michel Foucault's discourse and power theory to examine how the Christian church and society maintain a fixed social hierarchy. It focuses on biblical discourses shaping lesbian identity and highlights how colonial influences have fuelled a homophobic interpretation of the Bible. The argument advocates for a more positive relationship between churches and the LGBTQI community, asserting that the Christian church and social hierarchies negatively impact on lesbian identity through the use of biblical text and patriarchal views.