Hiding in plain sight: an examination of the sexual and religious lives of bisexual 18 – 25 year olds within the Church of England, through critical document analysis of Church of England policies and reflective participant interviews

Heath, Harriet Olivia Grace (2025). Hiding in plain sight: an examination of the sexual and religious lives of bisexual 18 – 25 year olds within the Church of England, through critical document analysis of Church of England policies and reflective participant interviews. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The relationship between bisexuality and Christianity presents a nuanced and frequently overlooked dynamic; the lived experiences of bisexual Christians are often skewed by societal misconceptions and are exacerbated by oversimplified views of sexuality. Whilst there is a growing body of research exploring the unique dynamics between bisexuality and Christianity that strives to explore the lives of those within this community, there remains a significant gap in understanding as to whether the language used in Christian policies and publications accurately reflects the realities faced by bisexual Christians. This research endeavour aims to address this gap by employing a triangulation approach of qualitative semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and a publications-focused reading task, to support understanding of lived experience. Through engaging with both the bisexual Christian community, and academics and clergy involved in the creation of Church policies and
publications, alongside an in-depth analysis of particular Church publications, both through literature-based analysis and the implementation of a reading task, it is anticipated that the findings will reveal the discrepancy between the language used in Church of England policy, and the lived experiences of bisexual individuals within Church communities.

It is hoped that this research will, whilst not presenting a definitive statement, lend support to the view that current bisexual discourse within the Church of England is outdated, and lacks an accurate representation of the contemporary experiences of this demographic. Through an analysis of the lived experience data, alongside critical discussion of the language that exists within Church policy, it is hoped that this research will shed a small yet powerful insight into feelings of wariness and a lack of affirmation, coupled with stereotypical misunderstandings and the privileges and downfalls of (in)visibility within the Church of England. Additionally, the study aims to shed light on the unique struggles of guilt and privilege encountered by bisexual individuals in relation to marriage discourse, where their voices are often marginalised and unheard. It is hoped that this study will provide a stronger voice for bisexual Christians within their communities, will offer detailed insights into the unique challenges that bisexuals face, and will ultimately encourage more effective change-making in policy and documentation, by focusing on the importance of lived experiences. This study wishes to narrow the disparity that exists between what is publicly ‘thought’, and what privately ‘is’ for the bisexual
community within the Church of England.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):