Abstract
This qualitative ethnographic case study explored the complex journeys of Korean Catholic parents as they navigated the emotional and spiritual challenges of supporting their sexual minority children while maintaining their Catholic faith. Specifically, this study examined how parents integrated their identity as parents of sexual minorities through interactions with their children, parental support groups, and their religious beliefs. The study collected data from 17 Catholic Korean parents of sexual minority children through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participatory observations within parental support groups. Using thematic analysis, I coded the interview data, categorized them, and then identified three major themes: (1) challenges and struggles for support, (2) reconciliation upon acceptance and understanding, and (3) identity integration as a parent of a sexual minority child. This study employed symbolic interaction theory (Mead, 1934; Blumer, 1969) and narrative identity theory (McAdams & McLean, 2013) to explain how parents redefined their identities through ongoing interactions within personal and social contexts and how parents integrated their experiences into their evolving self-narratives. This study contributes to existing research by highlighting the significant role of religious narratives and community engagement in shaping parental acceptance. Additionally, it provides recommendations for future research on the experiences of Catholic parents who struggle to accept their sexual minority children or have distanced themselves from the Church, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their challenges and transformations. The study suggests fostering inclusive religious spaces and discourse within the Catholic Church to support parents of sexual minority children.