Sexual Orientation and Identification of Islamic Guidance and Counseling Approaches to Lesbian in Rejang Lebong

The current study aims to determine the factors that cause women to become lesbians and Islamic counseling guidance methods for lesbians. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological study approach. A total of four lesbians, two butch and two femme lesbians, voluntarily participated in this study at Rejang Lebong in 2021. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. The research results revealed that there are several factors that cause women to have homosexual orientation; biological factors, life trauma, environmental support, lack of religious knowledge and lack of attention from parents. Analyzed using the self-disclosure theory, the results showed that femme lesbians tended to be shy and introverted, so the approach was taken individually and personally. In contrast, butch-labeled lesbians are more open so that they can be done in groups. The decision to become a lesbian is not caused by a single factor but a combination. However, only femme-labeled lesbians are caused by a life trauma. This research only focuses on the causes of being a lesbian and appropriate Islamic counseling guidance approach techniques based on the type of lesbian. This study did not look at the final product after counseling was carried out. It is recommended for future studies to investigate concrete steps of Islamic counseling guidance for lesbians.