A look at LGBT and Hinduism

Ignorance is not bliss, it's murder!

Read and understand, don't just assume. Homosexuality is nothing new and has been around from time immemorial.

This is for those of you who hold religion, Hinduism specifically, against homosexuality. Just because you didn't know or you don't understand doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

This is also for those from our community who face such discrimination, don't ever let anyone make you feel like you don't belong.

Approach with love and try to understand.

What does Hinduism teach about homosexuality?

Ancient Hindu teachings describe homosexuality as a “third sex” (tritiya-prakriti), an inborn nature combining both male and female properties. Homosexuals and transgenders were recognized for their unique nature and incorporated into Vedic society accordingly. They were not punished or persecuted under ancient Hindu law, and elaborate descriptions of homosexuality can be found in the Kama Shastra (Hindu scriptures describing the art of love).

What exactly is the Hindu third sex?

The Hindu third sex refers to people we know today as gender minorities—homosexuals, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders, the intersexed—people who do not fit neatly into society’s “normal” male and female roles. Such people are sometimes described as “neither man nor woman” or “both man and woman.” In Hinduism, the universal creation is honored as unlimitedly diverse and the recognition of a third sex is simply one more aspect of this understanding. Gender-ambiguous persons were traditionally awarded a semi-divine status and their participation in religious ceremonies, especially as crossdressing temple dancers, was considered auspicious—a symbol of good luck, peace and cultural prosperity. This tradition can still be observed in India today. Many Hindus believe that people of the third sex have special powers that allow them to bless or curse others.

What are the different types of third-sex people?

1. Gay or homosexual men (who are only attracted to other men)

2. Lesbian or homosexual women (who are only attracted to other women)

3. Bisexuals (who are attracted to both sexes, either simultaneously or at different times in life)

4. Transgenders (who identify as the opposite sex)

5. Intersexed persons (who share physical traits of both sexes, to various degrees)

What are the primary considerations in determining the third gender?

There are two primary considerations in determining the third gender—the first being social and the second, biological. The social consideration refers to whether or not a person is sexually procreative (bearing offspring in society) and the biological consideration refers to whether or not a person, by nature and birth, has both male and female characteristics. A completely third-gender person will have both of these aspects but in some instances only one may be present. For instance, a bisexual person is third gender by nature (having both male and female attractions) but if he or she unites with the opposite sex and begets children, such a person is not socially viewed as belonging to the third gender. Similarly, heterosexually potent males and fertile females who never produce offspring throughout their lives are socially viewed as third gender, even though biologically they are not.

How should Hindus and Vaishnavas treat people of the third sex?

Hindus and Vaishnavas should not discriminate against, mistreat, or exclude anyone based upon the material body. All beings should be viewed equally as spiritual entities and as parts and parcels of God. Higher qualities such as love, kindness, mercy and compassion should always be cultivated and emphasized above lower qualities like hate, cruelty, fear and suspicion. Hindus should revive their ancient tradition of accommodating the third sex into society and treat everyone with respect.

Why do some Hindus discriminate against the third sex?

Discrimination against the third sex is mostly due to ignorance and a lack of genuine spiritual advancement and insight. A person must truly care about others in order to understand them properly. In recent centuries, foreign religions such as Christianity and Islam introduced many harmful misunderstandings about homosexuality into India, and these ideas have since been incorporated into both Indian law and the modern Hindu psyche. Such misconceptions should be abandoned.

Is homosexuality a symptom of Kali Yuga?

No. This is a common myth, but Vedic texts do not refer to homosexuality as a symptom of Kali Yuga. If anything, the persecution and mistreatment of third-gender people is more likely a sign of this age of quarrel and hypocrisy. Intolerant persons filled with hate and contempt for gay and lesbian people are the true representatives of Kali Yuga.

Why recognize oneself as a gay Hindu or Vaishnava?

Ultimately, we must identify only as spiritual entities and servants of God, but this does not mean ignoring or failing to recognize our present psychophysical state. Coming to terms with one’s nature is an important step in establishing good mental health, self-esteem, and moving forward in all aspects of life. Honesty, straightforwardness, and revealing one’s mind in confidence are essential religious qualities, and people are much more likely to have a positive impression of gays if they have open and favorable dialog with them. Educating and familiarizing others through personal exchange is the best way to eliminate anti-gay prejudice in society.

Is homosexuality defined by behavior?

No. Homosexuality is defined by same-sex love and attraction. Whether or not a person is sexually active has nothing to do with his or her sexual orientation. A homosexual person may be celibate, monogamous, or promiscuous, just as any heterosexual person may be.

Extracted from GALVA based on the Vedas. You can visit their website at http://www.galva108.org/ I find them resourceful, although it has not been updated for sometime.

It is not about what he says or she says, it is what it is. I don't expect anyone to come to a sudden understanding and acceptance but at least think about it from a larger perspective instead of a small little box.

Try to understand and love the people around you for what they are not for what you expect them to be.