LGBT Topics And Hinduism
Hindu views of homosexuality and, in general, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) issues, are diverse. Homosexuality is regarded as one of the possible expressions of human desire and Hindu mythic stories have portrayed homosexual experience as natural and joyful. There are several Hindu temples which have carvings that depict both men and women indulging in homosexual sex. Same-sex relations and gender variance have been represented within Hinduism from Vedic times through to the present day, in rituals, law books, religious or so-called mythical narratives, commentaries, paintings, and sculpture. The extent to which these representations embrace or reject homosexuality has been disputed within the religion as well as outside of it. In 2009, The United Kingdom Hindu Council issued a statement that 'Hinduism does not condemn homosexuality', subsequent to the decision of the Delhi High Court to legalise homosexuality in India. It must however be noted that same-sex relations are not seen similar to gender-variance in traditional Indian literature.Two men having a sexual relation is not considered the same as gender-variance or "homosexuality" and the latter refers to third-gender desire for men.
Read more about LGBT Topics And Hinduism: Difference Between Western and Hindu Views of Male Sexuality, Contemporary Hindu Society, The Third Gender, Hindu Religious Narratives, Hindu Texts, Third-gender Hindu Sects, Religious Art