Gay and religion
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Policies related to transgender rights, particularly medical care for minors and ID laws, receive the least support overall, even among those otherwise inclined toward inclusion. Ancient Hindu texts contain references to diverse expressions of gender and sexuality:
- The Kama Sutra: This ancient Sanskrit text on love and relationships discusses same-sex attraction and behaviors.
However, interpretations vary, with some emphasizing the context of hospitality violations rather than sexuality.
- Sharia Law: Traditional Islamic jurisprudence generally views same-sex behavior as sinful, with punishments varying by school of thought and region.
Contemporary Muslim scholars and activists advocate for a more inclusive understanding, focusing on compassion and the diversity of human experiences.
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It also reinforces the need to understand how particular issues, such as transgender rights, may activate different forms of resistance, only some of which are rooted in religion.
By refining how we talk about religion’s role in shaping public opinion, we can better identify both sources of opposition and opportunities for engagement.
However, ancient Buddhist texts do mention sexuality in various contexts:
- The Vinaya (Monastic Code): The rules for monks and nuns include guidelines about sexual behavior, but these are primarily aimed at maintaining celibacy.
- The Middle Way: Some interpretations suggest that Buddhism’s emphasis on non-harm (ahimsa) supports acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.
In modern times, many Buddhist leaders, such as the Dalai Lama, have advocated for compassion and equality, often expressing support for LGBTQ+ rights.
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Others suggest these passages reflect specific cultural concerns rather than universal prohibitions.
Christian denominations differ widely in their approach to LGBTQ+ issues. That framing has proven politically potent, but it also oversimplifies a more complex and uneven reality. The relationship between religiousness and health among sexual minorities: A meta-analysis.
Psychological Bulletin, 147(7), 647.
Others suggest these passages reflect specific cultural concerns rather than universal prohibitions.
Christian denominations differ widely in their approach to LGBTQ+ issues. That framing has proven politically potent, but it also oversimplifies a more complex and uneven reality. The relationship between religiousness and health among sexual minorities: A meta-analysis.
Psychological Bulletin, 147(7), 647.
Lefevor, G. T., Etengoff, C., Davis, E. B., Skidmore, S. J., Rodriguez, E. M., McGraw, J. S., & Rostosky, S. S. (2023). Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism generally affirm LGBTQ+ rights, while Orthodox Judaism maintains traditional views but increasingly engages in compassionate dialogue.
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Hinduism
Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, offers a complex and multifaceted perspective on LGBTQ+ identities. Christian nationalism not only predicts lower support overall, it also appears to amplify resistance to policies viewed as representing broader cultural change. However, these verses are often understood within their historical and cultural context.
Modern Jewish movements differ significantly in their approaches.
It highlights the need to disentangle religious practice from political beliefs, such as Christian nationalism, and opens space for coalition-building among religious Americans who do not see their faith as incompatible with inclusion.
At the same time, the limited support for transgender rights across the board suggests that opposition to these policies cannot be attributed solely to religious belief or practice.
Indigenous Beliefs and Traditions
Indigenous cultures worldwide often hold more fluid and inclusive views on gender and sexuality:
- Two-Spirit Identities: Among many Native American tribes, Two-Spirit people are revered as embodying both masculine and feminine qualities. Our findings hold even after controlling for age and other demographic traits.
A couple holding a candle while looking at each other.
Source: Anna Shvets/Pexels
Throughout history, there has been a notable clash between religious organizations and individuals when it comes to legislation designed to protect the rights of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs).
in 2016 and Ilan H. Meyer's work from 2003.
Collectively, studies that draw from these frameworks have often pointed to a negative impact of religion and spirituality on the health of LGBTQ+ individuals. The experiences and effects of religiousness and spirituality on sexual and gender minorities encompass a broader spectrum that goes beyond a singular, deficit-focused narrative.
The first is Americans’ religious attendance, a behavioral indicator based on how frequently respondents attend worship services, ranging from “never” to “more than once a week.” For ease of presentation, responses are grouped at the low end (Never/Seldom) and the high end (Weekly or more).
The second measure is support for Christian nationalism, a political-theological worldview that asserts Christianity should play a central role in American public life.
Buddhism
Buddhism’s teachings focus on reducing suffering and achieving enlightenment rather than prescribing specific rules about sexuality. Data from the 2024 PRRI American Values Atlas challenges the assumption that heightened religiosity or religious belief uniformly increases opposition to LGBTQ rights. This relationship was influenced by several factors, including where study participants were recruited and how religion and spirituality were defined in the research.
Importantly, though, we now see that our research conversations have notably broadened to include the possibility of positive LGBTQ+ religious and spiritual experiences and well-being.
LGBTQ+ individuals have employed religiousness and spirituality in a variety of ways as a means to cope with minority stressors, such as delving into scriptural exegesis, seeking divine support through prayer, engaging in spiritual development, finding supportive congregations, and connecting with online support groups.
For example, frequent church attenders tend to be older, and older Americans are generally less supportive of transgender rights, so predicted probabilities help clarify the independent role religious attendance plays. Many contemporary religious leaders and communities actively work toward inclusivity, emphasizing compassion, love, and the inherent dignity of all individuals.
FAQs About Religion and LGBTQ+ Topics
Q1: Why do religious texts vary so much on LGBTQ+ issues?
A: Religious texts reflect the cultural, historical, and societal norms of the times in which they were written, leading to diverse teachings.
Q2: Can LGBTQ+ individuals find acceptance in religion?
A: Yes, many religious communities and leaders advocate for inclusivity and reinterpret ancient teachings to support LGBTQ+ rights.
Q3: Are there LGBTQ+-friendly interpretations of religious texts?
A: Yes, numerous scholars and theologians provide LGBTQ+-affirming interpretations of religious scriptures.
Q4: How do cultural contexts influence religious views on LGBTQ+ issues?
A: Cultural norms often shape how religious teachings are understood and applied in different societies.
Q5: What steps are being taken to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in religion?
A: Advocacy, education, and open dialogue within religious communities are helping foster greater acceptance and understanding.
Religious teachings on LGBTQ+ issues are as diverse as the religions themselves.
Additionally, my analysis is limited to self-identified Christians in order to examine variation within the country’s largest religious tradition.
Key Patterns in the Data
The results of this analysis point to two main takeaways that underscore the need for nuance when discussing the association between religion and LGBTQ rights.
First, the effect of the role of religion depends on how it is understood.