What is Queer Inclusion?
Queer inclusion refers to the recognition and acceptance of people who do not conform to gender norms or sexual orientation norms within a community or society. It involves creating spaces where these individuals can express themselves freely without fear of judgment, discrimination, or exclusion. This is especially important for members of religious communities, as many have historically been marginalized due to their identities.
Philosophical Assumptions Underlying Resistance to Queer Inclusion in Abrahamic Religions
Abrahamic religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, typically view queerness as immoral and sinful. They believe that God created man and woman as the ideal form of relationship, and anything outside of this is seen as a deviation from His will. This belief is rooted in patriarchal values that prioritize heteronormativity and cisnormativity.
These religions often place emphasis on reproduction, seeing it as necessary for sustaining human life. Therefore, non-reproductive relationships are seen as unnatural and threatening to the stability of the community.
Dharmic religions, like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, tend to be more accepting of queerness than Abrahamic ones. They recognize that there is no one right way to be spiritual or moral, and individual experiences and choices are respected. They also value the concept of karma and reincarnation, which suggest that everyone has a unique path to enlightenment. This allows for a greater degree of flexibility and openness towards different lifestyles.
Many Dharmic texts include stories of LGBTQ+ individuals who were accepted and celebrated by society, providing examples of inclusivity.
The philosophical assumptions underlying resistance to queer inclusion in Abrahamic religions are rooted in patriarchal values and traditional norms. These religions prioritize procreation and heterosexuality, while Dharmic religions embrace diversity and personal choice. While both have their own challenges when it comes to inclusion, Dharmic communities may offer more opportunities for acceptance and support for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
What philosophical assumptions underlie the resistance to queer inclusion in Abrahamic religions compared to Dharmic ones?
The philosophical assumptions underlying the resistance to queer inclusion in Abrahamic religions differ from those of Dharmic ones due to their respective approaches to sexuality and gender identity. While Dharmic traditions view sexuality as an essential part of spiritual practice and recognize its fluid nature, Abrahamic religions tend to emphasize heteronormativity and often perceive same-sex relationships as sinful or deviant.