Many people who identify as LGBTQ+ have experienced rejection from religious communities due to their identities and practices. This has led them to create new ways of connecting to spiritually that are inclusive and affirming of all types of sexual orientations and gender identities. Here are some examples of queer spirituality that have emerged in response to this exclusion:
1. Goddess worship: Some LGBTQ+ individuals have turned to goddesses such as Gaia, Isis, Artemis, Diana, and Athena for guidance and support. They see these deities as powerful forces that transcend patriarchal norms and celebrate femininity and diversity.
2. Witchcraft: Many LGBTQ+ witches practice rituals and ceremonies that center around nature, magic, and personal growth. Their beliefs often challenge traditional Christian teachings about sin and punishment.
3. Indigenous religions: Some LGBTQ+ people have connected with indigenous cultures that value gender fluidity and non-binary identities.
The Navajo tribe has four genders: male, female, other, and two-spirit, which encompasses those who may not fit into binary gender roles.
4. Paganism: Pagans believe in a pantheon of gods and goddesses and often incorporate elements of nature into their worship. Many LGBTQ+ pagans have found community and acceptance within this tradition, which embraces diverse expressions of gender and sexuality.
5. Polytheistic religions: Polytheists worship multiple gods and goddesses at once. This can be particularly appealing to LGBTQ+ individuals who feel marginalized by monotheistic traditions. In polytheism, there is no one absolute truth or authority figure, allowing for more freedom of expression.
6. Shamanism: Shamans are spiritual leaders who connect with the spirit world through altered states of consciousness. LGBTQ+ shamans may use their experiences to heal others and help them understand queer identities.
7. Animism: Animism sees all living things as having spirits, making it a natural fit for LGBTQ+ individuals who see themselves as connected to the earth and the universe.
8. New Age: The New Age movement emphasizes personal growth and spiritual development. LGBTQ+ individuals may find comfort in its focus on self-discovery and liberation from societal norms.
9. Hinduism: Some Hindus practice tantra, which celebrates sexual energy as a source of power and connection. This approach can be especially appealing to LGBTQ+ people who may feel ashamed or stigmatized about their desires.
10. Buddhism: While some forms of Buddhism teach that sex should be avoided altogether, some LGBTQ+ practitioners have incorporated sexuality into their meditation practices and teachings. They believe that intimacy and pleasure can lead to enlightenment if approached with mindfulness and compassion.
By creating new ways of connecting to spiritually, these communities have reclaimed control over their own identity and affirmed their worthiness as human beings.
What forms of queer spirituality have emerged in response to institutional exclusion?
Queer spiritualities are spiritual practices that challenge traditional religious norms by incorporating elements of LGBTQ+ culture and identities into their belief systems. These include practices such as Queer Shamanism, which combines Native American shamanic traditions with LGBTQ+ identity, and Pagan Spirituality, which draws from neopaganism and contemporary Western mysticism.