There is an old saying that goes something like this: "The East teaches us to see God within ourselves, while the West tells us to look for Him outside." This idea can be applied to the realm of sexuality as well. In many Eastern traditions, sexuality is seen as a pathway towards spiritual enlightenment, where one experiences both divine ecstasy and inner peace. On the other hand, Western tradition tends to view sex as a sinful activity that should be avoided at all costs.
Some scholars have argued that these binaries are misleading and problematic, as they lead to a repression of queer desires and identities.
In Hinduism, for example, there is no strict division between pleasure and asceticism, as both are viewed as necessary for achieving moksha (liberation). The Kama Sutra, a classic Indian text on erotic love, describes various positions and techniques for achieving physical bliss, but also emphasizes the importance of emotional intimacy and mutual respect between partners. Similarly, in Tantric Buddhism, sex is seen as a way of transcending duality and becoming one with the universe.
Christianity has often condemned sex as a distraction from spiritual pursuits and a temptation to lust. The Church has historically demonized same-sex relationships and other forms of non-reproductive sexuality, seeing them as sinful deviations from the norm. This perspective has led to the oppression and persecution of LGBTQ+ people throughout history.
In Islam, homosexuality is considered haram (forbidden) by most schools of thought. While some Muslims believe that same-sex relations can be tolerated in certain circumstances, many others insist that any form of non-procreative sex is prohibited. As a result, queer Muslims face significant challenges in expressing their identity and finding community.
Not all Eastern traditions are so restrictive when it comes to sexuality. In Shintoism, for instance, sexual pleasure is seen as an essential part of life, and deities such as Inari are associated with fertility and procreation. In addition, there are various indigenous traditions around the world that celebrate two-spirit identities and acceptance of diverse gender expressions.
The East-West binary of sin and virtue can be problematic for queer individuals who find themselves outside of these categories. By acknowledging the complexity of human sexuality, we can create more inclusive communities that honor the full range of our desires and identities.
How do Eastern queer traditions trouble Western binaries of sin and virtue, pleasure and asceticism?
Queer traditions challenge Western binaries by promoting pleasure and rejecting asceticism as they see it as suppressing their identities. In Eastern cultures, many queer individuals are accepted within their communities and often seen as gifted and honored members. The traditional view of sexuality is also more fluid than in Western cultures where sexual identity is rigidly defined.