Same-sex relationships are a controversial issue in many cultures, including Malaysia. In this context, internalized religious morality is a powerful force that shapes the experiences of Sikh men and women who identify as LGBTQ+. While some people may argue that religion should not be involved in personal matters like sex and romance, it has historically played an important role in shaping cultural norms around these topics. Therefore, for Malaysian Sikhs who follow their faith and practice homosexuality or bisexuality, there can be significant tension between what they feel inside themselves and what they believe about their spiritual identity.
The Sikh faith teaches that all people are equal before God, but it also condemns same-gender love. Some traditional Sikh texts even suggest that people with same-sex attractions must reincarnate multiple times to become straight. This creates a sense of guilt, shame, and confusion for those who experience same-sex desire, as they grapple with how to reconcile their sexual orientation with their religious beliefs.
One way this plays out is through the concept of 'purusharth' – a set of four goals that include duty towards family, community service, self-discipline, and liberation from material attachments. For many Sikh men and women, fulfilling purusharth means abstaining from any kind of sexual activity outside marriage. This includes masturbation, premarital sex, adultery, and homosexual acts. As a result, those who have same-gender attraction often experience intense conflict, feeling both drawn to others of the same gender while also trying to uphold their commitment to their faith.
This struggle can lead to feelings of isolation, secrecy, and internalized stigma. Many LGBTQ+ Sikhs remain closeted, fearing judgment and punishment if their sexual orientation becomes known. Those who do come out may face pressure to enter into heterosexual relationships or risk exclusion from their families and communities.
Some Malaysian Sikhs use religion as a tool for marginalization against other groups.
They may oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds, citing it as an affront to traditional values. At the same time, they may engage in casual sexism or homophobia within their own communities without realizing the hypocrisy. This creates further obstacles for LGBTQ+ Sikhs seeking acceptance and understanding.
There are also positive developments around same-sex desire among Sikhs. Some organizations offer support and advocacy for people struggling with their identities, providing resources like therapy, counseling, and community events. There is also growing awareness that LGBTQ+ identity does not need to be seen as a contradiction with spirituality, but rather as another facet of human diversity.
Malaysian Sikh men and women experience significant tension between their sexual desires and their religious beliefs when it comes to same-gender love. While these conflicting forces create challenges, many find ways to navigate them and live authentically, embracing both their faith and their sexuality in unique and powerful ways.
How does internalized religious morality shape the way Malaysian Sikh men and women experience same-sex desire in their private sexual relationships?
Internalized religious morality refers to the adherence of individuals to moral codes that are derived from religious belief systems such as Islam. This type of morality shapes the behavioral tendencies of an individual in various ways. In the context of sexuality, it influences how people perceive same-sex attraction and can lead them to repress or deny their sexual desires.