Zoroastrianism is an ancient Iranian religion that has shaped many aspects of Persian culture for centuries. Although it was once one of the world's largest religions, today it has fewer than two hundred thousand adherents worldwide. It teaches that humans have free will to choose between good thoughts, words, and deeds (asha) or evil ones (druj), and believes in a final judgment after death. Zoroastrians believe that there is one God, Ahura Mazda, who created all things, including the Earth, sky, water, plants, animals, and human beings. The purpose of life is to help create a better world through worship, prayer, good thoughts, good words, and good actions.
The Zoroastrian faith does not explicitly prohibit homosexuality, but it also does not condone it.
Same-sex relationships are often treated as "unclean" and considered less desirable than heterosexual ones. This is because sexual activity outside of marriage is generally frowned upon, and homosexuality is seen as a deviation from the natural order of creation. As such, same-sex couples may find themselves ostracized by their families and communities.
Some Zoroastrian texts do hint at a more tolerant attitude towards homosexuality.
The Avesta suggests that homosexuals can still lead virtuous lives if they abstain from sexual intercourse during menstruation and avoid other activities that would violate purity laws.
The Khorda Avesta says that people should not judge others based on their sexual orientation, suggesting that everyone deserves respect regardless of their choices.
Despite this ambiguous stance, same-sex relationships within Zoroastrianism are generally not recognized or celebrated. Couples may choose to keep their relationship private out of fear of social rejection, and any children born into these unions will be raised in mixed households with no formal recognition from the community. This means that they must navigate their identity differently than heterosexual couples who are able to openly celebrate their relationship status.
While Zoroastrianism has a complicated history when it comes to same-sex relationships, there are some positive signs for those who identify as LGBTQ+. With an increased focus on acceptance and understanding, we hope to see continued progress in this area.
How is sexual orientation treated in Zoroastrianism, and how are same-sex relationships ethically, ritually, and socially navigated within the religion?
The religious belief system of Zoroastrianism does not have any references towards homosexuality or heterosexuality, but it does consider sexual activity as an inherently sacred act between two consenting adults that should only be engaged in for procreative purposes. Thus, it could be assumed that same-sex relationships would not be accepted by the Zoroastrians because they do not serve the purpose of reproduction.