Taoism's attitude towards homosexuality

[conkermaniac]

I am interested to learn what the view of Taoism and Lao Tzu is towards the issue of homosexuality. I have read views from Taoists on both sides of the argument. One side says that homosexuality is natural and that Taoism supports natural sex, but others claim that the idea of homosexuality goes against the yin-yang philosophy. What is your opinion on this issue?

And please, I do not want this to turn into a gay rights thread. We've had enough of those around here. :rolleyes:

[Darth Dane]

Both men and women contain both yin and yang....







DD - Love & Laughter

[andy_d]

I doubt there's any such thing as a Taoist "answer" to any such question.

It would be down to the individual, surely?

[conkermaniac]

Does the Tao Te Ching say anything on the issue of sexuality? :confused:

[triplew00t]

The Daodejing is more of a philosophy of balance and following your nature and the natural flow of life than one of morality. I would say Taoism is fine with homosexuality just on the basis that it is NOT dogmatic, and is opposed to any societial limitation on personal expression and freedom in ANY form. This, to me, includes sexual expression.

Nero

[andy_d]

I'd guess that any repression of homosexuality in Chinese culture is much more likely to be Confucian in origin.

[Lonely_Road_Of_Faith]

I've read the Tao, can't say as I saw anything much on homosexuality (or sex in general) in there.

[Vajradhara]

Namaste all,

missed this thread before...

in any event....

i've an extensive collection of Taoist works, from all the major schools and there is talk of sex and how to do it and so forth. typically it's presented as man/woman however, that should not be taken to mean that is the only way that it's endorsed.

homosexuality is never talked about in any fashion.. at least in the texts that i've access to. heterosexuality is talked about, however, it's not so much from the "sex" point of view, rather it's from the "generative energy" point of view.

depending on the school of Taoism in question, there is different emphasis placed on the role of sex. generally speaking, sex is simply a tool that one uses at a certain stage of the practice.. and then one leaves it behind when no longer needed.

by the same token.. there are plenty of instances of accomplished masters living regular lives with children and spouses.

in the end.. it really isn't so much about what is proscribed or not.. it's really about the harmony of Yin/Yang.

now.. if we want to talk alchemical schools... i'll have to modify my position a bit since it's a bit different for them :)