Gay spirituality is gaining popularity in tandem with all types of spirituality. It seems that many people are dissatisfied with the material world and organized religions and are seeking other ways to live. There are many types of spiritual practice and this is no different for gay people.
Nobody knows exactly why the growth in spirituality is happening but there are some theories. Some reckon that those are seeking a deeper connection with the world beyond what is material because they find the material world unsettled. They feel compelled to search for answers to the mysteries in the world which science has not been able to know yet. Also many people are turning away from religions because of the problems in churches and the negative aspects of many faiths which preach dread.
Organized religion causes problems in the minds of some gay people because of its condemnation of the lifestyle. Religious forces are an vital factor in shaping moral beliefs and even laws in many places. This has led to societies where gay people can be ousted and threatened or at least suffer rage. This often translates into self hatred and denial in homosexual those. Some people feel there are similarities between spiritual practice and coming out as they both require self knowledge and lead to self acceptance through introspection.
For many people it is no surprise that gay spirituality is well loved as gay people have often entered professions which involve caring for others. Many have become nurses, charity workers, ministers and priests. Often homosexuals choose not to have children and so have more time and more emotional energy for helping others.
The effect of the AIDS epidemic may also have led more gay people on a spiritual path. Familiarity with death and suffering often provokes a feeling of wanting to connect with a higher power. Many members of the gay community have had direct encounter of caring for a dying loved one and the rollercoaster of emotions that situation causes.
Gay spirituality manifests itself in as many practices and types of belief as all spirituality. As homosexual relations are not about reproduction but the giving and receiving of pleasure and expressions of like gay tantra is one of the most well loved practices. It increases consciousness through meditation and intense focus on the present moment. To compliment this there are also workshops which focus on other ways to achieve intimacy besides sex. Other types of spirituality practiced by gay people include shamanism, healing such as Reiki, paganism, meditation, working with nature and drumming and singing.
If you want to learn more about gay spirituality there is a wealth of information on the internet. Many groups have formed to encourage spiritual practice in the gay community and they hold meetings, workshops and retreats. You will also find details of books written by gay spiritualists with philosophies and practices relating directly to gay people. Many websites have chat conveniences and other features for online communities so that you can share thoughts with others.
Gay spirituality is a growing phenomenon and you can be part of it easily by using online resources. Whatever aspects of spirituality interest you there are many opportunities to join with other to explore them.
Howie Holben is the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations outift that focuses on conscious tours. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. Find more about Howie, his work and gay travel with a spiritual focus at Spirit Journeys website.
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