Shin Buddhism was first founded as a critical response to those who would use religion as a way to exclude and control others. As such, Shin Buddhism has long been at the vanguard of aiding members of the LGBTQ+ community to engage and benefit from the wisdom of the Buddhist tradition. The New York Buddhist Church, our parent organization, is actively involved in the NYC Pride Parade.
Check out Rev. Gary Jaskula, Minister’s Assistant at NYBC and Dharma Leader for the Albany Buddhist Sangha, at the 2015 LGBTQ Seminar:
Here are some resources for further study:
- George Takei, “Being Gay, Being Buddhist”
- Sam Fuggitt, “My Journey of Self Acceptance”
- Rev. Dr. Jeff Wilson, “A Queer History of Buddhism”
- Rev. Dr. Jeff Wilson, “North American Buddhist Support for Same-Sex Marriage: An Example of Compassion in Action”
- Rev. Dr. Jeff Wilson, “A Big Gay History of Same-sex Marriage in the Sangha”
- Rev. Dr. Kiyonobu Joshin Kuwahara, “Is My Sangha Inclusive?”