Hinduism 101

Questions of Gender and Sexuality in Hinduism

Hinduism encompasses a complex and evolving understanding of gender and sexuality, offering a rich landscape for contemporary interpretations, including those informed by cultural theory. While traditional Hindu texts have often delineated specific gender roles and norms shaped by their historical and social contexts, a close look at the religion's diverse mythologies, practices, and cultural narratives reveals a tradition where fluidity, multiplicity, and the breaking of binaries are central to understanding both the divine and human experience.

This fluidity is vividly embodied in deities like Ardhanarishvara (pictured below), a composite form of Shiva and Parvati, where masculine and feminine energies coexist in a single, harmonious body. Ardhanarishvara challenges rigid notions of gender, representing a deity that is neither exclusively male nor female but a dynamic blend that transcends these categories. Contemporary queer theorists have drawn parallels between such divine representations and the lived experiences of many queer and non-binary individuals, using them as a framework to argue that Hinduism, at its core, has space for gender diversity beyond the binary.

Two interpretations of Ardhanarishvara, the composite form of Shiva and Parvati

Moreover, Hindu epics and folklore feature characters whose identities and desires defy easy categorization. Shikhandi from the Mahabharata—born as a woman and later transitioning to live as a man—is often cited in modern discussions as an early example of gender fluidity. Similarly, the Ramayana tells of a moment when Rama acknowledges the devotion of hijras, third-gender individuals, granting them blessings that persist as a part of their revered, and legally recognized,  status in certain parts of India today. The hijra community's identity is not merely a social role but carries deep spiritual and cultural significance, offering a space within the broader Hindu framework for those who exist outside conventional gender norms.

Contemporary writings like those of Ruth Vanita and Saleem Kidwai in Same-Sex Love in India, explore these narratives, re-reading ancient texts and mythologies through a lens that honors non-normative sexualities and gender identities. These works, alongside the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Hindus, challenge the dominant heteronormative readings of Hinduism and reveal a tradition that, in many respects, has always been open to diverse expressions of love, desire, and identity.

For example, the Puranas and other devotional texts contain tales where deities themselves engage in fluid expressions of gender and desire. Krishna, in certain stories, is depicted as taking on a female form, Mohini, who enacts a divine dance that enchants gods and demons alike. This story is not merely about a change in form; it represents a fluidity of identity that is woven into the cosmic fabric. For many queer Hindus, stories like that of Mohini offer a vision of divinity that affirms the beauty of gender fluidity and the playfulness of identity as a sacred act.

Left: A sculpture of Mohini at the National Museum, New Delhi 
Right: A painting of Mohini on a swing by Raja Ravi Varma

Hinduism's nuanced approach to gender and sexuality extends beyond its mythology into lived practice, where different communities have developed unique ways of understanding and expressing gender. The hijra and aravani communities, as well as the jogappas (devotees of Yellamma), embody a long-standing recognition of non-binary and gender non-conforming identities, challenging the idea that queerness is solely a Western import. Their spiritual roles—often as healers, dancers, and keepers of certain ritual traditions—highlight how queerness and spirituality have been intertwined in many South Asian contexts.

However, the colonial era saw the imposition of Victorian morality and legal frameworks that criminalized non-normative sexualities and gender expressions, leading to a repressive environment that persists in various forms today. Queer theorists and activists often point out that this colonial legacy has shaped modern interpretations of what is considered "traditional" in ways that obscure more inclusive aspects of the past. This historical context is crucial for understanding contemporary debates about gender and sexuality within Hinduism, where the struggle often involves reclaiming pre-colonial narratives of acceptance and spiritual affirmation.

Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) is committed to a vision of Hinduism that is inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations, emphasizing that the tradition's rich diversity offers a foundation for resisting oppressive gender norms. This commitment aligns with a broader movement within contemporary Hindu practice that seeks to challenge rigid frameworks and embrace a more expansive understanding of the self. HfHR's work encourages a return to the values of compassion, dignity, and the acknowledgment of all beings as reflections of the divine, pushing for a practice of Hinduism that is as open, varied, and evolving as the communities that engage with it.

By embracing these contemporary readings and perspectives, we see that Hinduism is not just a static set of traditions but a living and breathing spiritual ecosystem. It offers resources for those who seek to challenge repressive  societal norms, affirm diverse identities, and envision a world where all forms of love and existence are held as sacred. This vision challenges reductive readings of Hinduism and opens the door to a deeper, more inclusive spirituality—one where the vastness of the cosmos is mirrored in the richness of human identity.