"LGBTQ+ is a part of society, they have right to live": RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
Hyderabad, July 26
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said LGBTQ+ is a part of Indian society and that they should not be ostracised.
Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, Bhagwat said, "LGBTQ+ and all these communities exist. Such tendencies are present in society. Some are innate, determined by nature itself; neither we nor they can do anything about it--that is simply how they were born. However, some are acquired later due to mindset, or arise from physical inclinations. Since this phenomenon exists worldwide, we cannot claim it was absent here; we are human too, and it existed among us as well. We made quiet arrangements for them."
He said that our tradition has acknowledged their existence, "noting that while some might be curable, those that are not, they are human beings too and have a right to live."
"They are not ostracized from society; there is a place for them within the vast tapestry of social life. We are taught not to view them with a sense of inferiority... Even today, we see that they have their own deities, shrines, and even Mahamandaleshwars who participate in the Kumbh Mela too. Rather than making unnecessary noise or fanfare about these matters, we handled them quietly to ensure society maintained a sympathetic attitude toward them. We made proper, discreet arrangements, recognizing them as integral parts of our own society..." he further said.
He also touched upon the ongoing debate regarding gender superiority, saying that "Like there is a discussion about who is superior, whether a man or a woman is superior. So naturally those who are in favour of men will say that men are superior. Those who are in favour of women say that women are superior. Now this is once again the dispute of superior and junior. If we accept this, then all the questions arise--that if women are superior, then why should they remain as slaves in the family? Why accept a marriage that traps you in slavery? A woman can do everything--this is an illusion. It's not like that. A man can do everything--this is also an illusion. If something has to happen somewhere, it is necessary for men and women to be together."
— ANI
Reader Comments
I respect the RSS chief for saying this, but I'm concerned about the distinction he makes between "innate" and "acquired" homosexuality. That sounds a bit like some Western conservative talking points. Either way, all humans deserve respect and rights - that's what Sanatana Dharma teaches us. Hope this leads to more concrete action from the Sangh family on LGBTQ+ rights.
"We handled them quietly" - Bhai, this is exactly the problem! 😡 LGBTQ+ Indians don't want to be "quietly accommodated" like some shameful secret. We want acceptance, celebration, and equal marriage rights! The Kumbh Mela having hijra mahamandaleshwars is fine, but why can't I marry my partner openly? Bhagwat ji's viewpoint is a baby step forward from where the RSS was, but it's still stuck in traditionalist thinking.
As someone who grew up in a conservative Hindu family, this statement from RSS chief gives me hope. My parents still don't understand my identity fully, but when respected figures like Bhagwat ji say LGBTQ+ people "have a right to live" and "shouldn't be ostracized", it changes hearts and minds in rural India where RSS has influence. Yes, we need more - legal protections, marriage equality - but this is a necessary first step. Change comes slowly in India, and this is a big milestone.
Interesting to see the RSS chief taking this position. As an Indian-American watching both countries' politics, I think India has a unique opportunity here. If the RSS can reconcile Hindu tradition with LGBTQ+ rights without the polarizing "culture war" that happens in the US, that would be truly remarkable. But the "acquired vs innate" distinction worries me - it could be used to justify conversion therapy. Let's hope the movement goes forward from here.
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