I was raised with one parent Pagan, . . and one Christian (catholic). . I can also say that I am part Native American.
When we talk of religion, with regard to sexuality. . there are as many possibilities and interpretations as there are (brands) of religions themselves.
With that said, here is my take.
When it comes to Christianity. . the only being/s who get to (judge) me are not Mortal: (Ie: Saint peter, Jesus, and God). . I do not believe the condemnations of mortals. . the bible warns against judging others. the (Christians) who judge me based on their interpretations are in fact comitting a sin of pride and Huberis. Remember again why Satan was cast out from heaven. . (because he challenged and wanted to ursurp god's authority). . . So. . when those types of people start spouting their hate and bull-crap, I politely remind them that they are in fact comitting several sins, and not loving their (brothers and sisters).
From the Native American Side: I am part Sioux. . and many tribes in North America believe in a concept known as (2-soul). People who were LGBTQ, were thought of as "Special", in many tribes. . and often took the place of Shamen and Spirit walkers, and Totem-Speakers, or storytellers-/historians. It is honestly (European culture, and the introduction of Western religions that altered their society).
Pagans: Many Pagan religions are open minded to LGBTQ. We are all reflections of the god and goddess. Homosexuality exists in nature, and it exists in our species too. Pagans strive to preserve a prescious balance of Natural-Spiritual-Harmonies. The God and earth mother made each one of us, for a reason. We are all perfect beings. There is no right or wrong, for simply existing. Many pagans follow 2 main principals regardless of what brand of paganism they believe in: 1.) The 3 fold rule. Whatever you do, any action. . good or bad. . will have consequences and will come back to you 3 times. 2.) Do ast thou willeth, harm none. Many pagans believe in an open mindedness as a tennant of their religion. . let people be, and do as you will, but don't harm anyone. It can be as hard a tennant to live by as Christian commandments.
So where does this leave us?
It leaves us with holding our heads high, and not allowing others to say they are Better. It allows us to remind those who do spew hate, to remind those people they are in fact (sinning), and lastly. . with this knowledge we can take comfort that there are others like us in all societies, and cultures. There will ALWAYS be LGBTQ. . and the sooner that (haters) realize,. that we are your brothers and sisters. . uncles and aunts, sons and daughters. . then we can begin to move on, and put archaic biblical concepts to sleep. . . Such as Stoning people to death who wear articles of clothing made from more than one kind of thread, . . or Shunning and punishing men who cut their hair at their temples. (ever wonder why Orthodox Jews have long hair at their temples, ?? that is why. . it relates to the story of Samson and Delilah). Anyway. . I am going on in a tangent here.
Just remember, haters are sinning. . you are one of god's children regardless. . and if you have to answer to anyone for your life you will do so, on the other side. . not here in the mortal life.
I'll stop here for now and let others respond. Threads like this get me going. . because I have had to deal with this topic a lot in my own life, and had to set many religious-Haters on a better path.
Misterslave.
